ARIZONA OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

1400 West Washington Street

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $90,000 -$130,000 

Grade: 28

Open Until Business Needs Are Met

Grant Funded position

The Strategic Workforce Initiatives & Grants Office Administrator is responsible for coordinating and executing Workforce Arizona Council industry sector strategies to strengthen Arizona’s workforce ecosystem and ensure alignment with statewide economic priorities and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) and will report to the Director of OEO.

This role will oversee the state’s Grants Office, ensuring effective management of federal, state, and private funding to support workforce initiatives and coordinating with external stakeholders and partners.

The Strategic Workforce Initiatives & Grants Office Administrator will be responsible for workforce development, grants management, and strategic planning, with a focus on fostering partnerships across industries, educational institutions, and government agencies to drive economic growth and workforce readiness.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

Workforce Development Strategy:

• Design and promote initiatives that support WIOA target populations, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and low-income communities

• Coordinate and execute Workforce Arizona Council industry sector strategies, ensuring integration with workforce policies and initiatives statewide

• Collaborate with industry leaders, educational institutions, and community organizations to identify workforce gaps and create targeted solutions

• Facilitate sector strategy discussions, develop implementation plans, and oversee progress to meet industry workforce needs

• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between workforce development programs and state economic goals

• Analyze labor market data and economic trends to inform strategic decision-making and program development

OEO Grants & Program Management:

• Oversee OEO’s Grants Office, including the administration of federal, state, and private grants related to workforce development

• Develop strategy for workforce development grants and coordinate with external partners to execute on grant applications

• Monitor grant performance, track outcomes, and prepare detailed reports for stakeholders and funding agencies

• Identify new funding opportunities and lead the development of competitive grant proposals

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with Workforce Arizona Council members and partners to drive sector strategies and workforce alignment efforts

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including employers, workforce boards, educational institutions, and community organizations

• Organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, and collaborative sessions to align workforce initiatives with industry and education partners

• Serve as a liaison between state agencies, local governments, and private sector partners to foster collaboration and resource sharing

• Represent the state at regional and national workforce development conferences and events

Leadership & Team Management:

• Provide strategic direction and guidance to ensure the successful execution of workforce development initiatives

• Supervise and mentor a team of professionals responsible for workforce development and grants management

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team

Knowledge of:

• Labor market trends and the ability to conduct labor market analysis to identify emerging needs, high-demand occupations, and skill gaps in specific sectors

• Expertise in grant administration, including federal, state, and local regulations governing grant applications, funding requirements, and reporting

• The grant lifecycle, from application and award through execution, monitoring, and closeout

• Workforce development frameworks and strategies aimed at building sector-specific skills

Skills in:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret labor market data and economic trends

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

• Proficiency in grant management software and Microsoft Office Suite

• Program and project management experience and skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to:

• Excellent communication skills, enabling effective collaboration and reporting with local stakeholders, government bodies, and international teams

• Make quick, informed decisions under pressure, especially when projects encounter delays, unforeseen costs, or regulatory challenges

• Adapt project plans to changing circumstances, such as unexpected delays or new government policies

• Strong problem-solving skills to identify solutions quickly and keep projects on track

• Capable of prioritizing tasks and resolving issues swiftly

• Experience in strategic planning, program development, and stakeholder engagement

• Proven track record of managing large-scale grants and federal funding programs

• Familiarity with Arizona’s labor market and economic landscape is a plus

• Grant Management Certification (e.g., GPC, CGFM)

• Project Management Professions (PMP)

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Education, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in workforce development, economic development, or a related field

• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave

• Retirement plan

• Health and dental insurance

• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

• Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brian Westerberg at brian.westerberg@azdoa.gov