Posted: Jan 16, 2026

Director, Workforce and Workplace Innovation

Columbus Chamber of Commerce - Columbus, OH
Full-time
Application Deadline: Jan 30, 2026
Business & Professional Services

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

The Director of Workforce and Workplace Innovation is a strategic community-facing leadership role focused on bridging the gap between the needs of the local business community and the available talent pool. This position is responsible for leading regional initiatives, developing strategic partnerships and advocating for policies that foster a robust and future-ready regional economy.  

JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Develop and implement a workforce and workplace innovation strategy that aligns with the Chamber's mission to advance a thriving business region. 
  • Design and lead workforce strategies that align K-12 education with regional talent needs.
  • Serve as a thought leader in addressing workforce gaps by engaging youth and educational leaders early and meaningfully.
  • Consult with Chamber members to provide solutions through the employer/employee life cycle.
  • Cultivate and sustain relationships with K-12 school districts, superintendents, career-technical education centers and high education institutions.
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to align training and education programs with current and future industry needs.
  • Provide support and connectivity between employers and local institutions of higher education, with focus on in-demand and high-growth industry sectors.
  • Plan and execute workforce-related programs and events, such as job fairs, training workshops, and talent development conferences, to connect businesses with talent and share best practices.
  • Focus on sourcing and integrating talent from a diverse range of pipelines, including youth, mature workers, foreign-born individuals, and previously untapped talent pools, to meet the specific needs of member businesses.
  • Serve as an expert source on workforce issues to local, state, and federal officials, advocating for policy changes that support business growth and a skilled workforce.
  • Identify and leverage grant opportunities and other funding sources (e.g., through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to fund workforce development initiatives and programs.
  • Partner with Chamber Director of Development to create reports and impact metrics for funders. 
  • Collect and analyze data on workforce trends, skill gaps, and program effectiveness to ensure chamber initiatives are data-driven and impactful.
  • Lead initiatives that help member businesses become "employers of choice" by promoting best practices in onboarding, benefits design, and creating inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures. 
  • The Director's policy responsibilities focus on advocating for and implementing policies that benefit the entire business community: 
    • Workforce Development Legislation: Understand, interpret, and advocate for federal and state laws and regulations related to workforce development.
    • Labor Law and Compliance Advocacy: Monitor and advise the chamber board and members on policy shifts related to labor laws (e.g., minimum wage, paid leave, misclassification) and advocate for balanced policies that support both workers and business competitiveness.
    • Education and Training Policy: Develop and promote policies that encourage collaboration between the business sector and educational systems (K-12, higher education, technical colleges) to ensure curricula and training programs meet market demands.
    • Data Governance and Privacy: Establish policies for the ethical collection and use of workforce data across chamber programs, ensuring data privacy and security when building talent pipelines and utilizing data utilities.
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy: Champion policies that promote DEI across the regional workforce, ensuring that the chamber's initiatives provide equitable access to job opportunities and career advancement for all community members.

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Bachelor’s degree required preferably in Public Policy, Education, Human Resources or related field. 
  • 5 plus years of experience in workforce development, education policy, or economic development. 
  • Demonstrated success in building cross-sector partnerships, particularly between K–12 and business communities. 
  • Deep knowledge of education and workforce systems in central Ohio. 
  • Strong leadership, communication, and relationship management skills. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of labor market trends, wrap around services, education resources available at local, state and federal levels.  

IDEAL CANDIDATE TRAITS

  • Passionate about youth empowerment and educational equity. 
  • Collaborative leader who thrives in complex, cross-sector environments. 
  • Innovative thinker with a track record of turning strategy into results. 
  • Eager and supportive team leader. 
  • Clear communicator. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

To be successful in this role, an individual should meet these minimum education and experience requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Education, Human Resources, Economic Development, Business Administration, or a related field required.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in workforce development, education policy, talent pipeline development, economic development, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-sector initiatives involving employers, education partners, and community organizations.
  • Experience developing and managing programs, partnerships, or initiatives that address talent development, workforce readiness, or employer workforce needs.
  • Experience working with or navigating public policy, government programs, or publicly funded workforce or education initiatives (e.g. state or regional workforce programs) preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform the job successfully, an individual should be able to meet the physical requirements of the position:

  • Attend in-person meetings
  • Attend in-person staff meetings
  • Be present in the office a minimum of three business days per week (as outlined in the Chamber Handbook)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of The Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, The Chamber of Commerce will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.