Workforce Development Program Manager (Youth Services)

About the Position

The Program Manager – Youth Services reports directly to the Chief Programs Officer, works closely with the Leadership Team, and oversees direct reports on the Youth Services team. The Program Manager’s main priorities are split between ensuring that Youth Services goals are achieved in alignment with the company’s strategic plan and serving as a strategic partner on the Leadership Team to continue improving collaboration. This is also a working manager position that will be responsible for their own portfolio of projects as well as have oversight responsibility for a larger group of projects assigned to others.

Job Duties:

• Under the guidance of the Chief Programs Officer, develop and implement strategies for workforce training and skill enhancement investments, for youth/young adults 14-24 years of age, in accordance with the vision of management, the Board, Department of Labor, and other funding sources.

• Manage community-based Career Coaching programs that help youth to identify, pursue and attain career-related goals.

• Manage Worksystems work based training programming including internships, work experience and Learn & Earn activities for both youth and adults.

•  In collaboration with the Chief Program Officer and Program Managers, identify and pursue external partnerships that enhance our services to the community through stronger connections to communities, increased resources and services, improved alignment with public systems, and other means.
• Coordinates resource development for assigned areas.

• Develop systemic relationships with service providers, mandated partners, community organizations, economic developers, business associations, labor, and others to coordinate and enhance available workforce development services.

• Provide project management leadership and oversight including contract and budget development, identification of partner roles and outcomes.

• Support Worksystems organizational development initiatives with staff to ensure a productive, healthy team environment.

• Help to identify system strengths and weaknesses and recommend strategies to ensure continuous quality improvement.

• Ensure that a system is in place of providing technical assistance and training to service providers in various aspects of grant management, planning, and contract management.

• Lead or participate in program procurement processes.

• Participate in the negotiation of contracts for program and other agency services.

• Coordinate research and analysis of program data, labor market information, demographic trends and community needs to improve system quality, development, and performance.

• Represent Worksystems in community forums to strengthen partnerships, advocate for system development/resource needs, and represent WSI and the workforce system.

• Oversee the preparation and dissemination of regular and periodic narrative reports and/or presentations to the Board, HECC-OWI, Department of Labor and various community groups.

• Generate ideas or practices, initiate and incubate opportunities for innovation within the regional workforce development system.

• Provide staff support to the Board or other committees as assigned.

•   Other duties as assigned.

What You Can Expect to Accomplish in the First 6 Months:

• Begin to shadow and train under the current Program Manager – Youth Services beginning in July 2024.
• Attend bi-monthly Leadership Team meetings and contribute to the rollout and launch of our upcoming PY24 July 2024

• Complete Manager “Core” Training through Life Labs Learning and work with the JEDI & HR Manager to onboard into Worksystems-specific management workflows.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Five or more years of experience in the management and administration of work related to workforce development, economic development, program administration, private sector business, and/or community development.

• Knowledge and experience in program design, research methods, and analysis techniques, along with skill in contract development, negotiation, and management.

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing at all levels, making complex material clear and concise to varied audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to:
• Lead and manage complex projects with emphasis on cost, quality, and performance.

• Identify, evaluate, resolve complex project program elements, and recommend solutions or alternative measures.

• Show good judgment in selecting the appropriate methods and procedures for accomplishing project assignments.

• Work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Prepare and make presentations to a variety of audiences.

• Establish and meet designated timelines.

• Work independently and be a team player.

• Actively contribute to a positive work environment

• Be detail oriented, have excellent organizational skills, be able to prioritize, and handle multiple competing tasks.

• Perform research, evaluation, and analysis.

• Show computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Office software and programs.

*A note on qualifications: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. 

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Mostly sedentary work; using standard office equipment including: a computer, keyboard, and telephone. 

• Work environment: Hybrid. Employees are welcome to work-from-home most days but may be called into the downtown office or to a partner site as needed.

• Position requires occasional local travel within the Multnomah and Washington counties and may require optional travel statewide or nationally to attend seminars, conferences, or other meetings.

• Be accessible during standard business hours ~9am - 5pm Pacific Time

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please email [email protected].

Note:  Worksystems employees must live in the state of Oregon or Washington for payroll processing purposes.  Although we operate in a hybrid work environment, proximity to the Portland Metro Area is needed for this role.  Employees may have to attend in-person meetings in the Portland Metro Area.  Sometimes with same-day notice.

Benefits

 Salary & Benefits

• Starting Salary Expectations: $115,000 - $124,000 annually (New hires will generally not exceed this range, based on experience and internal equity).

• Medical (including vision) and dental plans with employer contribution toward monthly premiums.

• 401k plan with up to 6% match, 100% vested at the time of enrollment.

• Generous PTO

• 4 hours of Volunteer Leave per month

• 8 free sessions with mental health providers, unlimited free financial coaching, and 25% legal discounts through Canopy EAP

 Application Timeline: Applications are due Thursday, June 6 at 5pm PT.