Workforce Project Growth Manager

Position Title: Workforce Program Growth Manager

Reports to: Director of Workforce and Education

Anticipated salary range: $80,000 to $110,000 per year, based on experience, qualifications, and overall ability to fulfill responsibilities of the position.

LOCATION

Hybrid, Remote, 30% travel. Eligible candidates may reside in TN, MI, OH, IN, FL, WV, NC, TX, PA

DESCRIPTION

IACMI - The Composites Institute®, is seeking an experienced and driven Workforce Project Growth Manager to provide leadership across its workforce development portfolio, with primary responsibility for managing current program advancements and new proposal development by interfacing with program sponsors and staff.

The Workforce Program Growth Manager at IACMI – The Composites Institute® plays a pivotal role in advancing the growth, impact, and long‑term success of IACMI’s current and future workforce development initiatives. This position of the Workforce Project Growth Manager is supporting program alignment and planning to meet national needs. Working closely with the Director of Education and Workforce, this role helps guide direction, pre-planning and quality. The position enhances program effectiveness and identifies opportunities to grow existing programs and start new ones. The position will organize programs that increase innovation, partnerships, and scale. The position focuses on expanding program reach, strengthening sponsor relationships, and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and the workforce's future sustainment.

Key responsibilities of the Workforce Project Growth Manager include supporting the Director with program alignment, strategic planning, and workforce development initiatives to meet national priorities and emerging industry needs. Working closely under the direction of the Director of Education and Workforce, this role helps guide existing and new program development, direction, quality, and continuous improvement. The manager will develop regular updates in coordination with federal partners and stakeholders. The position is responsible for preparing and analyzing workforce reports, future program options, and viability in coordination with all IACMI departments. Additionally, the Workforce Project Growth Manager identifies opportunities to strengthen and expand existing programs, develop new initiatives, and plan for potential funding and award opportunities with regular coordination with the entire IACMI team. This role also leads the organization of programs and partnerships that foster innovation, increase collaboration, and support scalable, sustainable growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support coordination with sponsors for advancement of IACMI’s workforce development strategy and priorities.
• Provide guidance and support to the ACE and METAL Program Directors to ensure strong execution, accountability, and alignment across both programs.
• Develop stakeholder ideas into proposal options and share with finance and PACT as future options.
• Elevate risks, challenges, and decision points to the Director of Education and Workforce with clear recommendations and proposed paths forward.
• Build positive relationships with stakeholders and IACMI team members.
• Communicate closely with other IACMI departments to support DoW and other stakeholder proposals and programs.
• Engage with government, industry, academic, and internal stakeholders to strengthen relationships, support execution, and help position IACMI for future opportunities.
• Compile, build, write and update proposals for IACMI team review and input.
• Exhibit proven integrity and professionalism in decision-making and conduct.
• Assist in shaping the vision for current workforce programs while contributing to the development of new initiatives, partnerships, and strategic growth opportunities.
• Work with stakeholders and IACMI teams to build and enhance proposals for submission.
• Deliver presentations, instruction, training, and briefs using technology as needed.
• Lead or support the development of white papers, concept papers, statements of work, strategic briefs, and proposals tied to current and future workforce development efforts.
• Implement, develop, and track metrics to support sponsor value propositions and program-driven results.
• Represent IACMI in meetings, presentations, and strategic discussions related to workforce development initiatives.
• Take initiative to capture, execute, and build out planning for new awards and opportunities.
• Contribute to the long-term sustainability, growth, and strategic positioning of IACMI’s workforce portfolio.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, workforce development, education, engineering, manufacturing, project management, or related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of experience in workforce development, program leadership, advanced manufacturing knowledge, education partnerships, defense programs, or related fields.
• Experience with DoW training, workforce development, and/or program leadership.
• Proven experience in organizing projects, motivating employees, and working with multiple stakeholders to develop and enhance proposals.
• Experience in proposal writing, planning and building team input into a white paper or proposal response.
• Experience in composites, materials machining, and manufacturing preferred.
• Project or program management professional qualifications and documented experience.
• Ability to prioritize and track multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proven ability in a position of leadership with both direct and indirect reports.

ABOUT IACMI

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI–The Composites Institute®, is focused on securing U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology. IACMI is a 180-plus member community of industry, academic institutions, and government organizations designed to enhance competitiveness in U.S. manufacturing with a focus on meeting the needs of the private industry sector. Established in 2015 by the Department of Energy, IACMI is one of 17 Manufacturing USA Institutes collaborating to accelerate new technology, create new products, reduce cost and risk, and enable the manufacturing workforce with the skills of the future. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, IACMI is managed by the Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation, a not-for-profit organization established by The University of Tennessee Research Foundation.

IACMI has built a national reputation as a leader in U.S. workforce development, education, and training across advanced manufacturing industries. Workforce programmatic themes include, but are not limited to, advanced composites manufacturing and processes, machine tool technology, including CNC machining, cybersecurity for industrial applications, additive manufacturing, and metals-related training areas such as casting, forging, plate rolling, metallurgy, and production-focused skilled trades. IACMI’s workforce portfolio also includes internships, apprenticeships, employer-connected training pathways, and K-12 career awareness and skill-building programs designed to strengthen the future manufacturing talent pipeline. Our continued growth and success have led to the search for a new team member.