Senior Manager of Workforce Strategies

Ascend Indiana (Ascend) is a fast-growing nonprofit on a mission to address Indiana’s workforce misalignment. Ascend’s vision is that all Hoosiers and all employers are equipped to thrive in Indiana’s evolving economy. An initiative of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), Ascend collaborates with corporate, education, philanthropic, and community partners, and is well-positioned to play a leadership role in addressing Indiana’s workforce challenges.

The Senior Manager of Workforce Strategies works with the Director of Workforce Strategies in advancing Ascend’s mission to enable a modern workforce ecosystem. The Senior Manager of Workforce Strategies will play a critical role in leading program implementation and strategic initiatives related to youth apprenticeship across the state of Indiana and other duties as required. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in workforce development, excellent communication and project management skills, and a passion for driving social impact through partnerships and connections.

Key Responsibilities

  • Youth Apprenticeship Implementation: Support the vision and implementation of the expansion of youth apprenticeship in Indiana, including CEMETS iLab, Youth Apprenticeship Community of Practice, and the network of Youth Apprenticeship Accelerators.
  • Strategic Thought Partnership: Engage in strategic planning and support the Director of Workforce Strategies with outcome and strategy mapping, offering new ideas and solutions for the team and partners.
  • Project Management: Support multiple youth apprenticeship initiatives, serving as a point of contact for national and state partners and team members involved.
  • Workflow Management: Develop and execute project plans, manage deadlines, and ensure alignment of tasks across the team. Identify trends and implications regarding complex workforce issues and develop recommendations for partners.
  • Convening(s) Management: Plan and envision events, workshops, and meetings that engage state partners and promote increased collaboration.
  • Research: Conduct effective workforce research and synthesize findings, applying relevant information to the development of strategic workforce recommendations.
  • Resource Development: Assist in the development of proposals, grant applications, and other funding opportunities related to industry and state partnerships.
  • Continuous Improvement: Stay informed about state and national best practices in education and workforce trends, synthesize this knowledge and apply findings to the organization’s approach.
  • Cross-Functional Support: Support the greater Connect team with high priority and needs-based projects that involve Ascend’s ecosystem of stakeholders.
  • Leadership: Guide and motivate others to align with and work towards shared goals. Foster an environment where team members are empowered, encouraged and provided with the resources needed for growth and success.

Requirements

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Communications, or a related field

Experience

  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a workforce development or project management role or in a related role, preferably within a non-profit organization

Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to align partnership opportunities with organizational goals
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
  • Proficient in gathering and integrating information from multiple sources to develop comprehensive strategies
  • Skilled in leading conversations, meetings, and workshops, guiding stakeholders toward actionable outcomes, consensus and decision-making
  • Able to articulate complex ideas in clear, innovative ways to diverse audiences
  • Ability to learn new technology tools and processes quickly

Attributes

  • Passionate about the mission and values of Ascend Indiana
  • Highly motivated, proactive and able to work independently
  • Adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • Motivator, mentor and developer of talent

Details

  • Manager: Director of Workforce Strategies, Ascend Indiana
  • Office location: 16 Tech, downtown Indianapolis, with hybrid work (in office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week)
  • Work week: 40+ hours/week
  • Travel: Statewide (15%)

Benefits

  • 100% paid healthcare and dental premiums for both individuals and families.
  • Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) Retirement Plan with generous match. 5% contribution by the employer regardless of employee contribution and up to an additional 5% employee voluntary contribution eligible to be matched by the employer.
  • Paid Group Life, Short-Term, and Long-Term disability insurance benefits.
  • New office location and facilities at 16 Tech Innovation District.
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including 17 holidays.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are asked to apply here.


CICP grants equal opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, disability, age, national origin, military service obligations, veteran status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. CICP provides equal opportunity in wages, promotions, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@ascendindiana.com or 317.464.5412.

Responsibilities for this role include interacting with student personally identifiable information (PII). As a condition of access, you are responsible for taking steps to protect the confidentiality of student PII in both electronic and physical form. All responsibilities relating to student PII must be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).