Workforce Development Programs Manager

KO Business Solutions • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

KO Business Solutions is proud to work with a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to construction advocacy, training, and membership organization, focused on promoting diversity and creating a network of construction leaders with equitable opportunities aimed at transforming communities. They offer training, business capacity, and workforce development programs aimed at strengthening and diversifying the industry. Our client is seeking a Workforce Development Programs Manager: an individual who oversees the management and delivery of HACIA’s workforce development training portfolio, including supportive services and job placement within the construction ecosystem. Working closely with Programs Department leadership, this role manages multiple grant-funded initiatives simultaneously, ensuring strong program implementation, accurate data tracking, and compliance with grant requirements while supporting the organization’s membership-facing workforce initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; and more than four years related experience in direct management of multiple workforce training programs.
• More than 3 years of experience in managing more than one person; skilled at developing a team and guiding a team to achieve excellence.
• Strong ability to delegate tasks, lead by example, and adept at capturing and understanding directives with the ability to lead the team to follow.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Read and interpret documents such as grant proposals, policies, and procedure manuals.
• Write routine reports and correspondence.
• Speak effectively before groups of customers or employees with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Self-directed, organized, and innovative with a well-developed sense of customer service and professionalism.
• Sensitivity and ability to work with socially and ethnically diverse communities.
• Highly developed analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Compassionate, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and tact.
• Excellent independent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks within deadlines.
• Ability to travel to various networking, outreach and event locations.
• Must be able to work independently (as well as on a team) and prioritize in a multi-tasked fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

• More than 6 years of experience in direct management of multiple-grant funded workforce development programming will be prioritized.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day coordination and oversight of workforce development programs, ensuring alignment with program goals, grant requirements, and HACIA policies and compliance standards.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of workforce development programs serving underserved populations, including training in trades, clean energy, green construction, professional services, and other construction-related fields.
• Develop and maintain the annual training program calendar, including timelines for marketing, recruitment, enrollment, program delivery, completion, and participant transition.
• Ensure high-quality programming by monitoring participant engagement and satisfaction, as well as the performance of workforce staff, instructors, and training partners.
• Implement and manage program improvements, interventions, and operational adjustments to ensure program goals and outcomes are achieved while keeping leadership informed.
• Coordinate closely with the Grants Manager to support budget spend-down, data tracking, and operating plans for grant-funded programs.
• Manage program budgets and reporting data to ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance with grant and organizational requirements.
• Prioritize data integrity by establishing and maintaining effective tracking systems and documentation processes for workforce and transition outcomes.
• Support the development of grant proposals and contribute programmatic insights to funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with Programs Department leadership to develop annual program budgets and strategic priorities.
• Design and implement evaluation methods to assess program outcomes, strengths, and opportunities for improvement, including pre- and post-assessments.
• Maintain awareness of construction industry workforce trends and identify opportunities for new program development or expansion.
• Serve as a strategic partner and thought leader to the Senior Director of Innovation and Impact on workforce trends, program innovation, and relationship development.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders, including employers, unions, training providers, and community partners.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to create outreach and marketing strategies that expand program pipelines and strengthen stakeholder engagement.
• Integrate workforce programs with HACIA membership initiatives, policies, and operations to maximize the organization’s industry and business network.
• Identify and coordinate wraparound and supportive services that help participants overcome barriers to program completion and employment.
• Oversee participant transition goals and support the workforce team in developing and implementing job placement and career transition strategies.
• Train, mentor, and support workforce program staff on program coordination, compliance requirements, and service delivery.
• Support the hiring and onboarding of new staff, while fostering professional development and effective delegation within the team.
• Collaborate closely with programs, membership, and senior leadership teams to advance organizational priorities and program success.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

What This Job Offers

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