Position Title: Program Manager, Workforce Development

Reports to: Director of Workforce Development

FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt, Full-Time

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

Prepared Date: October 2026

About WMCAT

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.
• Step Year at WMCAT is specifically designed to help young adults find a career or educational path that’s right for them.

Position Summary

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.

Essential Duties + Responsibilities

Community Engagement

• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of community resources, services, and support systems throughout Kent County.
• Build and sustain relationships with community organizations and service providers.

Holistic Student Support

• Champion the student support process to ensure student needs are met.
• Manage WMCAT’s relationships with external support systems.

Program Management

• Lead the day-to-day planning, coordination and implementation of the Step Year program.
• Coordinate with director of workforce development to identify opportunities for Step Year program partnerships.

Classroom Facilitation

• Facilitate engaging content that supports adults on a structured personal leadership development journey.

Recruitment + Retention

• Lead and support recruitment and retention efforts for Step Year and Adult Career Training programs.

Documentation

• Maintain accurate and timely student records in Salesforce.

WMCAT Mission + Organizational Expectations

Maintain a commitment to the mission and vision of WMCAT.

Additional Details

WMCAT is seeking candidates with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. We are dedicated to hiring employees that reflect the communities we serve.