Workforce Programs Manager

Department: Education & Workforce Development

Reports to: Director of Education & Workforce Development

Classification: Exempt, Full-time

Salary: $55,000 - $69,000 (annually, commensurate with education and experience)

COVID-19 Requirements: All employees must have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series that has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or by the World Health Organization (WHO) before beginning work.

SCOPE OF WORK: The Urban League of Portland Workforce Manager will be responsible for implementing and managing a comprehensive green careers workforce, small business development, and other program that support the empowerment and growth of Black jobseekers and small business owners. The incumbent will build partnerships in the local and national green careers industry, create and act as the primary point of contact for all aspects of a culturally specific green careers employment program. The position requires strong management and supervision skills, interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills, knowledge of green careers, partnership development experience, and an interest in helping to empower Black communities. The Manager will provide oversight of the provisions and requirements of the PCEF and other funding, provide reflective supervision to direct service team of 8 (not to exceed10), co-manage the overall needs of the Education and Workforce team, collaborate with all Urban League departments in support of integrated services, acts as representative on the agency’s Leadership Team, and work to secure resources to enhance and expand workforce programming.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partnership

• Identify, develop, maintain, and expand partnerships in the public and private sectors with jobs/careers resource providers, business owners, trainers, vendors, and employers in support of a comprehensive culturally specific program and successful grant applications.
• Attend networking, meet ups, community events, and other events in support of Green Careers Program and overall workforce partnership development.
• Provide oversight periodic partnership appreciation and/or engagement activities
• Work with Development and Leadership to market workforce programs to potential employers and as part of our integrated service model.
• Ensure that partnerships provide viable employment opportunities for work able participants in Urban League of Portland programs.
• Liaison with Urban League leadership to determine alignment of services and facilitate the process on behalf of workforce programs.
• Work closely with identified employers to maximize career opportunities, retention and success or Urban League of Portland program participants.
• Network in the public and private sectors to promote awareness of the Green Careers Program and other workforce programs to enhance and/or expand the programs reputation and partnership portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned.

Programming

• Research and be knowledgeable in workforce best practices, the goals and history of PCEF and other local funders, the racial disparities of climate change impact, national and local Black employment trends, local and national Black small business trends, and other information necessary to implement the UL Green Careers and other workforce programs.
• Lead and monitor all aspects (outline, staffing plan, curriculum, project schedule, budget, collaborative partnerships, employment partners, etc.) of Green Career Program and other workforce programs focused on coaching Urban League participants in to living wage careers and supporting Black small business owners.
• Create, present for internal review, monitor and/or maintain all Green Career and other workforce budgets, applicable reporting, applicable program forms and other documentation.

Supervision

• Conduct recruitments in alignment with staffing plan, onboard, and ensure the success of program staff.
• Manage day-to-day activities of program staff and ensure compliance with program requirements.
• Prepare and ensure compliance with individual staff work plans.
• Monitor attendance, review, and approve all timesheets and leave requests, and ensure overall coverage of all Education and Workforce Programs.
• Prepare and present staff performance reviews.
• Represent Urban League on internal and external education and workforce specific committees, consortiums, program specific meetings and leadership teams.
• Facilitate Education and Workforce Development staff one-on-one meetings, program specific meetings and department meetings.
• Monitor and ensure consistent case management data entry in agency CRM tool. Conduct regular program, file, and case plan audits ensuring a high level of service.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL / ABILITIES:

• Must understand, maintain, and uphold the mission and vision of the Urban League
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Ability to balance competing job requirements while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Ability to understand the business processes and culture of non-profit, private, public, and for-profit partners and clients
• Knowledge and understanding of green business, various business industries and employment trends
• Grant writing knowledge
• Experience provided culturally specific services in the Black/African American community
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; and excellent attention to detail and follow-through
• Flexible approach to connecting and building rapport with participants, staff, leadership and community
• High energy and motivation to help Urban League colleagues, program staff, and participants succeed
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to market Green Careers programming to potential participants and new and existing employer partners.
• Ability to establish rapport and relate sensitively to a multiracial and multicultural group with a wide variety of demographic while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to effectively manage time, resources, and competing deadlines to meet program needs and requirement; and ability to read, analyze and interpret information
• Ability to maintain and prepare reports for management review and participant case file notes
• Availability to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as required
• Ability to present a positive and professional image to clients, staff and community through appropriate dress

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, social science or related field, or equivalent experience - preferred
  • Or five years of progressive experience providing staff and program supervision, climate change, grant writing or in the green careers industry - required
• Minimum of three years’ experience developing partnerships that enhance and/or expand services with an emphasis on culturally specific Black/African American empowerment - strongly preferred
• Minimum two years of experience providing program/staff supervision - required
• Commitment to and knowledge of social justice issues and the dynamics of social change, the history and mission of the Urban League of Portland, and expertise in present scope of Urban League service and advocacy programs - required
• Knowledge and understanding of structural racism and Anti-Blackness as it relates to employment, education, and the green careers industry – required
• Knowledge of potential green careers experts, businesses, potential partners, resources, educational institutions and trends within the green workforce and contractor industry- preferred
• Excellent communication skills and ability to persuasively present program, department, and agency wide information.
• Experience in planning and conducting training sessions, workshops, and professional presentations
• Knowledge and understanding of the unique strengths and structural oppression of Black/African American students and workers
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability to persuasively present program, department, and agency wide information.

About the Urban League of Portland: Established in 1945, the Urban League of Portland is one of the oldest African American service, civil rights and advocacy organizations in the region. We are part of a network of over 80 National Urban League Affiliates across the country and are recognized as one of the leading voices for African Americans and others in Oregon and Southwest Washington. We are a key coalition-builder amongst other organizations, and work extensively with both traditional and emerging groups, the faith-based community, businesses, and other organizations, including those serving immigrants and refugees. The Urban League of Portland’s mission is to empower African Americans and others to achieve equality in education, employment, health, economic security and quality of life. Our programs include a distinctive blend of direct services, organizing, outreach, and advocacy. We offer workforce services, community health services, summer youth programming, senior services, meaningful civic engagement opportunities, and powerful advocacy.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The Urban League of Portland is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.