Workforce Development Program Manager I

Department: Trager Institute • Location: Health Sciences Center • Full-time regular position

About the role

The Trager Institute is seeking a Workforce Development Program Manager I to bridge the gap between Community Health Worker (CHW) certification and sustained rural employment under the Rural Outreach, Opportunity, and Training for Sustainable Workforce (ROOTS) Program. This role cultivates active employer partnerships with rural health systems, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), rural hospitals, and community organizations across AHEC and ADD districts, maintaining a curated inventory of rural CHW employment opportunities. The position provides individualized employment preparation support to CHW Tier 1 training completers, including resume development, interview coaching, and role matching. Close communication with grant leadership, trainees, and state leadership is required to ensure compliance with funder expectations and guidelines. This position is grant-funded; continued employment is contingent upon funding availability.

Responsibilities

• Manage, plan, and coordinate employment preparation initiatives in tandem with grant programming.
• Lead and manage employer partnerships with rural health systems, FQHCs, rural hospitals, and community organizations.
• Develop and implement grant-related activities to meet program goals.
• Update Trager executive staff on grant progress and meet required reporting deadlines.
• Occasional travel and weekend work may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and four (4) years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expert-level experience with technology, including troubleshooting during remote trainings.
• Knowledge of rural communities, their needs, and the rural health systems that serve them.
• Strong organizational, task-oriented, and detail-focused skills.
• Excellent teamwork, leadership, and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to delegate, follow up, and ensure timely completion of duties.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build effective relationships.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate strategies and recommend adjustments.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues, community members, and the Trager team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous work experience on grants.
• Experience in community health work and knowledge of rural community resources and services.
• Experience with professional teams and healthcare settings, including grant implementation and evaluation.
• Experience developing individualized learning plans and providing career readiness support.

Pay

Target compensation range: $48,225 – $72,389, commensurate with candidate experience.