Thomas Hooper Email & Phone Number

Boston, Ma, Us

• Provides leadership and management of sector-based programs including the development and execution of strategies and oversight of all funding streams. Develops and execute plans, policies and programs that support sector-based programming as articulated in the strategic plan.• Liaison for the Workforce Skills Cabinet, working to implement and execute innovative programming and strategies in the CommCorp ecosystem.• Works closely with CFO/Finance and Program team in oversight of fiduciary responsibilities and contract management for these programs.• Develops strategies to support streamlining organization operations and operational efficiencies, revises workflows and strategies as needed to improve performance, assure quality, and attain staff and client satisfaction.• Oversees and manages procurement activities, including soliciting and reviewing proposals from prospective grantees.• Negotiates budgets and scopes of service with grantees; conducts grantee orientation activities to ensure effective start-up and implementation.• Conducts on-going performance reviews and develops strategies to assist grantees with any challenges they may encounter. Provides guidance to grantees about program design improvements, requests to modify contracts and general grantee policies and practices; identifies and coordinates the deployment of resources to meet technical assistance needs.• Contribute to the development of effective statewide policy and programming for sector workforce development.• Develop relationships, understanding of procedures and serves as liaison with EOLWD.• Develops and nurtures relationships with partners, practitioners, and policymakers.• Optimizes organizational structure to serve partners and achieve strategic goals and objectives most effectively. Conducts on-going grant performance reviews and develops strategies to assist grantees with any challenges they may encounter.

Boston, Massachusetts, Us

• Responsible for guiding the efforts of Year Up (YU) in 1-2 priority geographic markets, leading the development of multi-year comprehensive ecosystem and market building approaches. Worked in collaboration with YU’s Executive, Corporate Engagement, Development, Program, Partnerships and other teams to evaluate expansion opportunities, build and grow talent ecosystems, and determine the best pathway for YU to impact young adults in each market.• Synthesized critical data to support the evaluation of growth and new opportunities for YU’s expansion in geographic markets.• Supported high-growth, strategic internal and external partnerships that delivered innovative solutions to support talent development and meet employer demand. Helped develop and maintain external relationships to ensure high quality stakeholder engagement.• Created and shared ecosystem growth thought leadership and cross-industry perspectives with current and prospective stakeholders.• Engaged and solidified YU’s seat at the table in critical market coalitions and partnerships, and highlighted YU’s brand and organizational value proposition with market leaders.

Boston, Ma, Us

Leads the development of new strategic sector strategies, work-based learning initiatives, and innovative workforce development/economic development projects, including state sector strategies, regional sector partnerships, and apprenticeship projects.Builds and maintains effective collaborations with key JFF stakeholders, including comprehensive technical assistance projects with federal agencies and national nonprofits, state sector strategies, and foundation-funded initiatives to develop career pathways and expand apprenticeships and other work-based learning models.Supports strong coordination among JFF’s program and initiatives, and leads the development and implementation of internal policies and processes that enhance business development, communications, and staff development.

Boston, Ma, Us

Led business development activities with federal and state agencies and foundations focused on sector and place-based strategies, career pathways, and the integration of economic and workforce development. Responsibilities included identifying funding opportunities, developing concepts, negotiating with partners, and budget development. Managed JFF’s sector strategies initiatives. Led JFF’s support for ETA’s national Supporting Sector Strategies Technical Assistance Initiative, which included hosting three national convenings that included employers and other key stakeholders, conducting webinars, and coaching regional partnerships. Oversaw JFF’s assistance for New Hampshire’s state sector strategy, which included asset mapping, identifying the structure of four sector partnerships, identifying and engaging employer champions, and launching partnerships in healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries.Provided intensive technical assistance to a five-city region in central California developing healthcare and agriculture sector partnerships. Developed a comprehensive report on regional assets; identified the structure for these public/private collaborations; engaged city officials, employers, and education and training providers; and assisted with sustainability planning. Provided support through webinars, coaching, and site visits. Authored two briefs for ETA’s Supporting Sector Strategies Technical Assistance Initiative: “Sustaining State Sector Strategies” and “Sustaining Regional Sector Strategies.”

• Manage education and training grant programs including Green Jobs and Health Care Training, Community-Based Job Training and Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grants. • Lead the development of core principles and requirements for grant programs. Key elements of programs include addressing demonstrated employer needs, providing training that leads to credentials, establishing partnerships with employers and education and training providers, and developing strong outcome projections. Make policy and funding recommendations to leadership, and lead the development of Solicitations for Grant Applications that outline programs for prospective grant applicants.• Develop program policies to help grantees meet their goals, such as guidance on paid work experience and supportive services which help participants find employment, and planning for program sustainability.• Oversee the development of technical assistance such as an electronic tool kit on the Federal Bonding Program and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, webinars on placement strategies, and peer-to-peer learning activities. Support fiscal training for grantees, identifying topics for trainings like procurement. • Manage performance management activities. Oversee the development and implementation of information technology systems to collect grant reports. Lead the development of reporting requirements and guidance and manage grantee trainings, including webinars, Frequently Asked Questions, and individual grantee assistance.

Washington, Dc, Us

• Oversaw a pilot project that invested $3 million in innovative skills training and placement projects serving older workers. Project focus areas aligned with the priorities identified by a national task force on aging issues, such as training in computer skills and entrepreneurship.• Led the team that developed the funding application for Senior Community Service Employment Program grantees. Identified program components for grantees to address, such as identifying local employment opportunities and developing partnerships with employers. Reviewed grantees’ proposals and budgets.• Lead for two regional partnerships in ETA’s WIRED initiative, providing them with technical assistance and linking them with peers. ETA WIRED Lead for collaboration with U.S. Department of Transportation.

Washington, Dc, Us

• Led the selection of eight workforce development projects focused on the construction and transportation industries totaling $14.2 million. Evaluated proposed projects on the role of employers, strength of partnerships, proposed outcomes and other factors, and provided leadership with recommendations. Funded projects included construction career academies and a pre-apprenticeship program for women. • Authored a report on workforce development challenges in the construction industry, such as recruiting potential workers and developing the skills of entry-level workers, and solutions to these challenges.• Developed partnerships with trade associations and employers in the construction and transportation industries to address their workforce needs. Lead staff member for forums where employers discussed their workforce needs and potential solutions to these challenges.

Master Of Public Affairs, Public Policy

Ba, Political Science, With A Concentration In Public Policy