Program Manager, Skilled Trades Academy

Jobtailor; Washington; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hiring Our Heroes is seeking a Regional Strategy Lead for the Skilled Trades Academy in Washington. The role translates national goals into local action, builds employer partnerships, and guides cohort planning to deliver measurable outcomes.

The candidate will manage relationships with employers, workforce organizations, and training providers while driving program growth, sponsorships, and continuous improvement. Strong communication and data analysis are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in workforce development, program management, business development, partnership management, community engagement, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Own the regional strategy and execution of the Skilled Trades Academy program.
• Translate national program goals into local action plans, cohort schedules, and measurable outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to expand program reach, employer engagement, and participant impact.
• Analyze labor market trends and stakeholder feedback to ensure programming aligns with workforce needs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers, industry partners, workforce organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Conduct business development outreach to recruit new employer partners and training providers.
• Identify sponsorship and partnership opportunities that support program growth and sustainability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for employer partners.
• Support participants throughout their journey, from application through fellowship completion and employment.
• Conduct program briefings, webinars, and outreach events to educate transitioning service members about skilled trades career opportunities.
• Coordinate networking opportunities that connect participants with employers and industry professionals.
• Ensure a high-quality participant experience through proactive communication and support.
• Oversee training provider relationships and monitor program quality, capacity, and performance.
• Track program outcomes, participant success metrics, and employer engagement data.
• Develop reports, impact stories, and executive-ready updates for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Partner with colleagues across Hiring Our Heroes programs to support regional initiatives, events, and strategic priorities.
• Represent Hiring Our Heroes at community, workforce development, military, and industry events.

Skills

Workforce Development

Program Management

Business Development

Partnership Management

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM Systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Virtual Meeting Platforms

Job description

• Own the regional strategy and execution of the Skilled Trades Academy program.
• Translate national program goals into local action plans, cohort schedules, and measurable outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to expand program reach, employer engagement, and participant impact.
• Analyze labor market trends and stakeholder feedback to ensure programming aligns with workforce needs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers, industry partners, workforce organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Conduct business development outreach to recruit new employer partners and training providers.
• Identify sponsorship and partnership opportunities that support program growth and sustainability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for employer partners.
• Support participants throughout their journey, from application through fellowship completion and employment.
• Conduct program briefings, webinars, and outreach events to educate transitioning service members about skilled trades career opportunities.
• Coordinate networking opportunities that connect participants with employers and industry professionals.
• Ensure a high-quality participant experience through proactive communication and support.
• Oversee training provider relationships and monitor program quality, capacity, and performance.
• Track program outcomes, participant success metrics, and employer engagement data.
• Develop reports, impact stories, and executive-ready updates for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Partner with colleagues across Hiring Our Heroes programs to support regional initiatives, events, and strategic priorities.
• Represent Hiring Our Heroes at community, workforce development, military, and industry events.

Requirements

• Experience in workforce development, program management, business development, partnership management, community engagement, or a related field.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across multiple sectors.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Experience using data and reporting to drive decisions and communicate impact.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI-enabled tools to improve productivity, research, communication, and operational efficiency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, CRM systems, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a customer-service mindset.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience (preferred).
• Experience working with military-connected populations (preferred).
• Familiarity with the Department of Defense SkillBridge program and military transition process (preferred).
• Understanding of union and non-union skilled trades industries (preferred).
• Experience in workforce development, talent pipeline programs, apprenticeship programs, or skilled trades recruiting (preferred).

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in workforce development and program management, with a strong focus on building relationships and engaging stakeholders. Proficient in using data-driven insights to enhance program effectiveness and participant success.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Workforce Development
• Program Management
• Business Development
• Partnership Management
• Data Analysis

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Program Management
• Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Workforce Development
• Talent Pipeline Programs
• Apprenticeship Programs
• Skilled Trades Recruiting

Soft Skills

• Relationship Building
• Communication Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Customer-Service Mindset

Industry Keywords

• Skilled Trades Academy
• Department of Defense SkillBridge
• Military Transition Process
• Union Skilled Trades
• Non-Union Skilled Trades

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Microsoft Teams
• CRM Systems
• Virtual Meeting Platforms
• AI-Enabled Tools