Workforce Development Manager

SUMMARY: The Workforce Development Manager is a highly motivated, mission-driven professional responsible for leading workforce development projects that support new, expanding, and existing industries across Mississippi. The position works directly with employers, economic development organizations, education and training providers, workforce partners, and internal AccelerateMS teams to assess workforce needs and develop practical, employer-driven solutions. This role requires full ownership of assigned projects from design and coordination through implementation and closeout, ensuring alignment with AccelerateMS priorities. The position requires strong project management, sound judgment, initiative, and effective communication with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Frequent same-day and occasional overnight travel throughout Mississippi are required. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Director of Talent Solutions LOCATION: Statewide JOB FUNCTIONS: Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of assigned statewide workforce training projects, including organizing stakeholder meetings, soliciting proposals, delivering presentations, and ensuring timely progress toward project goals. Develop detailed statewide project plans, timelines, and objectives in collaboration with stakeholders and office leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. Act as the central point of contact for all project-related communications—internally across teams and externally with stakeholders, clients, and vendors across Mississippi. Maintain accurate and organized project documentation, including meeting summaries, milestone reports, and evaluation records. Facilitate collaborative statewide stakeholder roundtables to share best practices, identify regional and statewide workforce needs, and co-develop strategies for sustainable impact. Evaluate program strengths and identify areas for improvement; communicate potential enhancements to AccelerateMS leadership to inform future programming. Represent AccelerateMS in state and regional workforce planning initiatives, ensuring programs align with both local and statewide workforce development priorities. Gather and integrate feedback from a variety of stakeholders across Mississippi to optimize program relevance and impact. Ensure successful project completion by tracking deliverables, reporting outcomes, and documenting lessons learned for future statewide efforts. Support AccelerateMS programs, program, and project managers as needed to strengthen collective impact. Collaborate frequently with internal teams and divisions to integrate efforts and support cross-functional workforce initiatives. Participate in recurring staff meetings and professional development events, including statewide in-person gatherings. Record and organize daily activities in alignment with organizational goals and reporting standards. Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the supervisor to support statewide operations. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Knowledge of economic development, workforce development, talent acquisition, customized training, and employer workforce operations; familiarity with manufacturing or advanced manufacturing is strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to think critically, exercise sound judgment and professional discretion, and solve problems in a fast-moving environment with changing priorities and incomplete information. Ability to interpret labor-market information, wage data, occupational requirements, and employer hiring projections. Strong communication, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills to deliver presentations, prepare written reports, and work effectively with diverse internal and external partners. Proven ability to independently lead complex statewide projects from initiation through completion with accountability, initiative, and consistent follow-through. Experience managing vendors, contractors, budgets, deliverables, and performance expectations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of experience managing complex projects and programs OR Associate’s degree with at least five years of experience managing complex projects and programs. Experience in economic, community, or workforce development is required. Completion of an aligned education or training program is encouraged but not required.