Senior Program Manager, Workforce Development

Empire State Development; City of Albany (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Empire State Development is seeking a Senior Program Manager for the Office of Strategic Workforce Development to oversee grant-funded training initiatives from award through final reporting. You will build relationships with state agencies, regional councils, nonprofits, and training providers across New York to maximize regional impact.

Responsibilities include supervising program delivery, coordinating with the Data and Metrics Manager, monitoring compliance, and presenting summaries to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; associate degree plus seven years of relevant experience may substitute.
• Minimum 5 years of direct workforce development or economic mobility leadership experience.
• Knowledge of workforce development strategy, program delivery, contract development, and data analysis.
• Strong analytical, time-management, and communication skills; proactive and self-directed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee OSWD grant-funded training programs and ensure seamless delivery.
• Conduct site visits and attend events as needed.
• Build relationships with state agencies, councils, nonprofits, training providers, and higher education institutions.
• Draft incentive proposals to define project goals and expectations.
• Coordinate reporting requirements with Data and Metrics Manager.
• Monitor grant data collection and reporting and track metrics such as enrollment, completion, credentials, placement, supports, and retention.
• Present summaries of project activity to executive management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Time management

Written communication

Oral communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate degree plus seven years experience substitute

Job description

Applicants must submit a cover letter with a resume to be considered. The position requires in-office presence, with hybrid work schedules possible in accordance with ESD policy. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply; please contact Human Resources for accommodations.

The Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) creates new economic opportunities for unemployed, underemployed, and underrepresented workers while meeting the labor needs of New York State’s highest-growth industry sectors. The Senior Program Manager will oversee OSWD’s grant‑funded projects and programs from award through final reporting, building relationships with state agencies, regional economic development councils, non‑profits, and training providers to maximize regional impact of OSWD grants.

Responsibilities

• Oversee OSWD grant‑funded training programs, ensuring seamless delivery and support services that transition participants into higher‑wage employment.
• Conduct site visits and attend events as necessary.
• Build and maintain relationships with governmental and quasi‑governmental entities, business groups, community‑based organizations, training and education providers, and higher education institutions across New York State.
• Draft incentive proposals to define project goals and ensure grantees understand all expectations.
• Coordinate with the Data and Metrics Manager to set reporting requirements for grantee agreements.
• Monitor grantee compliance with data collection and reporting requirements, tracking key metrics such as training enrollment, completion, credentials, placement, wraparound supports, and retention.
• Review, analyze, and evaluate grant‑funded training programs, working with leadership to provide funding recommendations.
• Support grantees with complex OSWD requirements, proactively mitigating risks to prevent project delays or contract terminations.
• Collaborate with grantees to identify and showcase success stories highlighting high‑performing workforce programs funded by OSWD.
• Present written and oral summaries of project activity to executive management, as requested.
• Oversee special projects for OSWD as assigned by leadership.
• Onboard and mentor staff, as needed.
• Assist with continuous improvement and evolution of office processes and procedures.
• Maintain working knowledge of New York State’s labor and industry trends.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred; an associate degree plus seven years of relevant experience may substitute.
• Experience: At least 5 years of direct relevant experience leading workforce development, adult education, or economic mobility initiatives.
• Knowledge: Workforce development strategy, training program delivery, program management, contract development, and understanding of systemic barriers faced by underemployed and underrepresented workers. Knowledge of economic development, government relations, financial statement analysis, public policy, and data analysis.
• Skills: Strong analytical, comprehension, and time‑management skills; proactive and self‑directed. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Benefits

Salary range as specified. Comprehensive benefits package.