James D.

About James D.

As a Strategic Leader in Workforce Development, I am dedicated to architecting pathways to economic mobility and meaningful careers for New Yorkers. Currently serving as the Employment Services Coordinator at Westhab Inc, I lead a high-performing team of 10–15 counselors and job developers across 8 sites in New York City. I manage the full lifecycle of program activities—from high-level strategy to on-the-ground execution—ensuring every participant is positioned for long-term vocational excellence.My expertise lies in building robust cross-sector partnerships with employers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to unlock high-quality job opportunities. Most recently, I spearheaded a specialized DYCD initiative: the Westhab \"Skills to Build\" program. In this role, I directed a select team of Bronx-based staff to recruit and assess 37 participants for an intensive 24-week construction training track. This program provides a rigorous foundation, including 145 hours of skilled training for OSHA certifications and 12 weeks of hands-on internship experience in the maintenance and construction industry.Beyond oversight, I remain deeply involved in the growth of our participants by facilitating job readiness workshops and providing expert guidance on resume development, interview mastery, and post-placement retention. My mission is to exceed performance standards while fostering operational excellence and team accountability to ensure every individual finds a sustainable, dignifying career.

Experience

1. Employment Services Coordinator

   Westhab, Inc

   Jul 2023 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Direct multi-site operations and a high-performing team of 10-15 staff members across 8 locations in New York City to drive economic mobility and vocational excellence. I lead all program activities from strategy to execution, ensuring operational excellence and strict team accountability.Key Achievements & Leadership:DYCD \"Skills to Build\" Initiative: Spearheaded a specialized construction training program, managing a diverted team of 4 staff members across Bronx shelter sites to recruit, assess, and select 37 participants for a 24-week intensive track.Vocational Training Oversight: Directed a comprehensive curriculum featuring 145 hours of skilled training for OSHA certifications and 12 weeks of hands-on work experience internships in the maintenance/construction industry.Program Implementation: Orchestrated recruitment and outreach for new vocational initiatives in the Bronx, managing site-based staff to ensure all enrollment targets were met or exceeded.Strategic Partnerships: Formulate and maintain win-win alliances with business leaders, industry representatives, and training agencies to scale program impact and secure sustainable employment for participants.Workshop Facilitation & Career Coaching: Actively facilitate job readiness training (JRT) workshops, providing comprehensive support in resume writing, interview techniques, and post-placement retention.Operational Excellence: Partner closely with executive leadership and shelter directors to optimize service delivery and streamline employment outcomes

Education

• The University of Texas at Austin

  Finance, General

• Bard College

  , Education

• Rice University

  Introduction to Grant Writing

  2018

• Landmark

  Curriculum for Living

  2012 — 2013

• Prairie View A&M University

  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Finance, General

• Rice University

  Strategic Planning Course

  2018

Skills

• Office Administration
• Microsoft Word
• Time Management
• Training
• Customer Satisfaction
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Coaching
• Team Building
• Program Development
• Management
• Interviews
• Leadership Development
• Data Entry
• Non-Profit Program Development
• Customer Service
• Policy
• Grant Administration
• Marketing Event Planning
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Program Evaluation
• Workshop Development
• Recruiting
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Social Media
• Public Relations
• Research
• Workshop Facilitation
• Fundraising
• Community Engagement
• Event Management
• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Community Outreach
• Social Networking
• Administration
• Social Media Marketing
• Grant Preparation
• Marketing