Development Director Jobs in Columbus, OH

Office of Workforce Development

The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the economic well-being of Ohio's residents. Under the strategic direction of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), OWD administers and delivers a range of federal workforce programs designed to align worker skills with employer needs to boost economic prosperity. These programs provide training, credentials, and job placement services individuals need for sustainable careers, while helping businesses secure a skilled workforce. Learn more about the office by visiting the OWD webpage.

What You Will Do

Under administrative direction, this role assists and represents the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director and Assistant Director in defining agency goals and objectives, develops policies and procedures, designs and schedules programs, and directs operation of the Office of Workforce Development (OWD). The position plays a key role in advancing statewide workforce and employment programs and initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring high‑quality, customer‑centered services for Ohioans. Key responsibilities include:

• Create, manage, and enhance processes to improve customer experience and operational efficiency within and outside of the pillar.
• Monitor federal budgets for state and local operations.
• Meet with Director and Governor level staff to provide program updates.
• Enforce agency rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Lead the development of OWD guidance memos and procedures that align with agency policies and directives.
• Lobby benefits of workforce programs and systems to ODJFS executive leadership, other state agencies, partners, and political entities.
• Represent agency Director and Assistant Director in public forums on workforce development initiatives.
• Facilitate meetings and provide presentations on workforce programs.
• Direct research, analysis, and interpretation of federal statutes governing program plans.
• Manage program budgets and financial planning activities to ensure adequate resources are available for systems and program administration, delivery, and federal reporting and future needs.
• Lead, coach, and support assigned staff as well as determine personnel forecasting.

Schedule: Full-time.

Hours: Standard workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Location: This position will be headquartered at the James A. Rhodes State Officer Tower - 30 E. Broad Street, 37th Floor Columbus, OH 43215.

Travel: Travel, including overnight, as needed to attend meetings, conferences and training.

Position Number: 20033528.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

• Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

The candidate, at minimum, should possess the following competencies:

• Experience supervising managers and overseeing programs.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle competing priorities and remain controlled in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate and form trusting relationships across departments and organizations.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong reading, writing, and verbal communication skills with diverse groups of people.

Tips For Your Application

When completing the different sections of this application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting. We cannot give you credit for your Work Experience and Education & Certifications if you do not provide that information in your online application. Information in attached resumes or cover letters must be entered into your application in the appropriate Work Experience or Education & Certification sections to be considered.

Pay Information

ADA Notice

If you require an accommodation based on a disability for any step of the selection process, please contact ada_public@jfs.ohio.gov.

Background check information

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Some positions may require drug testing and/or fingerprinting. Criminal convictions do not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.