Program Training Associate

Program Training Associate

Open to Applicants in Buffalo, Albany or Rochester

In-person. Comfortable traveling between Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo with the ability to travel to the other 2 sites once per month (CEO will cover all travel-related expenses under the grant).

Anticipated deadline to submit application:
January 23, 2026 by 5:00pm EST. Position may close early if application limit is met. Apply promptly for full consideration.

The Training Associate ensures the effective delivery of services for Upstate Union Pathways (UUP) which supports the re-entry community with the training and mentoring needed to obtain and advance in union careers with industry partners. This position administers the program and serves its participants in our Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo sites. As such, you must be comfortable with travel and have the ability to travel to the additional 2 sites once per month (CEO covers all travel-related expenses under the grant).

This role empowers participants with upskilling and job placement in high-demand, union industries in the skilled trades. They are responsible for ensuring program implementation aligns with the organization’s mission, values, and workforce development strategy to foster an inclusive and thriving labor market.

They oversee the development and implementation of training, and individualized job readiness support. They will collaborate closely with employer partners and unions to customize training curricula and provide participants with ongoing coaching support for career advancement. The role also involves recruiting and managing participants, as well as coordination with program staff across departments that assist in the delivery of services.

As part of our mission, we strongly encourage individuals who have lived experience of incarceration or involvement in the justice system to apply for this role.

Please note this is a one-year grant based position that runs through February 28, 2027.

The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides employment services to people recently released from incarceration. Across the United States, 8,000-9,000 people participate in CEO each year, transitioning to employment that supports themselves, their families, and their communities.

What began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1970s to address employment barriers facing the formerly incarcerated following release in New York City has grown into the leading reentry employment organization in the country, where over 30,000 formerly incarcerated individuals have secured full-time employment since 1996.

• You are comfortable traveling between Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo with the ability to travel to the additional 2 sites once per month (CEO will cover all travel-related expenses under the grant).
• You have at least 2+ years of experience in workforce development or a related field, with proficiency in project support, training, and coordination of multi-stakeholder efforts
• You have some experience with program evaluation and reporting, including familiarity with tools like Excel and Survey Monkey
• You have familiarity with cloud-based platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Salesforce, and other job-seeking and remote learning tools
• You have a proven ability to lead and coordinate with staff and volunteers
• You have a proven track record for maintaining program compliance with governmental and grant-funder regulations
• You have lived or working experience working with re-entry and underrepresented communities is highly desirable

• The role demands leadership, strong coordination, and the ability to foster partnerships between a diverse set of stakeholders to develop accessible pathways to union jobs while also meeting the needs of both the local workforce and industry partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to intercultural communication, with a professional and approachable demeanor.
• Organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in…