Employment Services Director

Director of Employment ServicesMake a Difference Through Meaningful Employment

At Fairbanks Resource Agency (FRA), we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to work, contribute, and thrive. We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven leader to serve as our Director of Employment Services. This position provides strategic leadership for employment programs that empower individuals experiencing disabilities to achieve meaningful employment and greater independence while ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and person-centered services.

If you are a collaborative leader who enjoys building programs, developing staff, cultivating community partnerships, and making a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply.

Position Summary

The Director of Employment Services provides leadership and oversight for FRA's employment services program, including vocational training, community employment, work center operations, supervised work sites, and agency-operated small business enterprises. This position is responsible for program development, regulatory compliance, contract management, budgeting, staff leadership, and expanding employment opportunities for the individuals we serve.

Working closely with agency leadership, community employers, funding partners, and staff, this position plays a key role in advancing FRA's mission while ensuring high-quality employment services and positive outcomes for program participants.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and management of Employment Services programs.
• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, supervise, and evaluate program staff.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, grant, and agency regulations.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate employment services and program initiatives.
• Build relationships with local employers and community partners to expand employment opportunities.
• Develop and oversee work center operations, supervised work sites, and small business enterprises.
• Assist with contract development, grant applications, funding proposals, and business development opportunities.
• Prepare program reports, contract billing, sales reports, and operational documentation.
• Develop and monitor program budgets while ensuring responsible fiscal management.
• Coordinate participant intake, individualized service planning, and implementation of Personal Service Plans (PSPs).
• Ensure work sites maintain safe, secure, and compliant working environments.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, vehicle scheduling, and equipment management.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and support ongoing employee development.
• Represent FRA through public presentations, networking events, and community partnerships.
• Collaborate with other agency departments to ensure coordinated, person-centered services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Rehabilitation, Education, Social or Behavioral Sciences, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience, including supervision, budgeting, and operational leadership.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Valid Alaska Driver's License (or ability to obtain).

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience supervising vocational or employment programs serving individuals experiencing disabilities.
• Experience working directly with individuals experiencing disabilities in employment or vocational settings.
• Grant writing or grant management experience.
• Knowledge of federal vocational rehabilitation programs, workforce development, AbilityOne, SourceAmerica, or similar employment programs.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and visionary leader who:

• Is passionate about creating employment opportunities for individuals experiencing disabilities.
• Builds strong relationships with employers, community partners, and funding agencies.
• Leads with integrity, accountability, and compassion.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Enjoys developing teams and mentoring future leaders.
• Thinks strategically while remaining hands-on when needed.

Certifications

The following certifications are required or must be obtained within agency-established timeframes:

• Adult CPR Certification
• First Aid Certification
• Safety-Care Certification

Working Conditions

This position primarily works in an office environment but regularly visits community employment sites, work centers, businesses, and agency facilities. Occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds and frequent local travel are required.

Why Join Fairbanks Resource Agency?

For more than 60 years, Fairbanks Resource Agency has been committed to empowering individuals experiencing disabilities and strengthening our community. Our employees make a meaningful difference every day by helping people achieve greater independence, employment, and quality of life.

When you join FRA, you become part of a collaborative team dedicated to innovation, inclusion, and person-centered services.

Fairbanks Resource Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.