Director, Operations Workforce

About the Organization

Kinexus, recently recognized as one of Nonprofit Times Best Nonprofits to Work For (2017–2022, 2026), is a cutting-edge community development organization driving initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. As change agents, we develop solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality.

About the Team

The Michigan Works Team consists of dedicated professionals focused on developing the local workforce and building a talent pipeline to meet current and future employer needs. We support jobseekers at all levels through career coaching, scholarships for high-demand occupational training, and on-the-job training opportunities. Collaborating closely with the Business Team, we connect jobseekers to employment ranging from entry-level to professional careers.

Desired Outcomes

The long-term goal is to attract, retain, and develop talent to support economic growth and vitality in Southwest Michigan. The Director of Operations will lead workforce staff with a demand-driven, business-oriented approach, focusing on:

• Service expansion and management
• Systems knowledge management and development
• Strengthening of organizational operations

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for Michigan Works! workforce operations across multiple service locations, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery in the Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren region.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate operational strategies to improve organizational effectiveness, customer experience, program outcomes, and long-term sustainability.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for managers and supervisors, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee implementation of workforce development programs funded through WIOA and other federal, state, and local sources, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and grant requirements.
• Provide oversight of program budgets, expenditures, and fiscal performance by collaborating with finance staff to develop budgets, monitor spending, forecast financial needs, and maximize funding.
• Monitor contract performance, grant deliverables, and key performance indicators to ensure achievement of negotiated outcomes and organizational goals.
• Analyze operational, financial, and performance data to identify trends, mitigate risk, and implement data-driven improvements for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain operational policies, standard operating procedures, quality assurance processes, and internal controls for consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Support process improvement projects, technology implementation, and system enhancements to improve staff productivity and customer outcomes.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to establish strategic priorities, organizational objectives, staffing plans, and resource allocation decisions.
• Develop and maintain strong workforce partnerships within the community.
• Ensure operational readiness for monitoring, audits, and program reviews, implementing corrective actions and continuous quality improvement initiatives as needed.
• Promote an organizational culture reflecting integrity, innovation, exceptional customer service, equity, accountability, and employee engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Education, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience managing complex operations, multi-site programs, or workforce development services.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing operations, budget oversight, organizational leadership, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, relationship-building, and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations in workforce development or related areas.
• Knowledge of workforce development services, including employment and training programs through the Workforce Development Agency, Department of Education, Department of Labor, and Department of Health and Human Services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of database systems.
• Three years’ experience running or managing a small to medium-sized department, organization, team, or company.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
• Must be willing and able to travel between offices in Benton Harbor, Paw Paw, and Cassopolis, MI.

Work Environment

Kinexus offers a competitive salary and benefits, a flexible and open work environment, and opportunities for development, growth, and community impact.

Benefits

• Robust onboarding experience to integrate you into the team.
• Team of Teams training to support organizational strategies.
• Job training and development to establish and grow your role.
• Cross-operational meetings with peers.
• Opportunity to be part of transformational change in Michigan.

We seek individuals who embody our culture: BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL, and INCLUSIVE.