Manager, Workforce Partnerships

Women Building Futures Society • Edmonton, AB

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Women Building Futures (WBF) is a non-profit organization that empowers women to become economically prosperous through industry recognized training. WBF is building an inclusive culture that encourages, uplifts, and celebrates diversity of our employees and the communities we serve. WBF is committed to workplace inclusion based on values of Integrity, Health & Safety, Courage, and Compassion. Career opportunities with WBF are open to all genders. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. Women Building Futures is built on partnerships. Our impact, and our ability to create lasting change, comes from working shoulder to shoulder with employers and industry leaders across Alberta who hire our graduates and support our programs. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that we are hiring a Workforce Partnership Manager. We’re seeking someone with strong skilled trades networks who is passionate about advancing women. Somebody known for being personable, organized, and effective in building trusted relationships. This role will play a key leadership function at WBF, stewarding relationships with our current partners while growing new partnerships with Alberta‑based employers committed to advancing women into skilled trades careers. The focus is expanding access to well‑paid, in‑demand, AI‑resilient careers while simultaneously strengthening the talent pipeline for our partners.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of account management, business development, and consultative sales practices, with the ability to build and sustain long-term, values-aligned partnerships.
• Knowledge of workforce development, labour market dynamics, and employer engagement, ideally within the trades, construction, or related sectors.
• Familiarity with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and their application in workforce and industry settings.
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder-engagement skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and represent the organization professionally at all levels.
• Strong leadership and people-management abilities, including coaching, performance management, conflict resolution, and fostering a collaborative team culture
• Experience with strategic and operational planning, including setting KPIs, tracking performance metrics, and evaluating ROI.
• Skill in developing and managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and preparing performance reports.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge or similar), data management, and using insights to inform decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create compelling proposals, presentations, and sales materials tailored to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute complex initiatives involving multiple internal and external partners.
• Ability to design and refine policies and procedures that support consistent, high quality partner engagement.
• Confidence in public speaking and representing the organization at events, conferences, and industry gatherings.
• Ability to work cross-functionally, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain momentum during periods of organizational growth and transformation.
• Commitment to inclusive practices and the ability to model WBF’s values in all interactions.
• Ability to travel within the province for meetings, events, and partnership activities.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in business development
• Experience in team development, coaching and leadership
• Experience working with community social organizations
• Related postsecondary education (Degree or Diploma) in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or related field
• Evidence of ongoing learning in a related field (HR, coaching, facilitation, teaching etc.)
• Experience with information management, data collection and analytics.
• Proficiency with donor database management and CRM systems (e.g. Raisers Edge)
• Grant writing and foundation relations experience

Responsibilities

• Provide information, advice and recommendations to the Director, External Relations and Development, to support the development of Business and Strategic Plans, including supporting goals and metrics, related to workforce partnerships
• Clear and productive track record for managing people, including experience in performance management, supporting motivation, fostering innovation, and dealing with uncomfortable discussions
• Recruit, hire and onboard staff; develop and maintain related job descriptions as required
• Establish goals and accountable measures for team members based on WBF strategic and business plans
• Implement & foster processes to maintain strong cross-functional communication across WBF.
• Build and sustain strong relationships to identify opportunities for workforce-aligned employment partnerships.
• Identify and steward sustainable partnerships for year-over-year industry-sponsored programs.
• Use consultative sales methods to understand employer priorities, tailor partnership solutions, and strengthen long-term engagement.
• Build and maintain a strategic pipeline of prospects, track progress against goals and ROI metrics
• Lead the development of proposals, programs, and performance outcomes for fee-for-service workforce partnerships, working collaboratively with the Client Operations Department to ensure alignment and impact.
• Collaborate with the Workforce Inclusion team to nurture and expand a community of Employers of Choice - organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to workforce diversity and engage in the WBF ecosystem as guest speakers, employers of WBF graduates and alumni, and connectors to broader industry opportunities.
• Partner with the Development team to advance industry-sponsored initiatives that align with WBF’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Represent WBF across the province at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities that support organizational goals and strengthen WBF’s presence and influence.
• Create and deliver compelling, audience-focused presentations that position WBF as a strategic and trusted community partner.
• Support the Director, External Relations and Development in drafting a divisional Operating plan, and lead the development of subsequent project plans, to support the broader WBF Strategic Plan. This includes creating and tracking clear KPIs and performance metrics.
• Develop annual budgets, monitor spending against targets in collaboration with Director, External Relations and Development
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports on workforce partnership performance
• Ensure timely and consistent data management
• Develop, implement, and maintain a partnership-centered engagement strategy that advances WBF’s mission and supports long-term industry relationships.
• Lead the creation of compelling sales materials - including pitch decks, proposals, and related assets - that effectively communicate WBF’s value to partners.
• Design policies and procedures that enhance and standardize external facing interactions, ensuring a consistent and professional partner experience.
• Manage and improve the organizations’ partnership database and CRM (including Raiser’s Edge), track relevant metrics, workforce engagement, and partnership solicitation
• Keep abreast of trends related two diversity in the trades

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement
• Paid Time off and Benefit Package including Health and Dental Benefits and RRSP contributions
• Competitive Salary
• And your birthday off, just for fun!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree