Manager of Workforce Programs and Pathways

Dominican University•Chicago, IL

2d•$65,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Workforce Programs and Pathways provides leadership and day-to-day management of workforce development programs and coordinates a growing portfolio of dual credit and college pathway initiatives at the Chicago Campus. Reporting to the CEO of the Chicago Campus and working closely with the Executive Director of Academic Affairs, the Manager is responsible for the operational performance of workforce programs, including scheduling, budgets, compliance, data and reporting, and learner success. The Manager ensures programs are effectively implemented, financially sustainable, responsive to workforce needs, and positioned to support continued enrollment and program growth. The Manager also leads the operational coordination of dual credit and college pathway partnerships, collaborating with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, partner schools, and campus staff to establish clear processes for student enrollment, course participation, credit attainment, and transition into Dominican University degree and credential programs. Working closely with the Adult Recruiter, the Manager connects recruitment and enrollment efforts with program capacity, scheduling, learner progression, and program performance. The Manager uses enrollment, completion, workforce, and financial data to identify opportunities to strengthen existing programs, improve learner outcomes, and support the development and growth of workforce and pathway offerings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, education, workforce development, higher education, management, or a related field.
Three or more years of experience in workforce development, continuing education, higher education program management, enrollment operations, dual credit, or a related area.
Experience managing programs, projects, budgets, or complex operational processes.
Demonstrated ability to use data to monitor program performance and inform decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
experience with WIOA or workforce-funded programs
experience with dual credit or dual enrollment
experience with adult learner enrollment and industry-recognized credential programs.

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day operations and performance of workforce certificates, credentials, and training programs.
Use labor-market, enrollment, outcome, and financial data to evaluate program viability and recommend program expansion, modification, or discontinuation.
Manage cohort schedules, instructional needs, and annual workforce program calendars.
Regularly review the recruitment funnel with the Adult Recruiter and identify strategies for programs below enrollment targets.
Manage the transition of learners from application through registration, orientation, program participation, and completion.
Monitor attendance, persistence, certification, and completion and coordinate interventions and academic support as needed.
Support pathways for workforce learners to transition into additional certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or other University programs.
Manage workforce program budgets, revenue, expenses, and financial performance.
Manage relationships and operational processes with WIOA and other workforce funding partners.
Ensure compliance with workforce funding, grant, contract, and reporting requirements.
Develop program budgets and pro forma analyses in partnership with the CEO and Executive Director of Academic Affairs.
Track workforce enrollment, retention, completion, certification, employment, and transition outcomes.
Maintain operational workflows and ensure accurate workforce program records and reporting.
Manage the day-to-day operations of the Chicago Campus dual credit and dual enrollment portfolio in collaboration with the Executive Director of Academic Affairs.
Coordinate with school partners and University departments on student enrollment, registration, scheduling, onboarding, and program logistics.
Maintain timelines and operational processes that support students from initial participation through successful course completion.
Track dual credit enrollment, credit attainment, persistence, and matriculation into Dominican University programs.
Coordinate with Enrollment Management and campus staff to strengthen the transition of dual credit students into Dominican certificate and degree programs.
Support the development and implementation of new dual credit and college pathway partnerships as the portfolio grows.
Serve as an operational liaison with workforce agencies, employers, community organizations, school partners, and training providers.
Coordinate across University departments to ensure workforce and dual credit programs have the necessary instructional, technology, registration, and learner-support resources.
Represent the Chicago Campus at workforce, dual credit, school, and community meetings as appropriate.