Co-Lab Manager

Amherst H Wilder Founda•St. Paul, MN

6d•$78,000 - $86,000

About The Position

Saint Paul Promise (SPP) advances life-long learning through a cradle-to-career approach. We partner with schools, higher education institutions, employers, and community organizations to promote equitable college access, career readiness, and postsecondary success for young people and families. The Co-Lab Manager leads the strategy, design, and execution of Co-Lab, a workforce innovation hub connecting young adults to hands-on career experiences, supportive resources, and employer networks. This role ensures fidelity to the Co-Lab model—grounded in co-creation with young adults, continuous improvement through participant feedback, and responsiveness to workforce and employer needs. The Manager provides strategic leadership while overseeing day-to-day operations, staff supervision, partnerships, evaluation, and resource development. The ideal candidate is a systems-level thinker who is equally comfortable leading strategy, managing relationships, and executing high-quality programming.

Requirements

7+ years of experience leading workforce, education, or community-based programs
Strong track record of managing teams, contractors, and cross-functional partners
Demonstrated success in fundraising, partnership development, and program evaluation
Skilled at communicating effectively with diverse audiences—including funders, employers, and young adults
Deep understanding of workforce development and career readiness systems
Ability to translate strategy into operational excellence
Experience overseeing complex projects and people
Commitment to trauma-informed leadership and inclusive program design
Capacity to create environments where participants, partners, and staff feel supported, respected, and empowered to succeed

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the Frogtown, Rondo, and Summit-University neighborhoods and Saint Paul Public Schools is strongly valued.

Responsibilities

Leads the strategy, design, and execution of Co-Lab
Ensures fidelity to the Co-Lab model
Provides strategic leadership while overseeing day-to-day operations, staff supervision, partnerships, evaluation, and resource development

Benefits

health
dental
employer-matched 401(k)
PTO
paid family, medical and caregiver leave
life insurance
disability insurance
flexible spending accounts
employee wellness programs
professional development opportunities, including development funding, tuition discounts, and training
access to Wilder's employee resource groups, and other opportunities available to all employees
Eligible federal loans may also qualify for deferment through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).