Project Manager - Workforce Development (MI-W.P.C)

SME; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

SME in Southfield, MI is seeking a Project Manager to lead the MI-WPC workforce development initiatives, managing planning, development, and execution of events, publications, and forums.

You will coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, define scope, timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables, and ensure outcomes align with program objectives.

Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred; strong communication, organization, budgeting and leadership skills; willingness to travel 25%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; MBA preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication across levels.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage project scope, timelines, and resources.
• Prepare and present roadmaps, status updates, and deliverables to stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, and budgets.
• Identify risks and opportunities across multiple projects.
• Coordinate with executives and departments to align activities.
• Lead meetings and document outcomes.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Organization

Project planning

Teamwork

Budgeting

Stakeholder Management

Tech awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's or MBA preferred

Job description

Brief Description

Responsible for supporting and advancing SME’s mission in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives. The Project Manager oversees and engages SME MI-WPC programs – including the planning, development, and execution of initiatives such as events (in person and virtual), publications, media/digital programs, reports, and forums.

The Project Manager manages multiple concurrent projects and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring defined outcomes are delivered on time and in scope. This position requires a high level of independence and the ability to manage multiple projects that involve diverse internal and external stakeholders with accountability for deliverables, timelines and budgets.

This role specifically requires managing and supporting SME’s MI-WPC initiatives through development and execution of program strategies and providing operational and coordination support to ensure successful outcomes and alignment with overall program objectives.

Major Functions

• Define and manage project scope, deliverables, timelines, and resources in coordination with cross‑functional partners to ensure successful execution of workforce initiation.
• Identify key requirements across internal teams and external partners to support timely and effective project delivery.
• Prepare and present project roadmaps, status updates, and deliverable outcomes to stakeholders and leadership.
• Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, and budgets; monitor progress and adjust schedules as needed to meet program objectives.
• Work with other project managers, key executives and departments to identify risks and opportunities across multiple projects.
• Conduct risk analysis, evaluate project performance, produce program reports and implement solutions to mitigate issues and improve results.
• Creating short and long‑term plans, including setting targets for milestones and adhering to deadlines.
• Delegate tasks to internal teams and key stakeholders best positioned to complete them.
• Make effective decisions when presented with multiple options for how to advance project progress.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for teams when multiple units are assigned to the same project, ensuring alignment and coordination of activities.
• Communicate regularly with team members and program partners to keep the project aligned with goals and deliverables.
• Perform quality control throughout project development to ensure standards are met; adjust schedules and targets as the project needs evolve.
• Manage group activities including both online and in‑person meetings – developing agendas, preparing materials, tracking action items, and documenting outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; master’s or MBA degree preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively across all organizational levels, including executive leadership.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with demonstrated customer service orientation.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, and lead multiple projects while managing details, deliverables and timelines effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and interact professionally with members, partners and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of technology and industry market trends and conditions preferred.
• Solid business planning and budgeting skills.

Key Competencies

Core Competencies

• Communication and Collaboration
• Relationship Management
• Professionalism and Integrity
• Critical Thinking and Decision‑Making
• Execution
• Initiative, Leadership, and Development

Job Specific Competencies

• Project Planning and Execution
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Operational Efficiency
• Problem Solving and Adaptability
• Data Tracking and Reporting
• Process Improvement
• Customer and Partner Support
• Technical and Digital Fluency

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment
• Regular, in‑person attendance required
• Primary office location: Southfield, MI
• Travel required; minimum 25%

Summary

POSITION TITLE: Project Manager (Workforce Development – MI-WPC)

GROUP: Workforce Development

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

SME is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veteran status. Applicants must reside in the United States and be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship.

SME is currently unable to hire employees residing in California, Colorado, Oregon, or Washington.

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $92,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Offers typically fall within this range based on individual qualifications and budget availability. In addition to base salary, SME offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) with company matching, generous paid time off and holidays, professional development and training opportunities, and additional wellness and work‑life balance benefits. Certain positions may also be eligible for bonus/incentive compensation, subject to role and company policies.