ACE Workforce Coordinator

Job Title: ACE Workforce Coordinator

Salary range: $70,000-80,000 depending upon qualifications and experience

Location: Hybrid: 90% Remote; 10% In office. Candidates must reside in AL, CO, IN, MI, TN, NC, OH, PA, TX, WV; preferably with one hour of Knoxville, TN

About IACMI

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI – The Composites Institute®, is focused on strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through innovation, workforce development, and advanced materials. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, IACMI brings together nearly 200 industry, academic, and government partners to accelerate advanced manufacturing technologies and develop the next generation of skilled workers. Established in 2015 by the U.S. Department of Energy, IACMI is part of the Manufacturing USA® network of institutes working to secure America’s global leadership in advanced manufacturing. Since 2019, IACMI has scaled up workforce programs for the U.S. Department of War (DoW), formerly Department of Defense. IACMI is supported in part by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program within the Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) office.

Major duties/ Key responsibilities

IACMI - The Composites Institute®, is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented ACE Workforce Coordinator to provide organizational support to the IACMI Workforce Development team. The ideal candidate will be a team player who is tech-savvy, well-organized, and a self-starter who enjoys working on a team focused on impacting the lives of individuals and communities through manufacturing education and training. The candidate will aid in troubleshooting and other supporting correspondence needed for ongoing program success.

The ACE Workforce Coordinator plays a critical role in the execution, expansion, and operational success of the ACE Program. This position reports to the ACE Program Director and is responsible for driving new site acquisition, ensuring the health and sustainability of existing sites, managing site-level contract lifecycles, and maintaining financial accountability. The ACE Workforce Coordinator also contributes to departmental standardization and process improvement to support scalable program growth.

New Site Acquisition & Partnership Development

• Identify, engage, and onboard new ACE program sites
• Lead outreach efforts to establish and strengthen partnerships with:
• Academic institutions (universities, technical colleges)
• Industry partners and manufacturers
• Support strategic expansion aligned with ACE program goals

Existing Site Management & Performance

• Monitor and maintain the overall health, effectiveness, and sustainability of assigned sites
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance site performance
• Serve as the primary point of contact (POC) for site stakeholders
• Identify and address challenges, risks, and opportunities for site enhancement

Site Contract Lifecycle Management

• Support and manage the full lifecycle of site contracts, including onboarding and activation
• Ongoing compliance with program requirements
• Alignment with milestones and deliverables
• Own and ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of site reporting

Program Execution & Process Management

• Utilize structured program management tools (e.g., Monday.com or similar platforms) to track site onboarding and execution workflows
• Continuously seek to improve process efficiency, transparency, and throughput while contributing to the development and implementation of standardized processes, tools, and documentation

Financial Management & Budget Accountability

• Manage site-level budgets, including allocation tracking and financial performance
• Support financial planning and reporting efforts, including monitoring and ensuring accurate spend-down rates
• Contribute to improving contractual clarity and financial accountability across sites

Departmental Support & Standardization

• Support the development and maintenance of department-wide standards and best practices
• Contribute to role clarity, accountability structures, and scalable operational processes
• Assist in strengthening overall program structure and execution consistence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in business, workforce development, or closely aligned field
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment supporting CSS/IACMI workforce team as needed
• Self-starter with problem-solving abilities and able to follow directives and budget considerations
• Effective written and oral communication skills for stakeholder engagement
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products: Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Familiarity and experience with communication platforms such as MS Teams, and Zoom, including setting up and leading meetings and webinars. Ability to learn new software as needed.
• Valid US driver’s license required with an ability to drive to meetings and events in the regional area
• Must be able to move around freely, lift to 25 pounds, sit or stand for moderate periods of time, and travel at up to 10% of time with some overnight stays
• Willingness to work flexible, varied hours, including evenings and weekends as needed
• Eligible candidates must reside in AL, CO, MI, OH, TN, IN, FL, WV, NC, PA

Preferred

• Experience in manufacturing, workforce development, or education partnerships
• Familiarity with contract management and budget tracking
• Experience with CRM or project management platforms (e.g., Monday.com)
• Residing within one hour of Knoxville, TN

Benefits

• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities and training programs
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
• Annual AAA Roadside Assistance membership provided