Workforce Development Programs Manager

KO Business Solutions is proud to work with a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to construction advocacy, training, and membership organization, focused on promoting diversity and creating a network of construction leaders with equitable opportunities aimed at transforming communities. They offer training, business capacity, and workforce development programs aimed at strengthening and diversifying the industry.

Our client is seeking a Workforce Development Programs Manager: an individual who oversees the management and delivery of HACIA’s workforce development training portfolio, including supportive services and job placement within the construction ecosystem. Working closely with Programs Department leadership, this role manages multiple grant-funded initiatives simultaneously, ensuring strong program implementation, accurate data tracking, and compliance with grant requirements while supporting the organization’s membership-facing workforce initiatives.

Location : Chicago, IL - Onsite

Salary : $80,000-$87,000

Schedule : Monday-Friday; May require evenings and flexible hours of availability for events and business needs

Key Responsibilities :

Program Management & Delivery:

• Provide day-to-day coordination and oversight of workforce development programs, ensuring alignment with program goals, grant requirements, and HACIA policies and compliance standards.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of workforce development programs serving underserved populations, including training in trades, clean energy, green construction, professional services, and other construction-related fields.
• Develop and maintain the annual training program calendar, including timelines for marketing, recruitment, enrollment, program delivery, completion, and participant transition.
• Ensure high-quality programming by monitoring participant engagement and satisfaction, as well as the performance of workforce staff, instructors, and training partners.
• Implement and manage program improvements, interventions, and operational adjustments to ensure program goals and outcomes are achieved while keeping leadership informed.

Grant Management, Compliance, & Budget Oversight:

• Coordinate closely with the Grants Manager to support budget spend-down, data tracking, and operating plans for grant-funded programs.
• Manage program budgets and reporting data to ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance with grant and organizational requirements.
• Prioritize data integrity by establishing and maintaining effective tracking systems and documentation processes for workforce and transition outcomes.
• Support the development of grant proposals and contribute programmatic insights to funding opportunities.

Program Strategy & Evaluation:

• Collaborate with Programs Department leadership to develop annual program budgets and strategic priorities.
• Design and implement evaluation methods to assess program outcomes, strengths, and opportunities for improvement, including pre- and post-assessments.
• Maintain awareness of construction industry workforce trends and identify opportunities for new program development or expansion.
• Serve as a strategic partner and thought leader to the Senior Director of Innovation and Impact on workforce trends, program innovation, and relationship development.

Partnerships, Outreach, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders, including employers, unions, training providers, and community partners.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to create outreach and marketing strategies that expand program pipelines and strengthen stakeholder engagement.
• Integrate workforce programs with HACIA membership initiatives, policies, and operations to maximize the organization’s industry and business network.

Participant Success & Workforce Transition

• Identify and coordinate wraparound and supportive services that help participants overcome barriers to program completion and employment.
• Oversee participant transition goals and support the workforce team in developing and implementing job placement and career transition strategies.

Team Leadership and Organizational Collaboration

• Train, mentor, and support workforce program staff on program coordination, compliance requirements, and service delivery.
• Support the hiring and onboarding of new staff, while fostering professional development and effective delegation within the team.
• Collaborate closely with programs, membership, and senior leadership teams to advance organizational priorities and program success.

Qualifications and Skills :

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; and more than four years related experience in direct management of multiple workforce training programs. More than 6 years of experience in direct management of multiple-grant funded workforce development programming will be prioritized.
• More than 3 years of experience in managing more than one person; skilled at developing a team and guiding a team to achieve excellence. Strong ability to delegate tasks, lead by example, and adept at capturing and understanding directives with the ability to lead the team to follow.
• Excellent writing skills. Read and interpret documents such as grant proposals, policies, and procedure manuals. Write routine reports and correspondence. Speak effectively before groups of customers or employees with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Self-directed, organized, and innovative with a well-developed sense of customer service and professionalism.
• Sensitivity and ability to work with socially and ethnically diverse communities.
• Highly developed analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Compassionate, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and tact.
• Excellent independent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks within deadlines.
• Ability to travel to various networking, outreach and event locations.
• Must be able to work independently (as well as on a team) and prioritize in a multi-tasked fast-paced environment

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

Equal Opportunity Employer

KO Business Solutions is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws

Job type: Direct Hire

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Rate of Pay: $80,000-$87,000