Northwest WI Program Manager

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our organization as a Program Manager. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled organizer, and effective communicator passionate about driving impactful programs and initiatives. The Program Manager is responsible for collaborating, convening, and supervising apprenticeship-readiness activities to develop and implement programming and training, tracking and managing all projects and initiatives for WRTP | BIG STEP for the entire Northwest Region of Wisconsin including the North Central, Northwest, and West Central areas. They are responsible for managing multiple activities, events, projects, and programs with high effectiveness and efficiency. They will direct the day-to-day programming, reporting, communications with our partners and contractors, and training classes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Management 

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive range of programs, projects, initiatives, events, etc. aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Design program strategies that address community needs, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with internal team members to create and enhance program materials, ensuring consistency with organizational messaging.
• Serve as the program manager for core programs within the Northwest region for the organization.
• Maintain and build relationships geared towards fulfilling the organization’s mission and program goals with community stakeholders, public and private organizations.

Event Planning and Execution 

• Plan and execute events, workshops, and seminars that align with the organization’s annual work plan.
• Coordinate logistics, secure venues, and manage budgets for successful event implementation.
• Foster partnerships with external organizations, private businesses, education institutions, building trades councils, and community partners to enhance program reach and impact.

Community Engagement 

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including elected officials, partner organizations, and program participants.
• Work with the Outreach Manager to create outreach strategies to increase program awareness and participation.
• Act as a liaison between the organization and key stakeholders, addressing concerns and fostering positive relationships.

Data Analysis and Reporting 

• Collect and analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular reports for internal and external stakeholders, showcasing program impact and outcomes.
• Develop project plans, dashboards, reports, etc. for the President/CEO, the Chief Operations Officer, the Statewide Director, and funders on the status of projects, new programs, etc.

Budget Management

•  Work closely with the COO and Statewide Director to develop and manage program budgets, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.

• Monitor expenditures and provide financial reports as needed.

 Other Duties as Assigned

•  Complete other duties at the discretion of management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or comparable credentials / experience (e.g., certifications, completion of registered apprenticeship, technical coursework, etc.)
• Strong project management skills.

• Strong relationship building, community engagement, and event management expertise.

• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Superior oral and written communication abilities.
• Excellent time management, organization, and prioritization skills.

• Thorough knowledge of standard computer programs, including Microsoft Office, and ability to learn new systems.
• Highly effective communication, facilitation, problem solving, and team-building skills. Must be highly motivated by the mission of the WRTP | BIG STEP.
• Previous experience working with federal and state-based programming such as FSET, WIOA, and other DOL and DWD job training programs is desired.
• Ability to establish rapport and relate sensitively to a multiracial and multicultural group of customers.
• Understanding others’ challenges and barriers and the ability to adjust and provide guidance to help participants achieve their career goals.

Personal Attributes

• Follow the WRTP | BIG STEP Code of Conduct.
• Adhere to established policies and procedures of the program, agency and of all funding sources.
• Conduct self in an ethical manner.
• Maintain professional and respectful relationships with staff, participants, and all external persons and agencies involved with WRTP | BIG STEP and its partnering agencies.
• Inclusive and equitable in treatment of all persons regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual identity, religion, ability, or any other factor.
• Demonstrates commitment to the WRTP | BIG STEP mission, vision, and values.

Work Relationship

• Reports to the Statewide Director.
• Has contact and works comfortably with a wide variety of individuals including, but not limited to staff, partnering agencies, federal and state-based contractors/vendors, unions, employers, and members of the community.

Working Conditions

• This work is performed over the entire Northwest Region of Wisconsin including as far south as La Crosse County, as far North as Bayfield County, as far West as Polk County, and as far east as Iron County.
• Will require regular day round-trip travel within the region. Must be able to travel regularly and have reliable transportation with proof of insurance.
• Any travel requiring overnight stay must be approved by the Chief Operations Officer.
• When not traveling, this position is a remote position in Wisconsin.  Will be required to report to one of the home offices (Milwaukee, Madison, Racine) as needed by Executive management.
• Will work with a diverse population and may include youth, justice-impacted individuals, individuals facing barriers, etc.
• Minimum of 40 hours per week.
• Must be flexible.  Will require some nights and weekends.
• This position requires the ability to regularly sit and write at a computer, stand, and lift less than 30 pounds, frequently move from room to room to accommodate guests, use a telephone and use computer equipment to generate input and output and transmit data. This position requires reliable transportation including state mandated insurance.

 WRTP/BIG STEP is an equal opportunity/ADA employer. All federal, state, and local and other fair employment standards including EEO and ADA requirements in race, gender, gender identification, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, veterans, or disabled veteran’s status as found in 41CFR 60-1.4, 60-250.4 and 60-741.4 are herein incorporated by reference. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. WRTP/BIG STEP encourages applications from all the above referenced protected and unprotected status groups. WRTP|BIG STEP performs pre-employment background checks subject to job requirements, notify HR (Human Resources) if special accommodations are needed. 

• Health Insurance - Employer pays 85% of health plan. 
• Dental Insurance (single or family) – 100% Employer paid. 
• Vision Insurance (single or family) – 100% Employer paid. 
• Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance – 100% Employer paid. 
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance – 100% Employer paid.
• 10 vacation days after 90 days of employment. 
• 9 personal days annually after 90 days of employment. 
• 14 Paid Holidays annually. 
• 10% of monthly salary contributed by company to retirement accounts.
• Salary: $82,000 - $86,000