Associate Chief of Workforce Operations

About the role

The Associate Chief of Workforce Operations serves as the deputy to the Chief Workforce Officer (CWO) and is responsible for leading operational excellence across the Workforce Division. This executive provides strategic leadership to improve coordination, communication, and execution across workforce departments and divisions while ensuring organizational priorities are implemented consistently and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Serves as principal deputy to the Chief Workforce Officer.
• Represents the CWO in meetings, committees, and stakeholder engagements as delegated by the CWO.
• Affords executive-level recommendations regarding workforce programs and operational improvements.
• Coordinates executive decision-making across the Workforce Division.
• Oversees day-to-day operational coordination across Workforce departments.
• Ensures executive priorities are communicated, tracked, and completed.
• Identifies operational risks and develops mitigation strategies.
• Ledges efforts to improve organizational efficiency, consistency, and accountability.
• Establishes processes that improve collaboration across functional areas.
• Facilitates division-wide initiatives requiring coordination across multiple business units.
• Removes barriers to successful implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Promotes a 'One DWD' approach to service delivery and organizational collaboration.
• Leads implementation of high-priority projects assigned by the CWO.
• Makes progress on strategic initiatives and executive priorities.
• Develops executive dashboards, reports, and performance updates as requested by CWO.
• Coordinates responses to emerging operational issues requiring executive attention.
• Ensures projects remain aligned with agency strategic objectives.
• Encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Builds strong working relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Aids in workforce planning, organizational development, and succession planning.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, customer service, and operational excellence.
• Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions.
• Perceives the impact and implications of decisions.
• Identifies problems, determines accuracy and relevance of information, and uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
• Works with internal and external customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations.
• Delegates work, sets clear direction, and manages workflow.
• Provides feedback, provides guidance or corrective action, coaches, and develops employee skillsets.

Requirements

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Extensive knowledge of agency and/or organizational program(s) and business practices.
• Extensive knowledge of state programs and resources, public policy, and program evaluation.
• Ability to develop and/or measure program outcomes.
• Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with key public and private government and business leaders.
• Ability to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
• Ability to work with internal and external customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, establish credibility, and influence leaders at all levels.
• Make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions.
• Perceive the impact and implications of decisions.
• Identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
• Delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.

Qualifications

For this role, candidates should have:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in workforce development, human resources, or related field.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex operations and teams.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in strategic planning and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of state and federal workforce policies and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with HRIS systems.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of workforce development and related fields.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS systems.

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options.
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years.
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral Bonus program.
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free Parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $102,024.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Schedule

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work.