Program Manager, Specialty Workforce Initiatives

OUR ORGANIZATION:  
Kinexus Group, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2026 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality. 

OUR TEAM:

The Michigan Works Team is made up of dedicated professionals who work to develop the local workforce and build a talent pipeline to meet current and future needs of employers in the area.  At the same time, we are helping job seekers in our community find sustainable employment.  The One-Stop Team offers a variety of services to job seekers at almost any level, including career coaching, scholarships for classroom training in high demand occupations, and on-the-job training opportunities.  We work closely with the Business Team to connect job seekers to multiple types of employment from entry level work to professional careers.     

OUR DESIRED OUTCOMES:

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.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

The Program Manager, Specialty Workforce Initiatives will provide leadership and expertise to ensure specialized programs operate effectively, consistently and in compliance with all applicable regulations and policies.

Program Leadership & Compliance

• 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.

Training, Technical Assistance & Program Support

• 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.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• 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.

Collaboration & Partnership

• 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.

MINIMUM 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.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 

• 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.  
• Must be willing and able to travel approximately 30% of the time between Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Competitive salary & benefits
• Flexible and open
• Opportunities for development, growth and giving back 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US: 

• A robust onboarding experience to integrate you into our team.
• Team of Teams training in support of the organizational strategies.
• Job training and development to ensure you are established and growing in your role.
• Cross Operational Meetings with your peers.
• Be a part of transformational change in Michigan.

We have unique culture that requires individuals to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE. We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important.

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and/or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.