Manager, Workforce Operations

OUR ORGANIZATION:  
Kinexus Group, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality.

OUR TEAM:

The MiWorks! Team is made up of dedicated professionals whose role is to develop the local workforce and build a talent pipeline to meet current and future needs of employers in the area.  At the same time, we are helping jobseekers in our community find sustainable employment.  Customers come to the One Stop with many different skill levels and work with our specialists through coaching, scholarships for classroom training in high demand occupations, and on-the-job training opportunities.  We work closely with local businesses to connect jobseekers to multiple types of employment from entry level work to professional careers.    

OUR DESIRED OUTCOMES:

Our long-term outcome is to attract, retain, and develop talent to support economic growth and vitality in Southwest Michigan. The Manager of Workforce Operations ensures that program activities, policies, and procedures are implemented as designed and completed according to established timelines. This role requires effective communication with supervisors, peers, and staff, as well as the ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate solutions when needed. The Manager also oversees the operational rhythm of case managers who work directly with individuals seeking workforce services, providing coordination and guidance to staff delivering talent development services.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

We expect you to lead with accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering high-quality workforce services to our community. In this role, you will guide staff, ensure program compliance, and monitor performance outcomes while maintaining strong relationships with partners and stakeholders. Your leadership will help ensure individuals seeking services receive effective support that connects them to meaningful employment opportunities and strengthens the regional workforce.

• Responsible for ensuring effective delivery of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Trade Adjustment Assistance, and Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment and other workforce development services under the auspices of the Executive Vice President, Workforce.
• Responsible for the delivery of customized training and other training products, including ITA (individual training accounts), ensuring that individuals who are enrolled into the program are tracked and documented in OSMIS and Salesforce.
• Responsible for the oversight and safety of all staff that is present within the Michigan Works! service center.
• Oversees the daily operations of the talent teams service delivery for WIOA DW/Adult and TAA, etc. in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.
• Monitors team and individual key performance indicators (KPI's) – including progress toward local and state performance metrics. Providing support and coaching to team surrounding goal achievement and deliverables.
• Conduct ongoing file monitoring of electronic and hard copy systems to ensure data validation and file integrity toward program compliance.
• Responsible for monitoring and tracking programmatic training and supportive service budgets.
• In coordination with Trainer and KG Risk Management, create and deliver adequate staff training, support, and ensuring quality services are present in Michigan Works! TAA, WIOA Adult/DW, and other workforce programs.
• Collaborate and engage with the performance manager to ensure performance metrics are monitored and reviewed monthly. Continuously assess productivity and goal achievement to determine areas of improvement.
• Works with KG Risk Management Team to prepare and comply with programmatic local, State and Federal auditing procedures.
• Development of Operating Procedures, job aids and training materials based on local, State, and Federal policy conferring with Vice President, Workforce and KG Risk Management Team.
• Maintain and share knowledge with the talent team of current services, high-demand sectors, and job openings.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, effectively screen and interview candidates for available positions within the talent team and deliver a robust onboarding process.
• Consistently create innovative ways to effectively develop marketing and recruitment strategies for the WIOA Adult/DW, TAA and other workforce programs.
• Develop and manage relationships with community partner agencies and businesses.
• Development and implementation of an ongoing effective workgroup geared towards addressing operational challenges as needed.
• Responsible for regular management and audit of each Career Development Specialist's physical and electronic files.
• Ensure the talent team provides great customer experience for job seekers, resulting in customer satisfaction.
• Manage attendance, performance, development, training and discipline for direct reports.
• Responsible for ongoing professional development to ensure that your management skills and program knowledge remains relevant to your management role.
• Accountability to align with the mission, vision, and values of Kinexus.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in business, human services, workforce development, or a related field
• Knowledge of workforce development programs and local labor market demand
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with supervisors, peers, and staff
• Demonstrated ability to hire, train, develop, supervise, and manage staff
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and successfully lead a variety of projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain discretion, confidentiality, and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), virtual meeting platforms

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 

• Prior Case Management experience
• Knowledge of database systems including, but not limited to OSMIS and Michigan Talent Connect 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift to 25 pounds at times.  
• Must be willing and able to travel between offices located in Benton Harbor and Paw Paw, MI.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Competitive salary & benefits
• Flexible and open
• Opportunities for development, growth and giving back 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US: 

• A robust onboarding experience to integrate you into our team.
• Team of Teams training in support of the organizational strategies.
• Job training and development to ensure you are established and growing in your role.
• Cross Operational Meetings with your peers.
• Be a part of transformational change in Michigan.

We have unique culture that requires individuals to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE. We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important.

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and/or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.