MARKESE LONG
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Senior nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience in advancing equity and opportunity through extensive program portfolios in workforce development, education, DEI, and human services. Successfully managed departmental budgets exceeding $4.5M and awarded contracts totaling over $750K. Established strong cross-sector partnerships with K–12 institutions, higher education, workforce agencies, and community organizations. Expertise in aligning funding strategies with community needs and influencing policy as a regional workforce board member, achieving measurable outcomes across diverse programs.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Career Pathways
Partner4Work
Pittsburgh, PA
03.2023 - Current
- Led senior oversight and fiscal management for departmental budget exceeding $4.5M, enhancing workforce and education initiatives.
- Awarded and managed over $750K in competitive contracts annually, aligning funding with strategic priorities.
- Cultivated relationships with K–12 districts, higher education institutions, workforce agencies, and community organizations to strengthen talent pipelines.
- Served on regional workforce development board, providing policy advice and funding strategy recommendations.
- Directed multi-initiative portfolio by establishing performance metrics, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement.
- Integrated cross-departmental efforts to align workforce development with regional economic objectives.
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Engagement
Partner4Work
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2020 - 03.2023
- Directed corporate operations focused on advancing organizational DEI commitments while strengthening community partnerships.
- Designed and implemented DEI strategies that increased diversity in funded program participants by 5%.
- Built relationships with city and county officials, the Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition, business leaders, and community-based organizations to inform and advance equity initiatives.
- Developed and facilitated initiatives to embed equity principles into program design and funding decisions.
Community Relations Manager
Partner4Work
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2019 - 08.2020
- Led workforce development and recruitment initiatives to connect jobseekers and employers using workforce board resources.
- Managed $500K in public and private funds, ensuring compliance and effective program delivery.
- Engaged local and state elected officials to advance workforce priorities.
Community Engagement Specialist
Partner4Work
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2017 - 04.2019
- Developed and implemented community-focused programs that expanded access to the public workforce system.
- Facilitated professional development for community-based organizations to strengthen workforce readiness.
- Managed $100K+ in funding, ensuring fiscal responsibility and impact measurement.
Program Director
YouthPlaces
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2016 - 03.2017
- Directed WIOA Out-of-School Youth programs, managing $250K+ in public funds.
- Developed and delivered workforce initiatives to create positive opportunities for young adults.
- Conducted program evaluations to ensure curriculum effectiveness and compliance.
Project Coordinator
Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (Now Partner4Work)
Pittsburgh, PA
05.2016 - 08.2016
- Managed $3.5M in WIOA-funded operations programs, building partnerships to advance workforce initiatives.
- Developed a data tracking system to monitor youth employment program outcomes.
Project Assistant
Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (Now Partner4Work)
Pittsburgh, PA
06.2015 - 05.2016
- Supported design and coordination of WIOA Youth Programs.
- Built corporate and community partnerships to create career pathways for young adults.
Program Manager
A-Plus Schools
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2014 - 06.2015
- Expanded Teen Bloc student leadership program by launching three new high school and one middle school chapter.
- Applied data analysis to improve program management and operational processes.
Youth Support Partner Supervisor
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
Pittsburgh, PA
10.2011 - 08.2014
- Led national technical assistance to human services agencies integrating youth support partners into service delivery models.
- Achieved a 55% reduction in repeat DHS involvement among program participants.
Youth Support Partner
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2010 - 10.2011
- Managed caseload of 15–18 youth, providing guidance and advocacy for justice-involved young men.
Education
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PABachelor of Science - Human Performance & Wellness
Saint Augustine's University
Raleigh, NCSkills
- Salesforce expertise
- Budget management
- Grant administration
- Workforce development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Community outreach
- Leadership development
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Management information systems
- Public speaking skills
- Contract management
Awards
New Pittsburgh Courier “Fab 40” Honoree, 2019
Boards And Leadership
- Chair, Board of Directors, Landforce, 2019–Present
- Board of Directors, Youth Enrichment Services, 2020–Present
- Former Board Member, Assemble, 2013–2015
Timeline
Director of Career Pathways
Partner4Work
03.2023 - Current
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Engagement
Partner4Work
08.2020 - 03.2023
Community Relations Manager
Partner4Work
04.2019 - 08.2020
Community Engagement Specialist
Partner4Work
04.2017 - 04.2019
Program Director
YouthPlaces
08.2016 - 03.2017
Project Coordinator
Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (Now Partner4Work)
05.2016 - 08.2016
Project Assistant
Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (Now Partner4Work)
06.2015 - 05.2016
Program Manager
A-Plus Schools
08.2014 - 06.2015
Youth Support Partner Supervisor
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
10.2011 - 08.2014
Youth Support Partner
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
04.2010 - 10.2011
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Point Park University
Bachelor of Science - Human Performance & Wellness
Saint Augustine's University