Program Manager, Skills Initiative

Program Manager, Skills Initiative

University City District (UCD) is a non-profit, special services district that leverages a unique partnership of universities, health systems, large and small businesses, and community groups to invest in public spaces, address public maintenance and public safety issues, bring life to commercial corridors, promote job growth and innovation, and connect residents to career opportunities; by way of The Skills Initiative.

The Skills Initiative is a nationally recognized workforce intermediary. We implement custom talent solutions focused on connecting the City’s talent to opportunities within prestigious companies, organizations, and institutions. Through partnerships with local organizations and anchor organizations, the Skills Initiative creates pathways to employment and fosters economic mobility.

The Program Manager at the Skills Initiative is a vital role that ensures the smooth and efficient operation of our nationally recognized workforce programs. This position involves managing administrative program operations and supporting program facilitation to ensure a quality participant experience. The Program Manager will report directly to the Senior Director of Workforce Programs and work closely with the programming team to maintain The Skills Initiative’s high standards in workforce development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Administration
  • Manage all administrative tasks such as scheduling facilitators and vendors, preparing and distributing program materials, tracking program assignments, managing email communications, and updating program progressions in Salesforce.
  • Oversee program data management, ensuring accurate records are maintained in the LMS, Salesforce, and other tracking platforms to monitor learning outcomes, engagement, and completion rates.
  • Manage logistics for program events, workshops, and other activities such as Lunch and Learns and onsite visits with Employer Partners.
  • Collaborate with the University City District finance team to ensure the prompt processing of invoices on the behalf of facilitators and vendors.
  • Provide classroom technical support as needed to participants and facilitators.
  • Provide administrative and logistical support to participants and employer partners during the onboarding phase of the program.
• Facilitation and Participant Engagement
  • Lead Participant Agreement Meetings and Orientation sessions, ensuring all participants understand program expectations and resources.
  • Conduct daily check-in and check-outs with program participants using a trauma informed approach.
  • Support the facilitation of Skills Initiative designed curriculum content in both virtual and in-person programming.
  • Assist in the design and facilitation of participant feedback sessions, such as closing focus groups, to gather valuable insights for program improvement.
• Facilitator and Vendor Management
  • Actively participate in the interviewing and evaluation of external facilitators.
  • Schedule and manage external facilitators’ involvement in the program, ensuring they are properly prepared with materials, curriculum content, and access to the learning space.
  • Ensure seamless communication with facilitators and vendors regarding program logistics, scheduling, and expectations via email.
• Alumni Support
  • Collaborate with the Manager of Continuing Education to help organize alumni events and activities, ensuring a seamless transition from participant to alum and providing opportunities for continued growth.
  • Collaborate with the Career Specialist to assist in resume support and mock interviews for Skills Initiative alumni.
  • Participate in the management of alumni focused social media content across relevant platforms to foster engagement and community.
• Qualifications:
• At least 3 years of direct experience in program management, administration, and operations preferably within a nonprofit or workforce development setting.
• Experience facilitating engaging and interactive workshops to adults.
• Excellent organizational, communication, relationship, and project management skills with the ability to meet tight deadline and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to manage multiple programs effectively and simultaneously.
• High level of personal drive and accountability
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to travel locally for site tours and employer visits.
• Technology Competencies
• Microsoft Office Suite including Teams and Project
• Salesforce experience strongly preferred
• Zoom

**Although the above competencies are preferred, training and support on all systems will be provided.

Salary for this role is $70,000.

Interested applicants should send their resume to Erica Jorden, Director of Human Resources, ejorden@universitycity.org using the subject line: Program Manager

University City District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training