Program Manager - Workforce Development

About the role

Building and fostering collaborative and advisory relationships with clients engaged in complex education and workforce development programs. This position ensures SME and partner workforce programs are successful and develops a close, consultative relationship with clients to help them achieve their program goals while highlighting how SME’s services can meet those goals.

The Program Manager – WFD Programs provides clients with advice, resources, industry contacts, and guidance to ensure client needs are met or exceeded by developing and recommending strategies and processes to deliver optimal results. This role mobilizes best practices and innovatively designs comprehensive plans addressing workforce pipeline challenges. Working cross-departmentally, the Program Manager recommends and provides products and services that drive local and national workforce solutions, serving as a dedicated point of contact for strategic service and problem resolution.

This role sits at the intersection of external and internal communications, strategizing program success and managing programs from inception through completion.

Responsibilities

• Serve as part of a team working with senior industry and education leaders on designing programs, proposing solutions, and playing an integral role in pre- and post-sales.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders among partners and clients, resulting in program adoption and expansion.
• Lead highly complex projects and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to realize desired outcomes during the program lifecycle.
• Act as a solutions architect, creating evaluation techniques and metrics to ensure proper evaluation of program outcomes.
• Demonstrate experience in negotiation and goal/objective setting to meet quotas and objectives for program adoption and viability.
• Conduct program performance evaluations using key metrics created with partners and clients to ensure progress toward milestones and satisfaction with results.
• Use collected program data to identify national trends and/or barriers that could help or hinder program expansion, and prepare mitigation recommendations.
• Build an in-depth understanding of the client’s organization, industry, business priorities, and culture to drive program enhancements, new opportunities, and thought leadership.
• Own and drive consistent and positive client engagements, project managing the complete engagement cycle.
• Keep clients updated on program progress, predictions, and potential issues through scheduled correspondence and monthly/quarterly reports.
• Strategize with senior leadership using program insights to improve SME’s support of the industry through program modifications, new products/services, and partnerships.
• Collaborate with internal teams to address clients’ needs and requests proactively and innovatively to enhance client retention.
• Partner with internal teams to prepare for and conduct regular client relationship reviews, including product awareness, optimization, and process enhancements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business Administration, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• At least 7 years of client management and/or program experience in education or workforce development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce a plus).
• Client-centric approach with the ability to cultivate strong, positive relationships with clients and partners.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely to build long-term relationships.
• Aptitude for critical thinking, problem-solving, and presenting creative ideas that drive program improvements and SME’s market value.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to work efficiently with cross-functional teams.
• Experience tracking client satisfaction and other relevant KPIs.

Skills

• Core Competencies: Communication and Collaboration, Relationship Management, Professionalism and Integrity, Critical Thinking and Decision-Making, Execution, Initiative, Leadership, and Development.
• Job-Specific Competencies: Client and Partner Engagement Strategy, Program Design and Implementation, Project Leadership and Delivery, Data-Driven Evaluation and Insight, Innovation, Adaptability and Continuous Improvement, Business and Industry Acumen, Consultative Influence, Cross-Functional Integration.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment.
• Regular, in-person attendance required.
• Primary office location: Southfield, MI.
• Travel required: 20-25%.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Offers typically fall within this range based on individual qualifications and budget availability. Certain positions may also be eligible for bonus/incentive compensation, subject to role and company policies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company matching.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Additional wellness and work-life balance benefits.

Applicants must reside in the United States and be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. SME is currently unable to hire employees residing in California, Colorado, Oregon, or Washington.