Program Manager, Specialty Workforce Initiatives

Kinexus Group•Benton Harbor, MI

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Manager, Specialty Workforce Initiatives serves as the organization’s subject matter expert for specialized workforce programs and policy initiatives, providing strategic and operational leadership to strengthen program quality, compliance, staff capability, and performance outcomes across the Michigan Works! service delivery system. Programs include Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD), Sector Strategies, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), National Farm Workers Jobs Program (NFJP), Electric Vehicle Jobs Academy (EVJA) and other workforce development programs. Through training, coaching, technical assistance, performance monitoring, and operational guidance, this role partners closely with the Workforce Manager and frontline teams to ensure consistent, effective service delivery aligned with local, state, and federal workforce requirements, supporting the long-term goal of attracting, retaining, and developing talent that drives economic growth throughout Southwest Michigan.

Requirements

Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of training and/or experience
Demonstrated knowledge of WIOA programs, workforce development systems and service delivery models.
Experience interpreting and applying local, state and federal policies, regulations and guidance.
Experience developing and facilitating training for adult learners.
Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to interpret performance data and support process improvement initiatives.
Strong interpersonal, written, presentation and verbal communication skills.
Ability to build collaborative relationships and influence cross-functional teams without direct supervisory authority.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, and workforce management/MIS systems.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with curriculum development, instructional design or facilitation.
Experience conducting program reviews, quality assurance activities or compliance monitoring.
Experience interpreting and communicating complex program regulations to diverse audiences.
Experience leading projects, process improvement initiatives or organizational change efforts.

Responsibilities

Serves as the internal subject matter expert for specialized workforce programs
Ensures program implementation aligns with local, state, and federal regulations, guidance, and performance expectations.
Develops, implements, and monitors policies, procedures, and workflows to ensure quality, compliance, and operational consistency.
Analyzes program performance data, trends and outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement and operational effectiveness.
Supports monitoring activities, audits, corrective action responses and program reviews as needed.
Partners with leadership to support strategic workforce initiatives, program innovation and service delivery improvements.
Maintains current knowledge of workforce legislation, policy updates, labor market trends and best practices related to specialized initiatives including PROWD, TAA, NFJP, EVJA and other programming.
Develops and delivers onboarding, technical training and ongoing professional development related to specialized workforce programs, service delivery, and compliance requirements.
Designs and maintains program-specific curriculum, training materials, job aids, process documentation and learning resources to support workforce staff.
Applies adult learning principles, coaching, facilitation and other instructional methods to strengthen staff capability, operational consistency and program effectiveness.
Partners with Workforce Manager and operational leaders to identify training needs, address process gaps and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Provides technical assistance and consultative support regarding eligibility, documentation, case management practices, program implementation and performance expectations.
Facilitates meetings, workshops and cross-functional learning opportunities that support standardized service delivery and workforce program excellence.
Maintains current knowledge of workforce development trends, specialized workforce guidance and best practices related to adult learning and program operations.
Tracks and analyzes program performance, enrollment trends, service outcomes, and workforce data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement
Supports consistency in service delivery and customer experience across Michigan Works! service centers.
Recommends process improvements and operational strategies that enhance efficiency, compliance and participant outcomes.
Collaborates with leadership and operational teams to address performance challenges and implement solutions.
Builds strong collaborative relationships across Workforce, Talent Development, Business Services and partner organizations.
Influences operational excellence through coaching, facilitation, process improvement and subject matter expertise.
Serves as a trusted internal resource regarding specialized workforce program policy interpretation, compliance expectations and program best practices.
Supports a culture focused on accountability, customer service, continuous improvement and workforce impact.
Assists with special projects, initiatives and organizational priorities as assigned.