Open Unemployment Insurance (UI) Director (Remote)
National Association of State Workforce Agencies
Background
The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C. and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, and business services, in addition to administering the unemployment insurance (UI), veteran reemployment, and labor market information programs. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation and leadership in workforce development.
Overview of Position
The Open Unemployment Insurance (UI) Director will have responsibility for leading the Open UI Initiative team to completion of required project deliverables related to grant funding provided to NASWA by the United Stated Department of Labor (USDOL), as well as positioning OpenUI for future success.
The position will work with NASWA leadership and staff, and direct the Initiative personnel, to meet the project goals and to position the initiative for the next phases of investment and development.
This position will also foster existing and establish new relationships with stakeholders across the unemployment insurance domain to assure Initiative success.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Provide overall vision, leadership, and direction of the Open UI Initiative and Team.
- Serve as the integrated leader of the Open UI Initiative, working with Project Leads, Project Managers, SMEs, and technical staff to establish and meet Open UI goals. Examples of this include:
- Coordinating with the UI Information Technology Support Center and its Director on research on current UI technology issues and maintaining knowledge of the policy, operations, and technologies utilized by states.
- Managing direct and indirect staff as well as contractors.
- Collaborating with NASWA leadership, the UI Information Technology Support Center [UI ITSC], Project Managers, and other NASWA leaders to develop detailed project plans and reports to implement project tasks and completed deliverables under governing grant agreement with USDOL.
- Oversee the development of a technical vision document outlining key functional areas within the UI system where the utilization of interoperability protocols is potentially feasible.
- Oversee selection and definition of technical protocols for initial functional modules to be developed and tested with pilot states.
- Oversee and assist in the convening of the project’s advisory group.
- Champion the Open UI initiative internally and externally to build commitment and support.
- Speak at meetings and various events about the vision, goals, and activities of the initiative.
- Supervise project team as well as coordinate work of contractors.
- Ensure timely execution of the project plan and delivery of deliverables, leveraging internal team, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Oversee stakeholder engagement.
- Oversee the development of reports for USDOL with findings regarding key insights, lessons learned, and future opportunities related to the implementation of protocol-based modules with pilot states.
Competencies and Skills
Required
- Ability to lead and direct a cross-functional team comprised of diverse areas and skillsets.
- Experience developing relationships with state and federal agencies, and other stakeholder groups.
- Excellent external and internal communication, writing, presentation, facilitation, listening, and public speaking skills.
- Ability to develop and lead complex long-term and short-term projects.
- Ability to analyze complex business and technical processes and effectively convey analysis in the form of written reports.
- Ability to exercise tact and good interpersonal skills.
- Ability to read, understand and communicate complex business and technical information to larger audiences.
- Knowledge, experience, and facility in modern software development methodologies.
- Must be comfortable leading, managing, and working on a virtual team.
- Ability to lead and work with diverse teams.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft SharePoint, and other computer and technical skills.
- Be a self-starter, a highly motivated person able to work in a fast-paced environment that is continually changing.
- Possess knowledge of unemployment insurance and the technology challenges impacting service delivery of UI programs nationwide.
Effective time and task management skills, paying close attention to detail and keeping errors to a minimum.
Experience
Required
- 8 - 10 years of experience in developing and implementing high level strategic and operational plans focused on improved business processes and information systems at an enterprise level.
- Experience in presenting to and facilitating external and internal audiences.
- Experience with leading research and/or publishing of digital media/resources such as white papers, subject matter articles, or other communications.
Education
- A bachelor’s degree in STEM, government, business, or related fields from an accredited college or university.
Job Details
Location: Remote position – must be U.S. based
Report To: Vice President, Technology Services & Programs
Term: Full Time
Salary Range: $130,000 - $165,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
Benefits: NASWA offers competitive benefits including an exceptional health care package, 401(k) available at 6 months, educational assistance, a remote work stipend, plentiful time off, and other great options.
Travel: Travel required is not expected to exceed 15% annually.
