Executive Director

Executive Director

AFL-CIO Working for America Institute

For over half a century, the AFL-CIO Working for America Institute (WAI) has brought together unions, employers, and the public and private sectors to prepare the workers of today for the jobs of tomorrow. WAI is a mission-driven 501(c)3 organization at the intersection of the labor movement and workforce development. We advance innovative workforce strategies that support union organizing, build worker power, and strengthen communities through sustainable employment, with a focus on the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

The work of WAI could not be more important as efforts to restore U.S. manufacturing present opportunities to create good union jobs; as new technologies are introduced in the workplace; and as low wage work presents opportunities for career paths with quality training. WWAI is making a critical contribution through its programs that develop the tools and training programs that prepare a skilled and efficient workforce to excel in sectors across the economy. WAI is poised to lead the movement to build a skilled workforce with deep expertise in creating apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship and pre-employment programs that help bring all communities into an inclusive workforce and set them up for success.

WAI seeks a dynamic, visionary, and strategic Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth and development. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned nonprofit leader with deep experience in labor, workforce development, and fundraising. The Executive Director will work closely with unions, philanthropic partners, and workforce stakeholders to expand WAI’s impact nationally.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead strategic visioning and organizational development in alignment with WAI’s mission.
• Work closely with AFL-CIO Departments, Councils, federated bodies and affiliated labor unions.
• Develop and manage relationships with workforce partners.
• Report to the Board of Directors and keep the Board up to date on WAI’s efforts.

Fundraising & Development

• Build and manage relationships with public and private sector funders.
• Lead private sector fundraising efforts, particularly from private foundations and philanthropic institutions.
• Direct public sector grant efforts involving federal, state and local sources.

Operational Leadership & Organizational Growth

• Oversee programs, budgets and finances.
• Oversee the implementation and expansion of workforce development programming.
• Supervise and support a growing staff and ensure strong internal operations.

Communications

• Represent WAI in national labor and workforce development conversations.
• Develop and monitor workforce policies that benefit union members and build worker power.
• Develop WAI’s national profile and presence in the labor and workforce development communities.

Qualifications:

• Proven leadership in nonprofit management, especially in start-up or scaling phases.
• Strong fundraising track record with private funders and philanthropic partners.
• Deep familiarity with the U.S. labor movement, particularly in the manufacturing/industrial sectors.
• Experience designing and implementing workforce development programs and policy initiatives.
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to align workforce development with union organizing, member services, and leadership development.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and partnership-building skills.

Preferred:

• Direct experience within a labor union, especially in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of national workforce systems, labor market dynamics, and related policy.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $200,000. Any offer will be determined based on a candidate’s skills and relative work experience.

The Working for America Institute offers employee benefits including:

• Excellent employer-paid comprehensive health care, medical, and vision benefits
• Generous leave, including annual vacation and sick leave
• Employer Paid Retirement/Pension Plan and 401(k) Savings Plan Match
• A hybrid work culture with the option to work from home up to two times per week

The AFL-CIO Working for America Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We welcome a diverse pool of applications, believe it is critical that our staff represent the larger labor movement, and are committed to building a culture and community that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To Apply:

To Apply, please submit the following items through our online portal at https://aflciotechinstitute.bamboohr.com/careers

• A cover letter outlining your vision for the role of workforce development within the labor movement.
• Your resume/CV.

Applications will be accepted through September 7, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the AFL-CIO Tech Institute portal. Resumes and cover letters sent via email, LinkedIn, or other portals will not be reviewed.

Please feel free to contact us at cbieber@aflciotechinstitute.org should you have any questions about the role. Questions about the opportunity or process will not reflect negatively on your application.