VT DOL District Manager

at State of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont, United States

Job Description

The Vermont Department of Labor exists to improve the lives of working Vermonters. The Workforce Development Division administers state and federal programs that help individuals achieve meaningful employment while connecting businesses with the talent they need. Our regional offices deliver services with compassion and professionalism, and our programs operate with equity, access, and belonging as guiding principles.

The Vermont Department of Labor's Northwest Region is seeking a District Manager who can lead through change, cultivate strong community and employer partnerships, and advance the department's mission to connect Vermonters and businesses with impactful workforce development services. This role is central to shaping how the region adapts to evolving economic and labor-market needs while ensuring high-quality, equitable service delivery.

The ideal candidate brings a commitment to improving the lives of working Vermonters and ensuring employers understand and utilize available programs and services. Success in this role requires an individual who approaches each day with curiosity, compassion, and the ability to navigate dynamic environments with flexibility and confidence. The department continuously works toward operational excellence and encourages creativity within federal and state guidelines to support employers, job seekers, and community partners.

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Services and Field Operations, the District Manager provides daily leadership and clear communication to a team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service. This includes guiding staff through change, supporting professional growth, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Strong skills in active listening, coaching, and problem solving are essential. The District Manager will oversee regional safety, hours of operation, training funds, and budget allocations, and will ensure strategic distribution of resources to maintain consistent and effective service delivery across offices in Burlington and St. Albans while supporting Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties.

A successful candidate will understand the unique economic and workforce needs of both urban and rural communities in the region. They will naturally build collaborative relationships with local partners, service providers, educational institutions, and community organizations, helping to identify service gaps, respond to emerging needs, and strengthen the regional workforce system. The ability to represent the department in the community with professionalism and clarity is central to this work.

Core responsibilities include evaluating program performance, recommending improvements to leadership, and supporting ongoing organizational change efforts. The District Manager will also be responsible for staff hiring, training, and performance evaluations, ensuring team members are equipped to support Vermonters and employers effectively.  Travel is required throughout the region and overtime does occur on occasion.

The Department of Labor is a proud partner of the American Job Center Network. Ensuring these requirements are met and adapting systems and practices as federal guidance evolves is a key component of the role.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Substantial travel will be required to regional offices, employer premises and to community meetings, for which private means of transportation must be available. Considerable interaction with public and private groups throughout the districts will be required. Work outside of normal office hours should be expected.