Program Manager - Education and Workforce Development (EWD) - FutureTex

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NC State University seeks a Program Manager for Education and Workforce Development (FutureTex) to design and implement competency-based curricula and training programs that align with national textile workforce standards.

You will oversee cross-functional teams, coordinate with partner colleges and industry, and manage program execution and outcomes against federal milestone schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a preference of MS in fields related to education; or a combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in managing workforce development programs, technical curriculum design or educational project implementation.
• Demonstrated success building competency-based credentials, certificate programs or stackable pathways.
• Experience coordinating complex projects/grants with multidisciplinary teams, project managers and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Program Design & Instructional Development: Lead design and modularization of workforce training courses and stackable credentials.
• Advanced Textile & Tech Integration: Develop instructional materials across automated textile manufacturing and AI-enabled systems.
• Program Execution & Implementation: Oversee scheduling, registration, staffing and execution of EWD programs.
• Project Management Coordination & Metrics Tracking: Align instructional timelines with milestones and report performance metrics.

Skills

Project management

Curriculum development

Stakeholder coordination

Education program design

Education

Bachelor’s degree (MS preferred) or equivalent

Job description

Program Manager - Education and Workforce Development (EWD) - FutureTex

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate based on experience.

Work Schedule: Will vary greatly based upon demands of the projects.

Job Location: Raleigh, NC (with travel to Gaston College, and other team nodes).

Department: FutureTex.

FutureTEX is established as a next-generation, execution-driven DOW Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII), intended to (eventually) operate as an independent nonprofit. Because our core mandate is to rapidly accelerate and de-risk innovation in high-performance textiles, securing our leadership infrastructure as soon as possible is critical.

Over the past 125 years, the Wilson College of Textiles has developed a reputation for exceptional education, innovative research and productive industry partnerships. While we take pride in that legacy, we continue to set higher standards and new goals.

That means establishing sustainability as the foundation of everything we do. It means updating the cutting edge technology used in our state-of-the-art labs and studios. It means a commitment to a welcoming and supportive culture. Put simply, it means using our textiles expertise to improve quality of life for everyone.

We produce leaders who make a difference both at home in North Carolina and across the world. Students land top jobs in manufacturing, fashion, athletics, research, medicine, academia and more. Our faculty count the CDC , DOD and NSF as regular research partners.

The Wilson College provides both the community feel of a small college and the resources of NC State University, a leading land-grant public research institution and recognized as one of the best employers in the state. Not to mention, it’s located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, which is consistently listed in U.S. News and World Report’s best American cities to live in.

At NC State, our employee value proposition aims to create an ecosystem of meaningful work opportunities that align with Wolfpack 2030: Powering the Extraordinary, NC State’s strategic plan. We strive to provide an accepting and dynamic culture, opportunities for personal growth and professional development, and programs to support your busy life. Simply put, we want you to achieve your highest potential at work.

If you’re a world-class applicant with a passion for higher education and a commitment to affecting positive change locally and globally, apply to become a part of our hyper-collaborative Wolfpack where everyone belongs.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Operating within the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University, the EWD Program Design & Implementation Manager manages the day-to-day design, development and operational execution of NC State’s FutureTEX Education and Workforce Development portfolio. Reporting directly to Dr. Jeff Joines (NC State EWD Lead), this individual transforms national workforce strategy into actionable academic, technical and industry-aligned training programs.

Working in close daily coordination with the Sr. Director of Projects and institute project managers across the FutureTex ecosystem, the Manager ensures that all curriculum development, credentialing pathways and training implementations meet strict federal Department of War (DoW) milestone schedules, performance metrics and budget parameters.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design & Instructional Development

• Competency-Based Curriculum Design: Lead the design and modularization of NC State workforce training courses, short-course certifications and stackable credentials aligned with the national Textile Manufacturing Competencies (TMC) framework.
• Advanced Textile & Tech Integration: Develop instructional materials across core areas including automated textile manufacturing, smart textiles/wearables, AI-driven production systems, digital twins, advanced fibers, protective materials and quality systems.
• Facility Asset Utilization: Design hands-on laboratory modules leveraging Wilson College assets, including the Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE), The Nonwovens Institute (NWI), the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC) and the Kimbrell Flex Factory, Kimbrell Fiber Innovation Center, AATCC , UMASS Lowell, Drexel, The Textiles Institute at GTech, ISAIC and more across the ecosystem as FutureTex expands.
• Immersive Training Tools: Integrate mixed-reality (VR/AR), simulation and AI-enabled instructional tools into training modules in collaboration with technology partners (e.g., MxD, ARM Institute, TechAI).

Program Execution & Implementation

• Cohort Operational Management: Oversee the scheduling, registration, staffing and execution of EWD programs across multiple learner pathways, including K–12 CTE students, 2-year community college transfer cohorts (2+2 pathways), university students, transitioning military/veterans (Vets RISE) and incumbent industry workers.
• Pathway Integration: Implement seamless credit transfer and pre-apprenticeship pathways with key academic partner institutions, including Gaston College and Catawba Valley Community College.
• Industry & Extension Workshops: Coordinate specialized upskilling short courses and technical workshops for domestic defense suppliers and commercial textile manufacturers.

Rebranding & Recruitment Support

• In collaboration with the Director of Marketing and Public Relations, engage in regional outreach and talent attraction activities in alignment with FutureTEX’s national campaign, "Evolving Our Revolutionary Fibers and Workforce".

Project Management Coordination & Metrics Tracking

• Project Manager Alignment: Maintain daily operational synchronization with NC State and FutureTEX Project Managers to align instructional development timelines with innovation sprint project calls and federal milestone reporting.
• Performance Metrics Management: Track, verify and report participant data against key federal performance metrics:
  • Reaching ≥5,000 learners annually through outreach and engagement.
  • Producing 250–300 credentialed technicians per year.
  • Upskilling ≥200 incumbent workers annually.
  • Achieving ≥75% job placement for graduates within 6 months.

Other Responsibilities

• Compliance & Reporting: Prepare quarterly data dashboards, enrollment logs, completion records and annual impact reports required under the prime Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement.
• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with a preference of MS in fields related to education; or a combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in managing workforce development programs, technical curriculum design or educational project implementation.

Other Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated success building competency-based credentials, certificate programs or stackable pathways.
• Experience coordinating complex projects/grants with multidisciplinary teams, project managers and external stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, including schedule tracking and performance analytics.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing, textiles, automation or defense‑critical technology domains.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within a Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII), NSF Engine or large‑scale federally funded research/workforce initiative.
• Familiarity with UNC System administrative procedures and Wilson College of Textiles operations.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

• Valid driver’s license required.
• A valid NC Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes

Commercial Driver's License required

Commercial Driver's License required No

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail]. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.