Senior Project Manager (Workforce Development)

Company Overview 

Worksystems, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that pursues and invests resources to improve the quality of the workforce and the lives of workers in the city of Portland, and Multnomah and Washington counties. Our mission is to coordinate a regional workforce system that supports individual prosperity and business competitiveness. We are the area’s most effective means of connecting workforce development funding with the community-based organizations best-positioned to make the most out of it. Worksystems brings together good-faith actors – direct-service providers, government agencies, private-sector enterprises, and community nonprofits – to work toward something that makes us all proud: a closer-knit, more prosperous, more equitable metro region. 

Worksystems is committed to promoting and supporting Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all aspects of our internal and external work. JEDI values are embedded across our internal HR policies and practices, as well as a core indicator of success metrics in our Strategic Plan. Our team is dedicated to increasing our individual awareness, creating more equitable and inclusive spaces for our employees, partners, and jobseekers, and combatting systems of oppression.  

About the Position 

This Senior Project Manager reports directly to the WorkSource Services Program Manager and works closely with fellow project managers, the cross-functional SNAP team, and key external partners. Similar to many of our Senior Project Managers, this employee serves as the lead on multiple projects with a particular focus on the SNAP program. The Senior Project Manager’s main priorities are related to contract management, relationship management, training and providing technical assistance, grant oversight and reporting, and complex budget development and monitoring.  

Job Duties:  

• Manage Worksystems annual SNAP 50/50 grant with ODHS. 

• Provide TA and training to workforce service providers related to outcome/service tracking, grant requirements, allowable activities, and program reporting. 

• Develop and submit annual grant application and budget.  Includes submitting significant supporting documentation.   

• Develop and update annual contract Statements of Work for SNAP services. 

• Monitor provider budget spending pace and allowable costs related to SNAP   

• Design, develop and implement workforce development programs, policies and procedures. 

• Develop and manage contracts and budgets.  

• Communicate program/project objectives to a broad range of stakeholders and convene community and industry partners to achieve desired outcomes. 

• Manage relationships with key stakeholders including community colleges, community-based organizations, government agencies, funders, and industry partners.  

• Provide technical assistance to contractors to ensure required performance outcomes are met, monitor budgets, analyze training participant data and develop quarterly reports. 

• Interpret, communicate and implement complex policy and regulatory guidelines and requirements.  

• Evaluate performance data to identify program strengths and weaknesses and make improvements, as necessary.  

• Identify and pursue workforce development and training resources.  

• Monitor and evaluate contracts to ensure legal, fiscal and program requirements are met. 

• Responsible for program expertise relative to assigned target population(s) or industry sector(s).  

• Lead or participate in procurement process to evaluate and select the most qualified contractors.  

• Conduct research and analysis of labor market information, demographic trends and community needs to continuously improve the workforce development system. 

• Represent Worksystems on external committees including regional chambers of commerce, economic development, state workgroups, regional business associations and other relevant organizations. 

• Prepare narrative reports or presentations for diverse audiences regarding workforce programs, initiatives and outcomes.  

• Work proactively and cooperatively with business, workforce, economic, and community-based organizations to continuously improve the workforce development system.  

• Other duties as assigned. 

What You Can Expect to Accomplish in the First 6 Months:  

• Learn Worksystems’ workforce development system. Have a solid understanding of our network of partners, roles, and services – and how all of those entities interact.   

• Establish yourself as a trusted partner to key stakeholders.  

• Begin to attend and eventually take lead on cross-functional SNAP team meetings. Shadow prior SNAP Lead to understand cyclical deadlines and reporting standards.    

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Ability to use data to draw conclusions and make recommendations. This includes designing surveys for data collection, analyzing data, and presenting results to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.  

• Experience with stakeholder management and engagement, including building strong relationships, running effective meetings, and responding to provider needs in a regulatory environment  

• Strong meeting facilitation skills that include meeting design and agenda-setting, facilitating discussion, and encouraging active participation.  

• Proficiency in critical thinking skills and systems thinking – being able to see the ways in which various programming aspects intersect and impact one another  

• Excellent customer service, with the ability to respond empathetically to individuals in vulnerable times and discretion in handling highly confidential information  

• Flexibility in responding to shifting deadlines and demands, and ability to reprioritize as urgent matters arise  

• Familiarity and experience with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP 50/50 matching program, Federal grant management, post-secondary education programs, program alignment and capacity building across multiple organizations, staff training development and delivery are preferred.   

• Strong project management, communication, community and business engagement skills, program development and evaluation skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders are required.   

• High attention to detail and administrative skills 

• Ability to interpret complex regulations and develop program policies and processes to ensure we are in compliance 

*A note on qualifications: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.  

Physical and Sensory Requirements 

• Mostly sedentary work; using standard office equipment including: a computer, keyboard, and telephone.  

• Work environment: Hybrid. Employees are welcome to work-from-home most days but may be called into the downtown office or to a partner site as needed. 

• Position requires occasional local travel within the Multnomah and Washington counties.  

• Be accessible during standard business hours ~9am - 5pm PT 

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please email cchand-hopkins@worksystems.org. 

Note:  Worksystems employees must live in the state of Oregon or Washington for payroll processing purposes.  Although we operate in a hybrid work environment, proximity to the Portland Metro Area is needed for this role.  Employees may have to attend in-person meetings in the Portland Metro Area.  Sometimes with same-day notice. 

Benefits

Salary & Benefits 

• Starting Salary Expectations: $90,000 - $100,000 (New hires will generally not exceed this range, based on experience and internal equity).  

• Medical (including vision) and dental plans with employer contribution toward monthly premiums 

• 401k plan with up to 6% match, 100% vested at the time of enrollment 

• Generous PTO 

• 4 hours of Volunteer Leave per month 

• 8 free sessions with mental health providers, unlimited free financial coaching, and 25% legal discounts through Canopy EAP 

Application Timeline: First review of resume’s will be Friday, August 30. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position open until filled.