Associate Director of Training and Workforce Initiatives

United Way of South Central Michigan•Kalamazoo, MI

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Training & Workforce Initiatives, within the People and Culture group, leads initiatives and programs that amplify the ALICE report and support workers and employers in improving employee conditions, with particular emphasis on the ALICE workforce. The position leads United For ALICE at Work, supports public policy and advocacy efforts, and serves as UWSCMI’s staff lead and organizational expert on the ALICE report. The role works across departments and with community partners to build staff knowledge, provide access to ALICE data and programming, and advance workforce solutions that center employees’ needs. The position provides comprehensive, largely independent leadership for the ALICE at Work program, including program strategy, employer navigation and support, participant progress tracking, facilitation of the six-module course, partnerships, marketing and awareness, and coordination with the national ALICE at Work team. It also leads review and synthesis of the annual ALICE report, develops localized materials and staff trainings, supports community outreach and public policy activities, and identifies gaps in systems and resources affecting workers. This is a grant-funded regional position based out of the Kalamazoo office, with the option to work fully in person or hybrid and a minimum of three days per week in the office. Funding is secured for two years, with the possibility of renewal. Occasional travel within UWSCMI’s six-county footprint is required. The role reports to the Senior Director of Strategy & Culture and is full-time and exempt. The minimum annual salary is $65,520.

Requirements

Prior experience delivering workforce development programs, training and education modules, human resources and talent development or retention education, policy and advocacy work, or program leadership and management; relevant formal education may supplement or substitute for experience.
Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with the 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.
Successfully 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 on equity, diversity, inclusion, and leadership effectiveness.
Ability to develop and sustain productive professional relationships with community stakeholders.
Ability to build trust and 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 in front of a computer for extended periods.
Ability to meet the physical demands of frequent sitting, standing, and walking, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work occasional hours outside normal business hours.
Successful completion of a criminal background check and Motor Vehicle Records check.
Ability to work successfully in a remote environment with private office space and high-speed internet.

Nice To Haves

Facilitation certification and/or academic coursework in facilitation.

Responsibilities

Contribute to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organizational culture that centers people in solutions, processes, and functions.
Center the needs and interests of marginalized workers, particularly ALICE households and groups disproportionately represented among ALICE, in work with community partners and staff.
Lead all stages of the ALICE at Work program, including co-developing funding proposals, goals, outcomes, navigation supports, participant progress tracking, internal processes, marketing and awareness efforts, relationship building, and liaison work with the national ALICE at Work team.
Support expansion and enhancement of existing ALICE-related projects and programs.
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 with the national ALICE at Work team to prepare and deliver courses, debrief as needed, and support data sharing.
Review ALICE at Work course materials and performance with the national network to support continuous improvement.
Partner with UWSCMI Resource Development and Community Impact teams to build relationships with local employers and partners.
Maintain relationships with participating employers, address employer-client needs, and work with participants to identify workforce solutions that center employees’ 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 creation of localized materials with Marketing and Communications.
Attend relevant local, state, and national meetings and conferences as UWSCMI’s ALICE report staff lead, and serve on volunteer committees and collaboratives as needed.
Lead ALICE presentations and community outreach, coordinate across departments to amplify messaging, develop and update report materials, and support creation of key messages and educational materials.
Develop and administer trainings to equip UWSCMI staff to provide community education and outreach about the ALICE report.
Develop and promote ALICE report messaging with the Director of Community Impact for Policy for use with elected officials, constituents, and community groups to improve 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 support of 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 to organizations and individuals in the region and serve as an ambassador at community meetings, conferences, committees, special events, and functions.
Serve on local, regional, statewide, and national advisory groups on behalf of UWSCMI when appropriate and beneficial to the program.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Life insurance, including 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 of paid time off annually
13 days of paid sick time annually
5 paid volunteer days annually
3 floating holidays annually
11 paid holidays annually