Job Description

KEY DETAILS:

• LWDB Area: Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon & Wakulla Counties, Florida
• Annual budget: $5.3 Million
• Anticipated start date: Late October 2025
• Anticipated Salary Range: $105K - $135K
• Full Time / Onsite
• Fringe Benefits:
  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Relocation Assistance available
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Travel Reimbursement offered
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Training & Education Allowance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
    
    

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and visionary direction to ensure the effective delivery of workforce development services in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and leading a high-performing organization that meets the needs of job seekers, employers, and community stakeholders. The CEO oversees the organization, its staff, finances, and the development of its plans, policies, and procedures to fulfill the organizational mission. This includes managing four direct reports, approximately fifteen indirect reports including some state merit staff, contracted workforce services (~25 staff members including some state merit staff), one-stop operations (1 staff member), and a budget of approximately $5 million.

FLORIDA'S CAPITAL AREA COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC ECOSYSTEM:

CareerSource Capital Region is dedicated to building a vibrant and diverse workforce in the dynamic North Florida region, which includes the Tallahassee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) covering Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, and Wakulla counties along the scenic Interstate 10 corridor. This region, located midway between Pensacola and Jacksonville, blends urban and rural environments, offering a high quality of life and a business-friendly atmosphere. Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is home to two major universities, Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU), as well as Tallahassee State College, Keiser University's Tallahassee Campus, Lively Technical College, and Gadsden Technical College along with a robust network of K-12 and post-secondary education providers. With over 55% of Tallahassee residents holding an associate degree or higher, the region boasts a highly educated workforce that outpaces state and national averages. The area's economy is driven by key industries such as healthcare, government, education, technology, transportation and logistics, and professional services, supported by a culture of innovation fostered by research institutions like Innovation Park and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

The region also thrives with entrepreneurial support organizations, including the FAMU Small Business Development Center and the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, which help nurture start-ups and small businesses. The surrounding rural counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla contribute to the region's economic diversity with strong sectors in agriculture, aquaculture, manufacturing, and small business development. Alongside its economic growth, Tallahassee offers a vibrant arts and cultural scene, highlighted by events like Springtime Tallahassee and the LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. With its strong workforce, educational institutions, research facilities, and thriving industries, CareerSource Capital Region is well-positioned to support the continued growth and success of the region's economy, making it an ideal place for businesses and residents to flourish.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Chief Executive Officer is directly responsible to the board of directors for the overall performance and strategic direction of the organization, ensuring effective workforce development programs, financial oversight, and alignment with regional economic needs and community goals while fostering a positive environment for employees, job seekers, and employers.

This position provides executive, managerial, and administrative leadership to coordinate for workforce area designation and budget approval with the Chief Local Elected Officials (CLEOs); carries out the strategic plan and objectives of the Board; negotiates and meets the local performance deliverables with the state; ensures compliance with the FloridaCommerce sub-grantee agreement; etc.

This is an exceptional career opportunity for a qualified leader.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (includes but may not be limited to the following):

Governance and Compliance

• Administering and coordinating legal functions of the Board in compliance with the intergovernmental agreement that established CareerSource Capital Region.
• Ensuring organizational adherence to all local, state and federal policies and procedures related to local workforce area operations.
• Representing the Board with local governing bodies and ensuring the continuation of the interlocal agreement among the counties represented in the local area.
• Coordinating with the CLEOs regarding the identification and nomination of members to the Board and ensuring membership is compliant with WIOA and Florida Statutes.
• Organizing Board and committee meetings and ensuring meetings are held according to the Board's bylaws and Florida's sunshine laws.
• Providing copies of all monitoring and audit reports and related materials to the Board members, Board chair, and CLEOs within five business days of receipt.
• Providing for monitoring/audits of internal systems; serves as the continuous improvement leader within the organization; and serves as the primary contact for state and federal monitors and participates in audits.
• Providing workforce development-related policy, research, and analysis to the Board, and reports on legislative issues, as well as implementing policy directives of the Board.

Financial Planning and Oversight

• Developing budgets in coordination with the Board, CLEOs and CFO.
• Providing oversight of the competitive procurement process and awarding of contracts for providers of youth program services, workforce services, and one-stop operations as required in WIOA.
• Ensuring that the proper systems and controls are in place to identify and manage business risks.
• Exploring, researching, pursuing, and implementing alternative funding streams and fund raising.

Leadership and Staff Management

• Supervising all executive staff and developing a senior leadership team that carries out the organization's mission with a high degree of success and integrity.
• Ensuring all staff members are accountable for following the rules and regulations associated with applicable business standards and ethics.

Strategic Planning and Performance Oversight

• Developing and submitting the local and regional plan.
• Negotiating and reaching agreement on local performance measures with the CLEOs and the state.
• Overseeing WIOA, WT/SNAP, Wagner-Peyser programs; special grants; and the entire one-stop delivery system, including development of policies and monitoring of programs.
• Ensuring the outcomes of local performance measures are provided to the Board members and CLEOs no less than semi-annually.
• Certifying the one-stop career centers according to state policy.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Overseeing the coordination of Board and committee meetings and supporting the Board in its role as the primary policymaking, planning, and oversight body for the local workforce development system.
• Acting as the spokesperson for the Board in informing and educating the private and public sectors.
• Actively promoting the workforce development system to the private sector and the community.
• Negotiating strategic partnerships and alliances, convening key stakeholders, and building and managing relationships with key stakeholders related to workforce development including local chambers of commerce, private and non-profit organizations, employer trade associations, organized labor, economic development organizations, local and state government, and others.
• Serving on key business, education, workforce, economic development, community-based, ethnic, social services, local, and state committees.
• Promoting cooperation and coordination of services among local agencies to reduce duplication of efforts and encourage the sharing of resources.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

The CEO position demands an individual with an unwavering commitment and dedication to the organization's mission-someone who views the role as a true vocation. This person must be highly driven, with an innate passion for workforce development and its initiatives that extends beyond regular office hours.

The incumbent in this position will consistently go above and beyond, demonstrating the perseverance and flexibility necessary to ensure the organization's success, no matter the time or circumstance; and will be committed to a long-term vision for the organization, ideally with a dedication to the role for a period of 5 to 10 years. This long-term commitment will allow the CEO to fully invest in the growth and success of the organization, building lasting relationships and implementing strategic initiatives that will positively impact the community for years to come.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in workforce development, human resources, or a related field, with at least 5 years in an executive or senior management role.
• Bachelor's degree and/or Master's degree preferred in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and securing funding.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of workforce development programs, policies, and regulations (including WIOA), or have a proven ability to quickly acquire knowledge of federal, state, and local workforce development governing requirements.

Key Competencies and Behaviors:

The CEO of this local workforce development board plays a critical role in driving the success of workforce development initiatives, ensuring alignment with community needs, and fostering partnerships to meet the regional economic goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate all of the following key competencies and behaviors:

1. Leadership and Strategic Vision

• Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and implement a long-term vision for workforce development in the community. This includes setting goals, identifying priorities, and aligning resources to achieve measurable outcomes.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to make decisions, lead, motivate, and inspire a diverse team, stakeholders, and board members. A strong, decisive leader who fosters collaboration and creates a positive work environment.
• Change Management: Ability to lead the organization through change, especially in response to shifts in workforce trends, economic conditions, or state and federal policies.
• Ethical Judgment: Ability to make decisions and take actions that are morally sound, aligned with legal standards, and consistent with the organization's values, mission, and social responsibilities. Ensures that the organization operates with integrity, transparency, fairness, and accountability, both internally and externally.

2. Economic Development and Workforce Planning

• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of key local industries, labor market trends, and economic factors affecting workforce development, including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, transportation and logistics.
• Labor Market Analysis: Competency in labor market data analysis to assess workforce needs, identify skill gaps, and develop strategies to connect workers with employers.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of economic development, local business needs, and how workforce development strategies can support business growth and innovation.

3. Relationship Building and Collaboration

• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to cultivate relationships with key partners, including local businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, community organizations, and economic development and workforce development stakeholders.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Experience in forming and maintaining partnerships with both public and private entities to advance workforce development goals and create job opportunities.
• Collaboration and Negotiation: Strong interpersonal skills to negotiate and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve common objectives.

4. Program Management and Accountability

• Program Development and Oversight: Ability to design, implement, and oversee workforce development programs that meet the needs of career seekers and employers, ensuring programs are impactful and sustainable.
• Performance Metrics: Knowledge of key performance indicators (KPIs) and the ability to track, measure, and report on the success of programs, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
• Resource Management: Competence in managing budgets, ensuring efficient use of funding.
• Revenue Diversification: Ability to secure additional resources through grants, partnerships, fundraising and other funding sources.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify potential risks to the organization and workforce development initiatives and take proactive steps to mitigate them.

5. Advocacy and Policy Influence

• Public Policy Expertise: Ability to advocate for local workforce needs and policies that enhance economic opportunities for the community. Knowledge of local, state and federal policies and funding streams that impact workforce development.
• Community Outreach: Skilled at engaging with elected officials at all levels, business leaders, and the broader community to advocate for workforce development priorities and secure support for initiatives.

6. Communication and Public Relations

• Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent the board effectively to diverse audiences, including employers, job seekers, government officials, stakeholders and peer groups and the general public.
• Public Relations: Ability to build the organization's reputation and visibility in the community, using a variety of platforms to communicate successes, goals, and initiatives.

7. Innovation and Problem-Solving

• Creative Solutions: Proven ability to think outside the box and develop innovative workforce development strategies that respond to emerging trends, new technologies, and the evolving needs of employers and workers.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in addressing challenges and seizing new opportunities, particularly in response to changes in the economy, workforce demographics, and technological advancements.

A successful CEO in this role will balance this range of competencies and behaviors that not only drive workforce development outcomes but also build a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative ecosystem that meets the needs of businesses, workers, and the community at large.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Must be open to relocation and/or reside within the service area of CareerSource Capital Region and be able to successfully meet the state and local criminal background check, credit check and motor vehicle records check requirements. Local, regional and national travel required. Local travel approximately 20% of time. Out-of-service-area travel to state and national convenings approximately 6 times per year. Valid driver's license required.

Interview Process Elements:

Please note, the selection process may include the following steps: a one-way video interview, an assessment and writing sample, a virtual panel interview, and an in-person interview. Not all applicants will be asked to complete every step.

APPLY:

This is an exceptional career opportunity for a qualified leader. To be considered, please submit the following via email to ceosearch@careersourcecapitalregion.com:

• resume
• letter of support or recommendation and
• a cover letter with a statement of interest and salary range requirements.

Candidate documents will be accepted until 11:59pm EDT on June 11, 2025.

CareerSource Capital Region uses E-Verify and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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CareerSource Capital Region

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Local area, Remote job, Relocation, Relocation package, Shift work,

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