Texas Climate Jobs Project

Workforce Development Director

Based in Austin, Houston, or Dallas, TX

 

Introduction
Texas is experiencing an unprecedented clean energy transition that will create tens of thousands of new jobs over the next decade. Texas Climate Jobs Project is seeking a Workforce Development Director to build a new and innovative statewide workforce development program to educate, train, and prepare individuals, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, for successful careers in building and construction trades through an apprenticeship readiness program.

Overview of the Organization
The mission of the Texas Climate Jobs Project is to advance a pro-climate, pro-worker agenda in Texas. Through innovative research and policy development; popular education; community engagement; advocacy; and strategic coalition building and partnerships, Texas Climate Jobs Project is engaging in collective action to win substantive policy changes that both protect the climate and create good local jobs.

Texas Climate Jobs Project is part of Fair Shot Texas, founded by the Texas AFL-CIO and other labor organizations to advance a working families policy agenda in Texas.

The Job:
The Workforce Development Director’s core responsibilities will include:

• Coordinate Apprenticeship Readiness Construction Training Program: Take the lead in developing and executing a comprehensive apprenticeship readiness construction training program. This program will be tailored to benefit eligible individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to enter a life-sustaining career in the construction trades.
• Build Strong Community Partnerships: Work closely with community organizations, faith-based organizations, workforce development programs, and other groups across the state to recruit individuals into the apprenticeship readiness program.
• Teach an Engaging Apprenticeship Introduction Program: Provide instruction to an initial cohort of individuals in a five-week apprenticeship readiness program with well-defined timelines and lesson plans, with plans to scale to additional programs across the state. Collaborate with apprenticeship training center coordinators, contractors, and employers to ensure active involvement in the program.

Additional responsibilities associated with the apprenticeship readiness program include:

• Teach Multi-Craft Core Curriculum: Receive and maintain MC3 accreditation, and facilitate engaging lessons covering essential construction skills.
• Hands-On Learning: Coordinate visits to different training centers to provide practical, hands-on experience in various construction trades.
• Career and Life Preparation: Provide comprehensive support in interview preparation, resume writing, and professional skills development.
• Industry Expert Insights: Incorporate opportunities for students to hear directly from experts in the labor and construction industry to foster industry awareness.
• Strengthen Community Partnerships: Introduce community partners and facilitate ongoing interactions to establish a strong rapport between program participants and community resources.

Interested candidates should have:

• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with registered apprenticeships and the construction industry is essential to excel in this role, with experience administering apprenticeship readiness programs a plus.
• Grant Experience: Familiarity with charitable and federal grantmaking and recordkeeping a significant plus;
• Effective Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills are vital for presenting information and instruction to diverse individuals and groups.
• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively with the project team to achieve shared goals and objectives.
• Flexibility: Willingness and ability to travel regionally to apprenticeship training centers and attend annual conferences.
• Tech Savvy: Proficient in using Microsoft Word and Excel. Comfortable with learning new data management systems for program compliance.
• Confidentiality: Demonstrated discretion in handling personal information and maintaining confidentiality.
• Maintain Records and Reporting: Accurately enter student information into the grant reporting system and document relevant activities with supporting evidence.

Salary: Minimum $81,000, with potential adjustments upward depending on experience, and additional expected upward adjustments as the statewide program scales. Excellent benefits including healthcare, retirement, and paid leave. This is a grant funded position with the
possibility of continuation contingent on additional grant funding for this position.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to info@txclimatejobs.org with “Workforce Development Director” in the subject line.

This position is located in Austin, Houston, or Dallas. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Texas Climate Jobs Project & Fair Shot Texas are committed to Equal Opportunity, and to considering applicants of all ages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, ethnicities, religions, and veteran or disability statuses. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences with a commitment to building collective union power and working for a better Texas to apply.