Program Manager, Workforce Development (AHLAF)

The hotel and lodging industry is vibrant, innovative, and full of dynamic opportunities for upward mobility while serving and supporting its most important assets: its people. The AHLA Foundation works to inspire, support, and advance the people who make this industry strong. By connecting employees, employers, and their communities, we seek to continuously nurture a culture of professional growth and belonging. The Foundation is a dynamic, entrepreneurial organization poised for growth. The Program Manager, Workforce Development would join a nimble, collaborative team that is supportive and fun to work with. 

Position Summary

The AHLA Foundation seeks a Program Manager to support implementation and monitoring of workforce development programs. The Program Manager will be responsible for overall outreach to industry employers to drive their engagement across core workforce programs, including apprenticeship, workforce training, mentorship, professional development scholarships, and other career development initiatives. The Program Manager will also be responsible for the data tracking and system maintenance required for program delivery, including but not limited to those necessary for federal grant compliance as a DOL-registered apprenticeship provider. The Program Manager should have experience in building meaningful relationships with external stakeholders, and an understanding of the workforce development system and emerging trends in talent recruitment and development, along with a willingness to complete the administrative tasks necessary for daily program implementation.  The successful candidate will be able to support strategic goals within these specific program areas, in collaboration with similarly focused Program Managers, to increase employer participation and impact. Candidates must also be an experienced and persuasive presenter capable of conducting compelling virtual and in-person presentations. This Program Manager will report to the Director, Workforce Development, and works in close collaboration with the Vice President of Programs & Impact, the Vice President of Industry & Stakeholder Engagement, and the AHLA Membership team.

Responsibilities:

External Relationship Management

• Manage employer relationships, including soliciting and maintaining employer communication, fulfillment of employer requests, troubleshooting program participation challenges, and program overview/consultation presentations. Cultivate new and existing employer-partner relationships based on strategic organization-wide priorities.
• As part of a cross-functional team, support employer engagement by hosting informational webinars, presentations, and accelerator meetings to grow employer engagement and program participation.
• Identify opportunities to increase impact and efficiency across program areas, to streamline external communications, and program development and delivery from employer perspective.

 Data Management & Analysis

• Complete extensive, required data reporting for internal program monitoring as well as grant compliance systems, including the wide variety of those required by state, federal and local regulations.
• Provide input on the evaluative measures, metrics and processes for tracking overall program engagement, including employers, participants and organizations.
• Regularly review and analyze compiled data to identify program trends, challenges and opportunities for increased efficiency and impact in collaboration with the Director of Workforce Development.

 Internal Coordination

• Serve as a staff liaison for connectivity between Foundation program participants (including AHLA members) and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).
• Communicate and cooperate in a positive manner with all AHLAF/AHLA departments to help achieve department and company-wide goals. 
• Serve in a positive, professional manner as a representative of AHLAF with all stakeholders and at events such as tradeshows, seminars and sales presentations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or related experience.
• Familiarity with data tracking and related systems as required for compliance with federal grants
• 3-5 years' experience in career development or business outreach; hotel industry experience preferred.
• Experience with independently building and cultivating relationships with external stakeholders.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills and experience.
• Experience in sales, marketing, and communications background a plus.

Skills and Attributes

• Experienced computer and software knowledge, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and CRMs – Salesforce preferred. 

• The ability to effectively and efficiently source, analyze, and report on data, including inputting data and maintaining systems required for federal grant compliance.
• Dynamic problem-solving skills along with forward-looking, proactive approach to addressing challenges and identifying opportunities
• Positive attitude with a customer service orientation, willingness to be flexible to adapt to changing needs and a "roll up shirtsleeves" mentality to get the work done.
• Proven communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to clearly articulate program impact and outcomes to connect with participants.
• Excellent relationship management skills (with both internal and external partners)
• Thrives working in a fun and fast-paced environment and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively across the organization, while maintaining attention to detail and “managing up” effectively.  Able to work under pressure, meeting project and reporting deadlines.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with an ability to identify challenges and opportunities alongside recommendations for program development, enhancement, or reconfiguration to meet participant, funder and industry needs.
• Ability to travel (minimal to moderate).

Other:

• Position based in Washington, DC area.  

• Hybrid work schedule: In-office Tues-Thurs and one in-office Monday per month.
• Salary: $70,000-$75,000

AHLA is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

EOE

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home
• Free Food & Snacks