Program Manager

Position Title: Program Manager, Workforce Development

Position Level: Program Manager

Reports to: Director of Workforce Development

FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt, Full-Time

Hiring Range: $44,000 - $47,000

Prepared Date: October 2026

The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) provides a culture of opportunity for people to make social and economic progress in their lives and community. We fulfill our mission through visual arts and tech engagement and workforce development.

Workforce Development (WFD) builds income security with families and young adults through post-secondary exploration, career training, and leadership development. This includes:

• WMCAT’s tuition-free Adult Career Training Program offers Kent County adults experiencing under- and unemployment the opportunity to learn a new career, grow personally and professionally, and build a network with industry and community leaders. Our welcoming environment, small class sizes, and extra support services move adults toward new careers in the cybersecurity and pharmacy technician fields. These career pathways pay living wages, may offer benefits, and provide opportunities for career advancement.
• Step Year at WMCAT is specifically designed to help young adults find a career or educational path that’s right for them. The tuition-free program is a unique mix of college and career exploration, self-discovery, and connections to employment pathways in a variety of sectors. Through WMCAT's curated curriculum and mentorship approach, students develop an action plan to guide their next steps toward post-secondary education and career.
  
  Step Year is tuition-free and is open to young adults ages 18-24 who have a high school diploma or GED and live in Kent County.

The Program Manager is responsible for managing Workforce Development (WFD) initiatives at WMCAT, including leading all aspects of the Step Year at WMCAT program. This encompasses recruiting participants, coordinating activities, implementing the established curriculum, planning and facilitating class sessions, and connecting students to community resources.

Additionally, the Program Manager provides holistic support for participants in the Adult Career Training Program, which includes managing community partnerships, engaging in systems-level work, and offering direct support to students and alumni. This role also supports recruitment and retention efforts for other Workforce Development programs as needed.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting individuals as they navigate educational and career pathways, along with a strong understanding of the barriers that can impact their success. A deep knowledge of Kent County's community resources and support systems, or a demonstrated ability to identify, navigate, and build relationships with these resources, is essential. This includes connecting participants to services that address needs such as housing, transportation, childcare, food security, financial stability, and other barriers to educational and career advancement.

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate an understanding of systemic inequities and their impacts, a commitment to building trusting relationships, and the ability to advocate for participants while helping them achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals.

• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of community resources, services, and support systems throughout Kent County that address barriers to student success.
• Build and sustain relationships with community organizations and service providers to ensure students have access to resources that support their personal, educational, and professional…