Veterans and Community Outreach Program Manager

Metra's Human Resources Department is dedicated to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We foster a culture of fairness, trust, and mutual respect by promoting employee engagement, wellness, and professional growth. Through equitable compensation, flexible benefits, and compliance with employment laws, we empower employees to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Metra's mission of keeping Chicagoland moving.

Metra is seeking a Veteran & Community Outreach Program Manager to lead initiatives that connect transitioning veterans and community members to meaningful careers. This role is pivotal in building strategic partnerships, creating talent pipelines, and driving outreach efforts that increase program visibility and engagement. You will serve as the primary point of contact for Veteran-focused programs and play a key role in integrating these initiatives into Metra's broader diversity and inclusion strategy.

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive program that helps Veterans transition into civilian careers by bridging military skills to agency roles, providing resume assistance, and facilitating placement.
• Drive participation in engagement, mentorship, and career development initiatives through Metra's Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) and integrate Veteran-focused efforts into diversity and inclusion programs.
• Build and sustain partnerships with veteran organizations, community groups, and government entities to create talent pipelines and increase program visibility.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to design proactive sourcing strategies and targeted outreach plans and partner with Marketing & Communications to create program materials and a strong social media presence.
• Evaluate processes and materials for continuous improvement, ensure adherence to program budget, and train recruiters, hiring managers, and external partners on program functions and requirements.
• Represent Metra at hiring events, chambers of commerce meetings, Veteran service organization gatherings, and other outreach activities to foster program awareness and participation.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment while performing duties under varying conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.

The ideal candidate has experience in program management, Veteran outreach, or community engagement, with strong relationship-building skills and the ability to collaborate across internal and external stakeholders. Knowledge of military-to-civilian career transition strategies is preferred, along with excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified Veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.