Program Engagement Manager (Workforce Development)

Brief Description

Responsible for managing SME clients of strategic importance within the education and workforce development market. The individual drives client value, ensuring project success, growth, renewals and overall satisfaction within existing accounts.

Builds and maintains collaborative, advisory relationships with key stakeholders engaged in complex education and workforce initiatives. Serves as the primary point of contact to align SME’s workforce development solutions in the education market with client goals, ensuring programs are executed effectively and deliver measurable impact.

Responsible for identifying new opportunities within existing accounts by understanding client needs, recommending solutions, and fostering lasting relationships with decision makers that lead to program growth and expanded engagement.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with all project stakeholders; serve as the primary liaison to align goals, expectations, and deliverables.
• Lead the planning, implementation and delivery of large-scale workforce development initiatives in the workforce and education market, that involve multiple partners, ensuring programs meet scope, budget and quality standards.
• Translate client workforce priorities into actionable program plans and oversee execution through close coordination with internal teams (e.g. Client Success, Solutions, Marketing, etc)
• Align SME’s suite of offerings to meet client goals for upskilling, reskilling, and talent pipeline development; identify opportunities to integrate additional services or solutions.
• Monitor program performance through data, metrics and feedback loops; development insights and recommendations to enhance outcomes, efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Partner with the sales team to identify and advance new business opportunities within existing accounts; prepare proposals, present tailored solutions, and contribute to renewal and expansion strategies.
• Develop client-specific account strategies that balance growth objectives with long-term relationship stewardship.
• Meet utilization, program adoption, implementation and renewal goals.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of client management and/or program experience in education or workforce development
• Extensive Deep understanding of workforce development landscape, including experience managing industry-led, worker-centric programs with multiple partners across workforce networks
• Proven ability to plan strategically, implement projects effectively, and coordinate across organizations to achieve shared goals.
• Strong communication, relationship management and negotiation skills with the ability to influence and build long-term relationships
• Demonstrated ability to think critically, solve problems, and develop creative solutions that strengthen program outcomes and SME’s value in the market.
• Skilled in leading cross-functional teams to deliver results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and public speaking
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred).
• Experience monitoring client satisfaction and other key performance indicators.
  
  

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Core Competencies:

• Communication and Collaboration
• Relationship Management
• Professionalism and Integrity
• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
• Execution
• Initiative, Leadership, and Development
  
  

Job Competencies:

• Client Relationship Development
• Program and Project Management
• Business and Market Acumen
• Consultative Problem Solving
• Data and Performance Analysis
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal office environment
• Regular, in-person attendance required
• Primary office location: Cleveland, OH
• Travel required (20-25%)
  
  

Summary

POSITION TITLE: Program Engagement Manager (Workforce Development)

DEPARTMENT: Workforce Development

GROUP: Tooling U-SME

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

SME is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants must live in the United States and legally be authorized to work there without sponsorship.

The salary range for this position is $83,000 - 103,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Offers typically fall within this range based on individual qualifications and budget availability. In addition to base salary, SME offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) with company matching, generous paid time off and holidays, professional development and training opportunities, and additional wellness and work-life balance benefits. Certain positions may also be eligible for bonus/incentive compensation, subject to role and company policies.