The Governance and Compliance Advisor plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of Arizona’s workforce system through strong
relationship management, regulatory oversight, and strategic alignment. This position provides compliance leadership and technical assistance to
Arizona’s 12 Local Workforce Development Boards, working closely with board chairs, executive directors, and the State Workforce Development Board, to ensure adherence to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and related federal and state regulations.
Key responsibilities include guiding governance practices, monitoring risk, advancing ethical and transparent operations, and facilitating continuous improvement across the workforce system. The Advisor also supports the development of policy, oversees corrective action planning, and ensures that documentation, reporting, and stakeholder engagement activities meet all WIOA requirements and performance expectations.
Additionally, the Advisor prepares policy and compliance recommendations for consideration by the Arizona Workforce Council Executive Committee and Board, helping to shape strategic direction and statewide workforce policy.
This position may be available for remote work within Arizona (2 days per week in the office/hoteling).
• Oversee and review all required local board compliance activities in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and directives from the Workforce Arizona Council, ensuring full adherence to governance, performance, and accountability requirements
• The Advisor helps prepare agendas and materials for the Workforce Arizona Council and its Executive Committee, and provides logistical and strategic support to ensure meetings are well-organized, compliant with open meeting laws, and aligned with statewide workforce priorities
• The Advisor also leads capacity-building initiatives and training programs for Local Workforce Development Boards to strengthen governance capabilities, improve compliance readiness, and promote consistency in WIOA implementation statewide
• Support continuous improvement efforts and prepare policy and compliance recommendations for consideration by the Arizona Workforce Council Executive Committee and Board to help shape the strategic direction of Arizona’s workforce system
• Establish and maintain clear communication channels with local stakeholders—including LWDB leadership, government partners, employers, and community-based organizations—to support effective governance and regulatory compliance
• The Advisor partners with the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to coordinate oversight activities, align policy implementation, and ensure integrated technical assistance and monitoring efforts across state and local levels
• Provide hands-on guidance and technical assistance to support the development and implementation of governance structures, policies, and procedures that meet WIOA standards while addressing regional priorities
• Analyze and interpret federal and state regulations governing workforce development programs to provide clear, accessible, and consistent guidance to Arizona’s 12 Local Workforce Development Boards
• Foster strong stakeholder relationships and ensure consistent alignment with federal WIOA regulations across Arizona’s 12 Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs)
• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with local board executive directors and leadership, fostering open communication and alignment with state-level objectives
• Represent the Workforce Arizona Council in local board meetings and discussions, facilitating collaboration and transparency on WIOA-related governance matters
• Ensure consistency in policy implementation across all local boards, balancing statewide goals with local flexibility
• Resolution processes, address ethical concerns, and ensure fair, equitable outcomes
Knowledge of:
• Public Administration and Compliance: Strong understanding of public sector regulatory compliance, including the Arizona Public Meeting Law (A.R.S. §§ 38-431et seq.), such as open meeting requirements, agenda posting, quorum rules, meeting minutes, and public transparency
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA): Demonstrated expertise in the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, including its governance structure, funding mechanisms, performance accountability measures, and statutory obligations
• Organizational Governance and Risk Management: Knowledge of best practices in governance, oversight, internal controls, and risk mitigation strategies in complex, multi-stakeholder public programs
• Local Workforce Development Board Operations: Understanding of the structure, function, and responsibilities of Local Workforce Development Boards (LWBDs)
• Board composition, ethical standards, membership requirements, and decision-making processes within a public governance framework
• Familiarity with Arizona-specific workforce initiatives, priorities, and the strategic role of the Workforce Arizona Council
• Federal and State Workforce Policy: Knowledge of workforce governance at the federal, state, and local levels
• Understanding of U.S. Department of Labor guidance, monitoring expectations, and compliance frameworks
• Conflict of interest statutes, record retention policies, and other public sector administrative requirements
Skill in:
• Meeting and Event Coordination: Experience in planning and executing high-level meetings and events, including preparation of agendas, materials, and logistical support in compliance with Arizona's Open Meeting Law
• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management: Proficient in building and sustaining collaborative relationships with workforce boards, state agencies, employers, and community-based organizations
• Regulatory Analysis and Policy Interpretation: Ability to analyze complex federal and state regulations and translate them into clear and accessible guidance for workforce boards and stakeholders
• Training and Capacity Building: Ability to design and deliver technical assistance and training to local boards on compliance, governance, and performance requirements under WIOA
• Prepare policy memos, compliance reports, meeting materials, and present to executive and public audiences
• Communication and Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Navigating sensitive political and organizational environments
Ability to:
• Strategic Alignment and Policy Development: Ability to identify policy gaps, assess local board alignment with strategic goals, and make informed recommendations to the Arizona Workforce Council and its Executive Committee
• Systems Thinking and Statewide Coordination: Ability to integrate information from multiple sources and promote coherence across local boards, state partners, and the broader workforce system
•Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution: Skilled in managing compliance-related disputes, resolving ethical issues, and facilitating equitable outcomes in multi-stakeholder environments
• Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: Committed to ongoing learning and staying current with regulatory changes, policy trends, and national best practices in workforce governance
• Project and Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines, and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure
• This role requires a dynamic individual with a strong background in governance and compliance, dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of workforce initiatives and promoting continuous improvement within the ARIZONA@WORK system
• Minimum of 3 years related experience in a program or project management position requiring interaction with a variety of stakeholders
• Experience working with workforce development in a public or private sector capacity is highly preferred
The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Sick leave
• Retirement plan
• Health and dental insurance
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
• Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by the State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment
• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mariem Ly at mariem.ly@oeo.az.gov