Associate Director, Workforce Development

Job Summary: 
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is seeking an individual to support and advance our Workforce Development program. The Associate Director of Workforce Development plays a vital role on the Education & Workforce Development team by assisting in the implementation of strategies that build strong talent pipelines and industry sector partnerships.
Reporting to the Vice President of Workforce Development, the Associate Director works closely with industry leaders, state workforce agencies, economic development organizations, the University of Hawaii System, HIDOE K–12, training providers, and philanthropic partners to implement strategic workforce initiatives and federally funded projects.
 
The Associate Director drives efforts to connect employers in high-demand industries with local jobseekers through customized training and talent development pathways. They support six industry Sector Partnerships by coordinating events (virtual and in-person), developing collateral, co-leading action teams, supporting fundraising and sponsorships for the Sector Partnership Fund, and managing key administrative functions such as meeting documentation, email communication, and invoice processing. In addition, this position leads the Chamber’s Kamaaina Come Home Program, helping local professionals reconnect with Hawaii’s workforce through networking events and digital engagement. The Associate Director plays a pivotal role in ensuring successful execution, compliance, and reporting of federal workforce development grants in partnership with the VP of Workforce Development.
 
Minimum Qualifications and Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, education certifications or equivalent combination of relevant work experience, training, or demonstrated skills.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment and manage multiple priorities.

Essential/Primary Job Duties:
Sector Partnerships & Employer Engagement

• Support the management and growth of six industry Sector Partnerships in collaboration with the VP of Workforce Development and contracted partners.
• Meet regularly with local employers to identify workforce and talent needs and co-develop responsive training, hiring, or pathway solutions.
• Organize and facilitate sector action team meetings, track progress, and ensure accountability to shared goals and outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with training providers, UHCC, HIDOE K–12, and education partners to align programs with industry needs.
• Assist in the design and implementation of work-based learning and training programs (e.g., internships, apprenticeships, educator externships, OJT, pre-apprenticeships).
• Assist with sponsorship outreach, donor stewardship, and event-based fundraising efforts for the Sector Partnership Fund.

 
Events, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Plan, coordinate, and execute workforce-related events such as convenings, conferences, summits, information sessions, and Sector Partnership meetings (virtual and in-person).
• Develop collateral, slide decks, newsletters, impact reports, and digital content to communicate workforce initiatives and outcomes to employers, partners, funders, and the public.
• Maintain a database/CRM of industry contacts, employers, training partners, and employment opportunities; ensure consistent outreach and follow-up.
• Lead implementation of the Kamaʻaina Come Home initiative, including planning networking events, managing digital engagement (e.g., LinkedIn, email campaigns), and partnering with employers to attract and retain local and returning talent.

 
Grant & Project Management

• Contribute to grant writing, proposal development, budget tracking, and compliance reporting for federal, state, and philanthropic workforce development grants.
• Assist with documentation, timelines, reimbursement requests, and coordination with funders and external partners.

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

• Familiarity and/or understanding of Hawaii’s education and workforce development ecosystem.
• Familiarity with career and technical education, workforce pathways, and industry certifications.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships across sectors.
• Knowledge of workforce needs in key sectors such as healthcare, clean energy, technology, engineering, and skilled trades.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Experience facilitating meetings or group discussions.
• Comfort working with data to support decision-making.
• Familiarity with grant administration is preferred but not required.

Environmental and Physical Requirements:

• Flexible work schedule, with some early morning, evening and weekend hours.
• May be required to stand for extended periods.
• Able to lift 30 pounds.
• Vehicle and valid driver’s license.

 
Benefits: Health, Disability, Term Life and Long-Term Care Insurance; 401(k); Paid Vacation and Sick Leave; Reimbursements for Qualified Expenses and Mileage; Parking
 
Resumes may be sent to Vanessa Rogers, Vice President of Workforce Development at vrogers@cochawaii.org