Program Developer, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership - Chicago

Reports to Director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy, this position uses research,

analysis and communication skills to identify opportunities to improve economic opportunities
for the region, design strategies to exploit those opportunities, and works with partners to align
workforce programming and funding with those strategies.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Identifies potential funding sources for programs and completes grant applications;

Monitors and evaluates proposed federal and state legislation relative to agency programs and
policies and prepares summaries regarding potential impact;

Works with public and private partners—sometimes leading collaborations—to develop and
implement initiatives to reform public workforce development systems, improve the regions’ human
capital base, and/or align the workforce with the needs of business;

Establishes methods and procedures for the collection and reporting of research data;

Designs research models for the compilation and analysis of data;

Presents research findings and recommendations to management;

Oversees the development and maintenance of computerized databases for use in research studies;
preparing reports on the status of research projects.

Conducts quantitative and qualitative research into employment, economic, and education and
training issues in the region;

Develops and uses analytic tools to identify and prioritize strategies for improving economic
opportunities for job seekers;

Prepares presentations, memos, etc., to communicate research findings, analysis, and
recommendations, and to build partner support for agreed upon strategies;

Maintains an understanding of federal, state and local policies that might impact economic
opportunities and/or funding for workforce development activities;

Represents The Partnership at various meetings and conferences;

Supports other Partnership programs and policy team members as necessary; and

Manages special initiatives that support the overall mission of The Partnership, as they arise.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA) from four-year college or university AND a

minimum of five years in a related field, including public administration,
public policy, nonprofit management, or social service OR equivalent
combination of professional work experience, training and education. Master’s
degree in a related field preferred; and
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience, preferably in
consulting, project management, government management, non-profit management,
public administration, public policy, or social services. Grant writing experience
preferred; and
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License and automobile insurance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

Strong strategic thinking skills.

Considerable knowledge of research theories, objectives and methods.

Ability to draw insightful conclusions from large amounts of quantitative and qualitative data

and the ability to manage large datasets using Excel or other database and statistical software.

Considerable knowledge of agency programs and operations.

Considerable knowledge of statistical analysis methods and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of grant agencies and the application process.

• Good knowledge of database software and Competency in the ability to use the

Ability to direct research studies.

Ability to develop and implement programs.

Strong project management skills.

Ability to oversee the preparation of research reports.

Considerable skill in the application of research theories and methods.

Considerable skill in the design of research collection and reporting methods.

Good skill in evaluating federal and state legislation.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,

technical procedures or governmental regulations

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete listof the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.