Program Manager

West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology • Grand Rapids, MI

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager, Workforce Development, manages Workforce Development initiatives at WMCAT, including leading all aspects of the Step Year at WMCAT program. This includes recruiting participants, coordinating activities, implementing the established curriculum, planning and facilitating classes, and connecting students with community resources. The position also provides holistic support to Adult Career Training Program participants, manages community partnerships, contributes to systems-level work, and offers direct support to students and alumni. The role supports recruitment and retention for other Workforce Development programs as needed.

The ideal candidate has experience supporting people as they navigate educational and career pathways and understands barriers that can affect their success. Knowledge of Kent County community resources and support systems—or the ability to identify, navigate, and build relationships with them—is essential. The Program Manager connects participants with services addressing needs such as housing, transportation, childcare, food security, and financial stability. The role requires an understanding of systemic inequities, a commitment to building trusting relationships, and the ability to advocate for participants as they pursue personal, educational, and professional goals.

This is a full-time, in-person position at WMCAT in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The candidate should be comfortable working in person and have consistent personal transportation. WMCAT's regular public office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some evenings and weekends may be required for events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or graduate degree is listed among preferred experiences and skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well with a variety of people in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and a desire to maximize efficiency.
• Ability to work independently, show initiative, and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Comfort working in person in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• Consistent personal transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience connecting students to post-secondary opportunities.
• Experience with resource navigation or case management.
• Experience working through the complexities and impacts of systemic inequities.
• Experience working in a nonprofit setting.
• Experience working in diverse communities to build partnerships and make connections.
• Bachelor's degree or graduate degree.
• Ability to engage learners in non-traditional classroom settings.
• Experience facilitating diverse groups.
• Experience with curriculum development.
• Experience navigating MI Bridges systems is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain knowledge of Kent County community resources, services, and support systems that address barriers to student success.
• Build and sustain relationships with community organizations and service providers to connect students with support for their personal, educational, and professional goals.
• Participate in systems-level work and initiatives intended to drive systemic change for students and families.
• Champion the student support process and help ensure student needs are met.
• Manage WMCAT's relationships with external support systems, including DHHS and the on-site Arbor Circle therapist.
• Act as a liaison between students and internal and external support systems.
• Maintain contact with program alumni, check in, offer support, and assist with next steps and transitions.
• Lead the day-to-day planning, coordination, and implementation of Step Year in alignment with program goals and curriculum.
• Coordinate with the Director of Workforce Development to identify Step Year partnership opportunities and modify curriculum as needed.
• Document findings and recommendations for internal use and reporting.
• Facilitate engaging content that supports adults on a structured personal leadership development journey.
• Help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to explore and navigate post-secondary opportunities, career pathways, and other opportunities aligned with their goals.
• Lead and support recruitment and retention efforts for Step Year and Adult Career Training programs.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records in Salesforce, including participation, support services, referrals, follow-up activities, and outcomes.
• Maintain commitment to WMCAT's mission and vision, contribute to a culture of inclusivity and equity, and pursue professional growth and learning.
• Represent WMCAT at occasional designated events, which may occur outside standard scheduled hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 15 days of paid time off.
• 15 paid holidays.
• Birthday day off.
• Half-day Fridays during the summer.
• Simple IRA with employer match of up to 3%.
• Health care plan covering medical, dental, and vision, with an average of 65% of premiums paid by the employer.
• Life insurance, including basic, voluntary, and AD&D coverage.
• Paid family leave.
• Professional development and opportunities for personal growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed