Sr Manager Workforce Development at Growing Home, Inc. in Chicago, IL

Sr Manager Workforce Development

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Senior Manager of Employment Training

Job Description

The Senior Manager of Workforce Development (SMWD) is responsible for overseeing Growing Home’s job training program and managing the Workforce Development Department staff. This role blends operational leadership with strategic oversight, ensuring participants receive high‑quality training, case management, and job placement support. The SMWD reports to the Executive Director and plays a key role in advancing Growing Home’s mission of workforce development for marginalized populations.

Responsibilities

Recruitment & Enrollment

• Oversee recruitment and enrollment of program participants, including application, interview, and orientation processes.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure cohorts are filled with qualified candidates and onboarding runs smoothly.

Program & Curriculum Management

• Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of Growing Home’s job training curriculum.
• Facilitate or co‑facilitate classroom lessons and oversee internal/external facilitators.
• Maintain and expand relationships with curriculum and employer partners.
• Ensure curriculum integrates job readiness, social‑emotional learning, and hard skills training.

Case Management Support

• Provide oversight and support to the Case Manager to ensure participants receive appropriate referrals, wrap‑around services, and supportive resources.
• Collaborate with the Case Manager and other staff to address participant needs in a timely and effective manner.
• Assist with internal and external audits by ensuring case management documentation, reporting, and compliance requirements are met.

Employment Placement & Retention Support

• Provide guidance and oversight to the Employment Training team as they deliver job search support, career counseling, and placement activities for program participants.
• Support staff in cultivating and maintaining employer relationships to achieve job placement and retention goals.
• Assist the team in developing and sustaining graduate engagement initiatives, including alumni programming and the advisory council.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance feedback.
• Manage staff work plans, evaluations, and disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Foster a collaborative, mission‑driven team culture.

Program Evaluation & Reporting

• Ensure accurate documentation, data collection, and reporting for internal use and grant compliance.
• Oversee program evaluation, long‑term assessment planning, and communication of results internally and externally.
• Collaborate with the Director of Employment Training on departmental strategy and advocacy efforts.

Budget & Operations

• Manage departmental budget, assist in annual budget development, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the Employment Training team.

External Engagement

• Represent Growing Home at industry events, conferences, and community partnerships.
• Cultivate relationships with peer organizations, employers, and academic partners to strengthen program impact.
• Support organizational events, recruitment functions, and advocacy initiatives as needed.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; Master’s degree or CWDP certification a plus.
• 7-10 years of experience in workforce development, human resources, social services, or program management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and lead program operations.
• Experience working with marginalized populations and designing culturally responsive programs.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with workforce development strategies, curriculum design, and case management best practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Commitment to Growing Home’s mission and values.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and travel locally.