Torchora
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vocational program manager

title: 'Hiring Now: Dynamic Vocational Program Manager to Empower Careers'
salary: $65,000 - $90,000
categories: [Non-Profit, Social Services, Program Management, Education, Human Resources]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a 'Hiring Now: Dynamic Vocational Program Manager to Empower Careers'.

🎯 Role Definition

As our Vocational Program Manager, you will be the driving force behind our vocational training and employment service programs, from strategic design to successful, on-the-ground implementation. You will be responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and quality assurance of services that empower individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency. This role requires a visionary leader who can manage a dedicated team, cultivate powerful community and employer partnerships, and ensure our participants receive the highest quality training and support needed to thrive in today's competitive job market. You are the architect of opportunity, building pathways to sustainable careers.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Vocational Counselor / Job Developer
  • Workforce Development Program Coordinator
  • Lead Case Manager

Advancement To:

  • Director of Programs / Director of Services
  • Director of Workforce Development
  • Regional Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Grant Manager / Development Director
  • Community Outreach Director
  • Policy Advisor for Workforce Initiatives

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Spearhead the comprehensive management, strategic planning, and daily operational oversight of all vocational training and employment programs, ensuring full alignment with the organization's mission, values, and grant-specific deliverables.
  • Design, implement, and continuously refine innovative, evidence-based curriculum and training modules that are responsive to both participant needs and current labor market demands in key growth sectors.
  • Provide inspirational leadership, direct supervision, and mentorship to a multidisciplinary team of vocational specialists, career counselors, job developers, and administrative staff, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.
  • Develop and manage program budgets with precision, meticulously tracking revenue and expenditures, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and preparing detailed financial reports for stakeholders and funders.
  • Actively identify, cultivate, and maintain strong, strategic relationships with a diverse network of local employers, industry partners, and business associations to create a robust pipeline of internships, apprenticeships, and direct-hire employment opportunities.
  • Oversee all aspects of the participant lifecycle, from intake and assessment to individualized career planning, skills training, job placement, and long-term retention support services.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and program outcomes, utilizing data-driven insights to evaluate program effectiveness, guide strategic decisions, and drive continuous quality improvement.
  • Ensure all program activities and documentation strictly adhere to federal, state, and local regulations, as well as the specific compliance requirements of various funding sources (e.g., WIOA, DOL, foundation grants).
  • Lead grant proposal development and writing efforts in collaboration with the development team, providing critical program data, narrative content, and strategic input to secure new and recurring funding.
  • Champion a client-centered, trauma-informed service delivery model, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that respects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all program participants.
  • Direct the collection, analysis, and reporting of all program-related data, preparing comprehensive and compelling reports for the executive team, board of directors, and external funders.
  • Serve as the primary liaison and relationship manager with government agencies, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders within the workforce development ecosystem.
  • Develop and implement sophisticated participant recruitment and outreach strategies to ensure a steady pipeline of eligible candidates for all vocational programs.
  • Facilitate regular team meetings and case conferences to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, effective communication, and a holistic approach to participant support.
  • Oversee the creation and dissemination of program marketing materials, success stories, and testimonials to enhance program visibility and attract new participants and partners.
  • Resolve complex participant and programmatic challenges with sound judgment, creativity, and a solutions-oriented mindset, ensuring minimal disruption to service delivery.
  • Conduct regular environmental scans and labor market analysis to identify emerging industries and in-demand occupations, adjusting program offerings accordingly to maximize participant success.
  • Coordinate and lead site visits, program audits, and reviews conducted by funders and regulatory bodies, ensuring all documentation and operations are prepared and compliant.
  • Implement and manage program evaluation frameworks, including the use of surveys, focus groups, and participant feedback mechanisms to inform service enhancements.
  • Stay at the forefront of best practices, emerging technologies, and policy changes in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, and adult education, integrating new knowledge into program strategy.

Secondary Functions

  • Represent the organization at community meetings, workforce development boards, and professional conferences to advocate for program participants and build brand visibility.
  • Assist the development team by providing program data, success stories, and testimonials for grant proposals, reports, and marketing materials.
  • Collaborate with other department managers to ensure a holistic and integrated service delivery model for all clients.
  • Participate in agency-wide strategic planning initiatives and contribute to the organization's long-term vision.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Program Development & Management: Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating workforce or social service programs from the ground up.
  • Grant Management & Compliance: Proven ability to manage complex grant requirements, budgets, and reporting for government and private funding.
  • Budgeting & Financial Oversight: Skill in creating and managing program budgets, tracking expenses, and performing financial analysis.
  • Curriculum Design & Facilitation: Experience developing and delivering effective training content for adult learners with diverse needs.
  • Labor Market Analysis: Ability to research and interpret labor market data to inform program strategy and career counseling.
  • Case Management Software: Proficiency with client data management systems such as Salesforce, ETO, Apricot, or similar platforms.
  • Staff Supervision & Performance Management: Demonstrable experience in hiring, training, and leading a team of direct-service professionals.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Competency in collecting, analyzing, and presenting program outcome data to various audiences.

Soft Skills

  • Inspirational Leadership: The ability to motivate, guide, and develop a high-performing and compassionate team.
  • Strategic Partnership & Networking: A natural ability to build and maintain authentic, mutually beneficial relationships with employers and community stakeholders.
  • Exceptional Communication: Superior written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
  • Empathy & Cultural Competency: A deep understanding of and commitment to working effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
  • Advanced Problem-Solving: Proactive and creative in identifying and resolving complex programmatic and interpersonal challenges.
  • Strategic Thinking: The capacity to see the big picture, anticipate future trends, and align daily operations with long-term goals.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and effectively manages competing priorities and ambiguity.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Social Work (MSW)
  • Public Administration (MPA)
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Education or Adult Learning
  • Counseling or Psychology
  • Human Services

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5-7 years of progressive experience in workforce development, career services, or a related social service field.
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in a supervisory or program management role is required.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience working with populations facing significant barriers to employment (e.g., individuals with disabilities, justice-involved individuals, veterans, at-risk youth, long-term unemployed).
  • Proven track record of successful grant writing, funder relations, and meeting or exceeding program performance goals.
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