Program Manager, Workforce Development

Black Cultural Zone CDC • Oakland, CA

1d • $75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Join the Black Cultural Zone CDC as a Program Manager - Workforce Development! Are you a mission-driven leader with a "startup mindset" and a passion for bridging the gap between untapped talent and evolving industry needs? The Black Cultural Zone Community Development Corporation (BCZ CDC) is seeking a Program Manager - Workforce Development to serve as the strategic architect and operational lead for initiatives that drive economic mobility for current and legacy East Oakland residents. In this role, you will act as a nexus point between community stakeholders, educational partners, and internal leadership to implement high-impact training and apprenticeship programs. You will ensure every participant receives comprehensive support—from initial assessment to long-term career advancement—while maintaining a rigorous focus on measurable outcomes. We are excited to welcome a dynamic leader to our Strategic Management Services (SMS) team who is ready to navigate complex bureaucratic landscapes and demonstrate real-world impact through data-driven strategy. WHAT YOU'LL DO As the Program Manager - Workforce Development, you will manage a team and oversee a diverse portfolio of career training and job placement initiatives to ensure the strategic success of the organization’s economic development goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Business Administration, Education, or a related field (or equivalent lived experience).
• 3-5+ years of progressive experience in workforce development or program management is required.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in tracking KPIs, interpreting labor market data, and using tools like SmartSheet or advanced Excel to demonstrate program impact.
• Proven ability to lead a team within a non-traditional hierarchy and superior communication skills to engage stakeholders from participants to executive leaders.
• Must have the capacity for local travel to partner organizations and employer locations.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as necessary for community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Program Development & Management: Lead the planning and implementation of workforce programs, including apprenticeships and career training, ensuring deep alignment with Black arts, culture, and economics.
• Stakeholder & Partnership Management: Cultivate a robust network of local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to facilitate job placements and employer-led training models.
• Participant Journey & Support: Steward the complete participant experience, removing barriers to employment by coordinating supportive services like childcare, transportation, and coaching.
• Budget, Compliance & Reporting: Monitor program expenditures and ensure meticulous compliance with grantor requirements, including WIOA and federal reporting standards.
• Data-Driven Strategy: Manage tracking systems to monitor success metrics such as credential attainment and job retention at 1, 3, 6, and 12-month intervals to prove program ROI.
• Team Leadership: Lead, train, and guide a team of specialists and coordinators, fostering a high-performing environment grounded in the organization’s values.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager