Program Manager - Reentry & Construction

Capital Workforce Partners•Hartford, CT

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about creating second chances and building pathways to meaningful careers? As the Manager of Re-Entry & Construction Programs, you’ll lead a high-impact workforce center that empowers returning citizens and jobseekers to achieve economic mobility. In this pivotal role, you’ll oversee a dynamic team and manage a portfolio of state and federally funded programs—including Best Chance, the Jobs Funnel, and other innovative initiatives—ensuring exceptional service delivery, compliance, and measurable results. You won’t just manage operations—you’ll shape the future of workforce development. As the primary convener of the Second Chance Partnership, you’ll collaborate with community organizations, employers, contractors, and state agencies to strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities in the construction sector. Your leadership will drive continuous improvement, foster innovation, and amplify the reach of programs that transform lives and communities. If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for equity, collaboration, and results, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact while advancing your career in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. “Lead programs that change lives and build futures—be the driving force behind second chances and career success.”

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent professional experience) required in public administration, business, social science or social work, human services, nonprofit management or related field.
Five to seven years of experience in workforce development, re-entry services, human services, community development, or employment & training programs, including experience managing multi-faceted programs or grant portfolios with complex performance, compliance and reporting demands.
Proven experience overseeing staff and leading a service-delivery site or program team.
Demonstrated success managing federal and/or state-funded programs, especially those requiring braided funding, contract management, compliance oversight and data reporting.
Experience producing high-quality written and oral presentations and reports incorporating both data analysis and narrative interpretation for internal and external audiences.
Proven project management aptitude.
Experience with monitoring, compliance, audits, or performance management systems.
Familiarity with the Greater Hartford community.
Full-time, on-site position; standard schedule is five days per week, with occasional flexibility required to support program activities and events.
Fast paced environment, with multiple priorities and frequent deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred (MPA, MBA, MSW, M.Ed., or related), or equivalent senior level experience in workforce development, re-entry services, human services, or program administration.
Familiarity with the construction industry preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of the customer-facing Best Chance office.
Ensure daily coverage and manage schedules and weekly workflow.
Manage facility-related issues and safety protocols.
Maintain standard operating procedures consistent with CWP policies.
Monitor daily customer flow, service levels and ensure high-quality customer experience.
Coordinate and oversee the implementation of all re-entry and construction programs to ensure successful attainment of all enrollment and performance goals.
Manage and oversee the outreach, recruitment, and communications efforts of all related programs.
Coordinate efforts of the contractual service providers and identify opportunities for continual improvement.
Report regularly on program results using ETO and CTHires.
Ensure strong financial management and accurate reporting in collaboration with the CWP Finance team.
Develop linkages and partnerships among stakeholders and key constituencies to further success.
Develop contract scopes of service, negotiate contract budgets, and develop and execute contacts.
Identify and assess new service providers to increase capacity for construction sector initiatives.
Develop and issue monthly and quarterly reports to supervisor as needed.
Provide technical assistance and support to service providers as needed to ensure continuous improvement of service delivery, compliance with contract requirements and achievement of performance goals.
Conduct site visits to service providers to assess capacity and technical assistance needs.
Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local grant requirements and maintain audit readiness for all programs
Identify opportunities to strengthen and expand re-entry and construction workforce initiative through partnership growth and continuous improvement efforts
Maintain strong and collaborative relationships with community partners, employers and training providers
Coordinate and convene the regional Second Chance Partnership to ensure continued collaboration and alignment.
Represent CWP in partner meetings and in public forums, acting as the primary point of contact for Second Chance initiatives.
Coordinate program-related events including graduation ceremonies, round-table discussions and press-releases.
Support outreach materials and messaging.
Provide direct supervision to staff, including performance evaluation, foal-setting and ongoing coaching.
Serve as positive, dynamic role model displaying strong work ethic, creative problem-solving skills, positive attitude, and team oriented/proactive approach.
Support and champion CWP core values (supportive, creativity, diversity, positive attitude, collaborative, transparency, trustworthy)
Lead employees using performance management process that provides overall context and framework to encourage employee contribution; includes goal setting, feedback, and performance development planning. Empower direct reports to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
Provide Effective performance feedback with the assistance of Human Resources, when necessary.