Project Lead, Professional Academies

Job Description

The Project Lead will support the Professional Academies Department, assisting with the operations and processing of industry‑specific programs, including the CDL (Commercial Driver's License) training program. This role will coordinate cash and grant‑based projects, ensuring that training goals and objectives are met within prescribed timelines. The Project Lead will be responsible for managing program documentation, reporting on training progress, and providing operational support for training activities, including open enrollment and continuing education programs related to Professional Academies.

Essential Functions

• Program Coordination & Planning: Review training goals and objectives, establish timelines, staffing needs, and budget allocations to ensure program success and growth.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare and submit reports and required documents to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accurate and timely submission of participant records, billing information, and necessary forms.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a point of contact for trainers, program administrators, regulatory agencies, and industry partners to support delivery of Professional Academies.
• Training Support: In collaboration with the Manager, Professional Academies, coordinate and manage training resources, ensuring vehicles, equipment, and facilities are maintained and properly allocated.
• Multitasking & Organization: Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, including scheduling, tracking progress, and coordinating logistics while ensuring timely completion.
• Data Analysis & Visualization: Utilize analysis and visualization tools to track student performance, program outcomes, and regulatory compliance, reporting insights to leadership.
• Program Compliance & Health: Monitor the health of training programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and industry standards.
• Customer Service & Support: Act as a liaison between CDL training programs and employers, industry partners, and regulatory bodies, providing administrative support to maintain strong relationships.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for program enhancements, incorporating feedback and industry trends to drive innovation in CDL training processes.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or some college coursework.
• Two years of project management experience, preferably in the post‑secondary sector.
• Two years of experience with supplemental higher‑education funding sources.
• Project management, multi‑tasking, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in financial management principles and effective resource allocation.
• Experience in non‑credit course/curriculum development, including practical involvement in developing and implementing credit, non‑credit, and short‑term credit programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• PMP‑related certification preferred.
• Three years of project management experience, preferably within post‑secondary education.
• Three years of experience with supplemental higher‑education funding sources preferred.
• Ability to collect and analyze data and metrics to measure the impact of external and community engagement efforts.
• Ability to prepare reports and presentations for leadership, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, except where a specific degree is required to meet accreditation, licensure, or other regulatory obligations.

Core Competencies

• Stakeholder Engagement – builds and maintains effective relationships at all levels.
• Self‑Motivated – proactive initiative, strong work ethic, and ownership of tasks.
• Persuasive, high‑energy, initiative‑taking self‑starter.
• Collaboration – strong aptitude for cross‑departmental teamwork.
• Problem‑Solving – identifies, analyzes, and resolves challenges with critical thinking.
• Customer Service and Teamwork – commitment demonstrated through proactive engagement.
• Adaptability and Flexibility – adjusts to changing priorities and works in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ethical Conduct – upholds integrity and ethical standards in all activities.

Pay

Hiring range: $23.60 – $25.96 USD hourly. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant professional experience will be considered.

Schedule

This is a full‑time, 40‑hour per week position classified as salaried, exempt under the FLSA. Flexibility to work outside regular business hours is required as needed. Occasional travel to other office locations and events may be required.

Work Environment

The role is on‑campus and requires physical presence at the assigned campus location as scheduled by the manager. Travel requirements are occasional, and the position may involve working outside regular business hours.