EKY Runway Program Manager

Job Title:

EKY Runway Program Manager

Organization:
Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR)

Project: EDA - Management, Equity, and Governance

Position Type:
Full-Time, Exempt

Location:

Eastern Kentucky (emphasis on Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Perry, Pike)

Reports To:

EKY Runway Director

The EKY Runway Program Manager is essential in ensuring the success and impact of the EKY Runway Project. They will oversee the implementation and performance of eight component projects funded through SOAR's EKY Runway initiative. This role is responsible for ensuring projects effectively connect prime-age employment gap (PAEG) workers to meaningful employment opportunities across the 12‑county service region.

This position plays a critical leadership role in coordinating cross‑sector partners, monitoring outcomes, and ensuring compliance with federal grant requirements. The EKY Runway Program Manager will work collaboratively across SOAR teams and with regional stakeholders to drive measurable workforce outcomes aligned with SOAR's mission.

This position is an in‑office position to report to one of SOAR’s main or satellite offices in the region. Travel throughout the region will be required.

• Provide leadership and oversight for eight Recompete component projects, ensuring alignment with grant objectives, timelines, and performance targets.
• Conduct regular check‑ins with the EKY Runway Director.
• Foster a collaborative, mission‑driven team culture that emphasizes continuous improvement and results.

• Develop, implement, and manage project plans, including goals, timelines, deliverables, and outcome metrics.
• Monitor day‑to‑day program operations and ensure consistency across component projects.
• Identify challenges, risks, and barriers to success and develop strategies to mitigate issues and improve program effectiveness.
• Make recommendations to improve program design, implementation, and regional impact.
• Collaborate with other SOAR divisions to ensure alignment across organizational priorities.

• Track program outputs and outcomes to ensure performance targets are met.
• Ensure accurate data entry and documentation in SOAR's CRM and reporting systems.
• Prepare and submit required grant reports, narratives, and performance updates in coordination with the EKY Runway Director.
• Monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, and grant requirements.
• Maintain organized and accurate records related to program activities and expenditures.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, workforce development agencies, education providers, and community organizations.
• Serve as primary point of contact for external partners involved in EDA‑funded projects.
• Facilitate collaboration across partners to identify employment opportunities and support worker success.
• Represent SOAR at meetings, convenings, and regional events related to workforce development.
• Stay informed on emerging workforce trends, best practices, and innovative employment models.

• Demonstrated understanding of workforce development, employment services, and outcomes measurement.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and complex, multi‑partner initiatives.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with diverse, underserved, or economically challenged populations.
• Ability to analyze data, evaluate performance, and translate insights into action.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort using CRM, project management, and data tracking systems.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional integrity.
• Ability to travel throughout the region as needed.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.
• Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment.
• Must be able to handle prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or standing at an event.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time when necessary.

SOAR’s mission is simple: empower every Eastern Kentuckian to economic self‑sufficiency through meaningful employment.

Our team culture is anchored by putting the interest of Eastern Kentucky first in all that we do. We believe treating others the way we want to be treated is always within our control. Our core values include faith, grit, self‑lessness, integrity, and empathy. We do our best to exemplify these daily in our interactions with others and with external partners.

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SOAR is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.