Associate Director of Training and Workforce Initiatives

United Way of South Central Michigan•Kalamazoo, MI

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Training and Workforce Initiatives leads programs and initiatives that amplify the ALICE report and support workers and employers in improving employee conditions, with a focus on the ALICE workforce. Working closely with the Senior Director of Strategy & Culture, this role leads the United For ALICE at Work program, supports public policy and advocacy work, and serves as UWSCMI’s staff lead and internal expert on the ALICE report. The position works across departments and with community partners to equip staff and community members with ALICE knowledge, data, and programming. The role provides comprehensive, largely independent leadership for the ALICE at Work program, including program planning and outcomes, employer navigation support, participant progress tracking, internal processes, marketing and awareness efforts, partnerships, and liaison work with the national ALICE at Work team. It facilitates the six-module course in virtual, in-person, and hybrid settings, supports curriculum readiness and continuous improvement, and collaborates on revenue generation and grant prospecting. As UWSCMI’s ALICE report lead, the Associate Director reviews and synthesizes the annual report, develops localized materials and messaging, delivers staff training, and supports presentations and community outreach. The role also collaborates on public policy messaging, identifies gaps in systems and resources for workers, develops solutions with partners, and coordinates public policy and advocacy events. This is a grant-funded regional position based in the Kalamazoo office. Work may be fully in person or hybrid, with at least three days per week in the office. Grant funding is secured for two years, with the possibility of renewal. Occasional travel within UWSCMI’s six-county footprint is required. The role may occasionally require work outside normal business hours.

Requirements

Prior experience delivering workforce development programs, training and education modules, human resources and talent development and retention education, policy and advocacy work, or program leadership and management; formal education may supplement or substitute for experience.
Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and ability to apply anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles in the workplace and community.
Ability to work with a broad range of community organizations and populations, with a focus on creating access for historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.
Complete the United For ALICE at Work train-the-trainer program within the specified timeline after hire.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate engaging group discussions in person and virtually.
Skill in facilitating conversations, particularly about equity, diversity, inclusion, and leadership effectiveness.
Ability to develop and sustain productive professional relationships with community stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to build trust, relationships, and collaborate with people from marginalized and underrepresented communities.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Adobe Pro.
Proficient knowledge of Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Highly effective project planning and project management skills.
Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise discretion.
Ability to work successfully in a remote environment with private office space and high-speed internet.
Successful completion of a criminal background check and Motor Vehicle Records check.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods; frequent sitting, standing, and walking; occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Facilitation certification and/or academic coursework in facilitation.
A bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, social work, nonprofit management, public policy, or a related field may supplement or substitute for relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Contribute to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organizational culture, centering people in organizational solutions, processes, and functions.
Center the needs and interests of marginalized workers, particularly ALICE households and groups disproportionately represented among ALICE, when working with partners and staff.
Lead all stages of the United For ALICE at Work program, including co-developing funding proposals, goals, and outcomes; supporting participating employers; tracking progress; managing internal processes; supporting marketing and awareness; building relationships; and serving as primary liaison to the national ALICE at Work team.
Support expansion and enhancement of ALICE-related projects and programs, including ALICE at Work.
Represent UWSCMI in economic and workforce development.
Facilitate the six-module ALICE at Work course in virtual, in-person, and hybrid settings, using engagement tools as needed.
Coordinate course preparation and debriefing with the national ALICE at Work team and support data-sharing efforts.
Collaborate with the national United For ALICE at Work network to review course materials and performance for continuous improvement.
Partner with UWSCMI’s Resource Development and Community Impact teams to build relationships with local employers and other partners.
Maintain relationships with participating employers, ensure employer needs are met, and work with participants to identify workforce solutions centered on employee needs.
Support revenue generation and grant prospecting with local, regional, and national funders for ALICE Special Projects.
Lead review and synthesis of the annual ALICE report and development of localized materials with Marketing and Communications.
Serve as UWSCMI staff lead on the ALICE report, attend relevant meetings and conferences, and serve as an ambassador on volunteer committees and collaboratives as needed.
Lead ALICE presentations and community outreach, coordinate across departments to amplify messaging, update report materials, and support creation of key messaging and educational materials.
Develop and administer staff trainings so UWSCMI staff can provide community education and outreach about the ALICE report.
Develop ALICE report messaging with the Director of Community Impact for Policy for elected officials, constituents, and community groups, with the aim of improving conditions for regional workers, especially those within the ALICE threshold.
Identify gaps in systems and resources for workers and develop solutions in partnership with others.
Build collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to leverage resources, capacity, and strengths in advancing public policy priorities.
Coordinate and support planning and execution of public policy and advocacy events and convenings, including ALICE Hill Day and Elected Official Luncheons, with the Director of Community Impact for Policy.
Represent UWSCMI at community meetings, conferences, committees, and special events on behalf of the organization.
Serve on local, regional, statewide, and national advisory groups as deemed necessary and beneficial for the program.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Life insurance with an employer-paid benefit of two times annual salary
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
10% employer contribution to the 403(b) retirement plan, deposited monthly, with full vesting after three years of service
20 days Paid Time Off annually
13 days Paid Sick Time annually
5 Paid Volunteer Days annually
3 Floating Holidays annually
11 Paid Holidays annually