Workforce Development Program Manager

Agency Description & Program Model:

Job Title: Workforce Development Program Manager

At HER Resiliency Center (HER), we provide young women overcoming various forms of hardships, a safe environment where they can receive the support, skills, and resources needed to make positive decisions and thrive.

HER emphasizes each young woman being aware of her own needs, while also receiving guidance along her journey to independence and self-sufficiency. An important component of the HER model is allowing space for the young women to share about her own life experiences, hear about the path of others, and learn positive life skills through demonstrated healthy living. A crucial component of the HER model is for staff to share their own past struggles and victories in order to demonstrate empathy and understanding toward those we serve. Both staff and the young women are on a “peer level” with each other. This position requires an understanding of trauma and being available to attend necessary training to ensure this competency.

Job Description:

The Workforce Development Program Manager will be responsible for the implantation, and management of HER Resiliency Center’s 18-month workforce development program, The Triple Crown Academy. This unique and multi- faceted workforce development program is designed to prepare marginalized young women for employment in the construction industry.

The Workforce Development Program Manager is an integral player in the day-to-day operations of the Triple Crown Academy’s pre-apprenticeship and soft skills training, including recruitment, participant support, and evaluation. This position ensures that all programs align with industry needs, meet quality standards, and achieve desired outcomes, including high rates of job placement and retention.

This position interfaces with partners which include labor unions and construction industry employers. The Workforce Development Program Manager will manage the professional development coaches, and have coordinating oversight of team members offering holistic support services as part of the Triple Crown Academy, including therapeutic care, one-to- one support (case management).

Performance Responsibilities:

Program Management

• Direct the development, implementation, and delivery of workforce development programs aimed at preparing marginalized young women for careers in the construction industry.
• Manage the hard skills pre-apprenticeship training instructors as they prepare participants for work in a variety of construction trades (e.g., carpentry, electrical, plumbing, heavy equipment operation) in partnership with unions and construction companies.
• Manage the schedule of the soft skills training program, and ensure coverage for facilitation.
• Collaborate with Professional Development Coaches, instructors, and industry professionals to ensure training content and curriculum are current, relevant, and aligned with industry standards.
• Manage logistics for training sessions, including scheduling, coordinating training resources, and ensuring that necessary materials and equipment are available.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and adjust as needed to meet program goals and improve participant outcomes.

Recruitment and Outreach

• Manage the recruitment of participants from community-based organizations, schools, and job training centers to promote the programs and attract qualified participants.
• Organize outreach events, and informational sessions to raise awareness of career opportunities in construction
• and the available training programs.

Participant Support

• Provide guidance and support to program participants throughout their training and career journey.
• Work with participants to assess their skill levels, career goals, and progress, providing individualized support to ensure success.
• Offer professional development coaching to help participants navigate the workforce and make informed decisions about their career paths.
• Ensure that participants are connected and engaging in the wrap-around services provided as part of the Triple Crown Academy, such as transportation assistance, childcare, or other supports, as needed.

Employer Partnerships and Job Placement

• Maintain strong relationships with construction and manufacturing industry employers, and labor unions to facilitate job placement opportunities during the pre-apprenticeship training, and on-going after graduation.
• Work with employers to ensure that the training curriculum meets their staffing needs and industry requirements.
• Track and monitor job placement, pay rates and increases, and retention in the organization’s internal database to improve placement success and ensure long-term employment outcomes.

Program Evaluation and Reporting

• Collect and analyze data on program participation, completion rates, job placements, and other key performance metrics.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through surveys, participant feedback, and employer input, and use this data to make recommendations for program improvements.
• Prepare regular reports for leadership and stakeholders on program performance, outcomes, and areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all reporting and funding requirements, including tracking funding usage and meeting deliverables.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Manage and supervise a team of professional development coaches and instructors.
• Collaborate with the direct service team that complement the work of Triple Crown Academy.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment for program staff and participants.
• Provide guidance and professional development opportunities for team members to enhance program delivery and participant support.

Industry Engagement and Advocacy

• Represent the program at industry events, conferences, and forums to stay informed of workforce trends and build relationships with potential employers and stakeholders.
• Advocate for the importance of women in the construction industry, highlighting the value of skilled trades and the need for a sustainable labor pipeline.
• Keep abreast of new trends and regulations in the construction industry to ensure the program remains relevant and effective.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5 years of experience in program or project management.
• Proven track record of managing cross-functional initiatives or programs from initiation to completion.
• Experience working with project management tools.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting to stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with underrepresented groups and diverse populations.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to provide trauma-informed care and individualized, person-centered delivery of services.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship programs and union processes.
• Familiarity with social services and case management practices.
• Ability to work with women aged 18-25 from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with employers, community organizations, and industry stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems.
• Knowledge of construction industry trends, labor market analysis, and employment requirements.
• Ability to develop and deliver training curriculum and materials.
• Ability to assist in grant preparation and meeting expectations of funders.
• Knowledge of local labor markets and employment opportunities in the trades.

Competencies & Professional Attributes

In order to fulfill the responsibilities of this position, candidates must be experienced and confident in their ability to:

• Empathy and understanding of challenges faced by marginalized women.
• Ability to create a supportive and empowering environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to individual participant needs.
• Passion for workforce development and helping individuals succeed in the construction industry.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce.
• Highly organized, results-oriented, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Problem-solver with a focus on continuous improvement and program innovation.
• Possess creativity and a growth mindset

Compensation:

• Compensation: $90,000 – $95,000
• Benefits package includes: paid time off, medical and dental, retirement, cell phone reimbursement, and professional development training as available.