Career Readiness Program Manager

Description

The Education and Training Team Career Readiness Program Manager Role is a key member of the Education & Training (E&T) Team, and responsible for managing Detroit at Work’s special projects, reporting directly to the Education and Training Director. This role requires a results-oriented professional with a broad depth of knowledge in workforce development, program design, and project execution. The Manager will oversee the coordination and launch of Adult Basic Education (ABE), place-based education, career and technical education (CTE), Pre-apprenticeship and Apprenticeship programming, internal team training/coaching, and event planning.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development & Implementation

• Lead then design, launch, and coordination of ABE, place-based education, and CTE initiatives within the E&T portfolio.
• Support the Detroit at Work Select program/approach, ensuring alignment with citywide workforce strategies and employer demand.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for registered apprenticeship programs, prioritizing sustainability and industry relevance.

Pre-Apprenticeship & Apprenticeship Coordination

• Lead the development, launch, and coordination of pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs with employers, training providers, and industry partners.
• Design and manage participant pathways into high-demand apprenticeship opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, labor unions, educational institutions, and state/federal agencies to expand offerings.
• Ensure all programs meet regulatory and funding requirements and integrate wraparound support to maximize retention and completion.
• Monitor apprenticeship performance metrics and use data to inform program design and scaling.

Race to Talent Event Planning & Execution

• Serve as the lead project manager for planning, coordination, and execution of Detroit at Work’s Race to Talent events, including sector-based  solution summits, panel discussions, and hiring showcases.
• Develop event strategies that strengthen employer engagement, highlight workforce initiatives, and drive participant placement into employment pipelines.
• Oversee logistics, speaker engagement, marketing, panel curation, and partnership outreach.
• Collect and analyze feedback, placement outcomes, and partnership results to inform future event strategy.

Digital Literacy & Innovation

• Provide oversight support and coordination for Digital Literacy Coordinators across Detroit at Work system.
• Develop a comprehensive digital literacy strategy that integrates with ABE, CTE, and career readiness training.
• Apply rapid iteration and execution methods to test and scale program models.
• Conduct program evaluation and produce post-implementation reports to inform continuous improvement.

Partnerships & Engagement

• Collaborate  with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to co-design training programs that reflect labor market needs.
• Represent the E&T division in community, regional, and industry events.
• Serve as a liaison across internal departments to ensure program compliance, alignment with funding requirements, and effective resource deployment.

Research & Knowledge Building

• Conduct ongoing research on workforce development best practices, digital inclusion, and adult learning trends.
• Prepare content, reports, and presentations that position Detroit at Work as a leader in workforce innovation.
• Monitor program outcomes and labor market shifts to guide future programming.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Education, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in education, Workforce Development, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in workforce development, program management, or education/training leadership.
• Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and evaluating workforce programs.
• Experience with ABE, CTE, apprenticeship models, and digital literacy initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale projects, events, and cross-sector collaborations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of workforce development policies, funding streams, and compliance.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including report preparation and presentation delivery.
• Ability to lead through influence and collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Skilled in research, data analysis, and applying findings to improve programs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, digital learning platforms, and workforce technology tools.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with regular local travel for meetings, site visits, and events.
• Must possess a valid State of Michigan driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance; field work is required for this position.
• Occasional evening or weekend work required for special projects or events.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement plan, and paid time off.

Supervisory: Yes 

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000