Executive Director – Workforce Development Organization

About the role

The AFL-CIO Working for America Institute (WAI) seeks a dynamic Executive Director to guide the nonprofit through its next phase of growth, sustainability, and impact. Reporting to the AFL‑CIO Board, you will shape strategy, expand programs, and raise the organization’s national profile.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall vision, strategy, and leadership aligned with WAI’s mission and values.
• Strengthen WAI’s role as the workforce‑development arm of the AFL‑CIO, collaborating with officers, councils, unions, and partner organizations.
• Advance initiatives around advanced technology, AI, robotics, and automation, translating emerging opportunities into apprenticeship models and training programs.
• Identify and develop new programmatic and fundraising opportunities to expand capacity.
• Represent WAI nationally with stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in nonprofit, workforce development, or labor‑movement contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships across unions, employers, and public‑private sectors.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of scaling programs and securing funding.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence at the national level.

Required skills

• Strategic planning and organizational leadership.
• Fundraising and development expertise.
• Stakeholder engagement and coalition building.
• Knowledge of workforce development, apprenticeship design, and emerging technologies.

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead a historic nonprofit at the intersection of labor and workforce innovation.
• Competitive executive compensation package.
• Collaborative environment with national labor leaders.