Program Director Workforce Development- Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy

Program Director Workforce Development- Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy

Salary:               Commensurate with experience
Benefits:            The University offers generous benefits including paid time off (holidays, holy days and vacation), employer matching contributions to the retirement plan, and tuition benefits for employees and their eligible dependents. Learn more and explore benefits at www.duq.edu/benefits
Location:                    Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy
Position Status:          Full-time                                             
Hours:                        Varied
Position Number:       241295/10-1210             
FLSA Status:              Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Program Director for Workforce Development leads the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy’s efforts to create meaningful, competitive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This position is responsible for developing and sustaining partnerships with employers, training providers, and community organizations to build inclusive workforce pipelines. The Director designs and implements strategies that connect participants with career pathways, supports their preparation and placement, and ensures alignment with industry demand. Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, the Director advances the Institute’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve economic independence and long-term career success.

This new position is being created to establish a dedicated workforce development function within the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA). As IDEA launches initiatives focused on inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment, a specialized role is needed to connect individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment and advancement opportunities. The Program Director will build relationships with employers, workforce agencies, and community partners to create pathways that align participant strengths with market needs. This position ensures IDEA fulfills its mission of fostering economic independence and workforce inclusion, serving as a catalyst for sustainable partnerships and measurable employment outcomes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Strategy and Development: Designs, implements, and evaluates workforce development programs that prepare individuals with disabilities for competitive, integrated employment. Develops strategies and initiatives aligned with industry demand, accessibility standards, and the Institute’s mission.

Employer and Community Partnership Building: Cultivates and manages relationships with employers, workforce agencies, vocational rehabilitation services, and community organizations. Promotes inclusive hiring practices, identifies job placement opportunities, and collaborates with partners to address workforce barriers.

Participant Support and Placement: Oversees recruitment, assessment, and job placement of participants. Coordinates career readiness training, coaching, and follow-up support to ensure sustainable employment outcomes. Works directly with employers and participants to promote successful matches.

Data Management and Reporting: Collects and analyzes data related to program participation, employment outcomes, and employer engagement. Prepares reports and evaluation summaries for internal and external stakeholders to support continuous improvement and funding efforts.

Collaboration and Outreach: Represents the Institute at regional and national workforce development events, conferences, and employer roundtables. Works with University departments and external partners to integrate IDEA’s workforce initiatives with broader institutional and community goals.

Performs other related responsibilities or special projects to advance the mission of the Institute.

Completes other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Guides work of others who perform the same work. May organize, set priorities, schedule and review work, but has no responsibility to hire, terminate, reviewing performance or make pay decisions, e.g., Lead position.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution

A minimum of five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, employment services, or a related field is required. Experience should include developing and managing employment or training programs, establishing partnerships with employers, and supporting job placement and retention for individuals with disabilities or other diverse populations. Demonstrated experience in program design, data tracking, and collaboration with government agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions is essential.

PA Driver’s license in good standing.

Preferred qualifications:

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling.

An ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) certificate is the most common foundational requirement for employment specialists. To practice Customized Employment, you must specifically earn an ACRE certificate with an Emphasis on Customized Employment.

Certified Employment Support Professional - Advanced competency in job development, customized employment, job coaching, and disability legislation.

Experience leading disability employment initiatives or managing workforce programs within higher education, nonprofit, or community-based organizations is preferred. Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and best practices in inclusive hiring is highly desirable. Prior experience working directly with employers to implement accessibility strategies, create job accommodations, and promote workforce inclusion is strongly preferred.

Alternatively, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Workforce Development Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of workforce systems, vocational rehabilitation, and employment services for individuals with disabilities; ability to design and manage programs that promote competitive, integrated employment.

Relationship Building and Partnership Management: Strong ability to cultivate and sustain relationships with employers, workforce boards, government agencies, and community organizations to create inclusive employment pipelines.

Communication and Advocacy Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to advocate effectively for accessibility, inclusion, and workplace accommodations with diverse audiences.

Strategic and Programmatic Thinking: Capacity to align program activities with the Institute’s mission and industry needs while balancing participant goals, employer expectations, and measurable outcomes.

Data Analysis and Reporting: Proficiency in collecting, interpreting, and reporting data to evaluate program impact, track participant outcomes, and inform continuous improvement.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Demonstrated success working across disciplines and sectors, fostering cooperation among academic units, community partners, and employers.

Leadership and Initiative: Ability to take initiative, set goals, and lead others toward shared objectives; adept at managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Problem Solving and Adaptability: Skilled at identifying barriers to employment and developing creative, practical solutions that respond to changing conditions and needs.

Knowledge of Accessibility and Compliance: Familiarity with laws and best practices related to disability inclusion, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and equal employment opportunity standards.

Cultural Competence and Sensitivity: Commitment to fostering belonging, respect, and a demonstrated commitment to equality, inclusion, and social justice in community work.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University.  The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.  Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit.  Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.