Workforce Development Programs Manager

Under the leadership of the Senior Director of Innovation and Impact and the Programs Director, the Workforce Programs Manager oversees the management and delivery of HACIA’s workforce development training portfolio, including supportive services and job placement within the construction ecosystem. Working closely with Programs Department leadership, this role manages multiple grant-funded initiatives simultaneously, ensuring strong program implementation, accurate data tracking, and compliance with grant requirements while supporting the organization’s membership-facing workforce initiatives.

  • Company: HACIA
  • Location: Chicago, IL
  • Employment Type: Full Time
  • Date: 3/10/2026
  • Industry: Non-Profit

About HACIA:

Founded in 1979 as a non-profit 501 (c) (6) organization, the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) is a construction advocacy, training, and membership organization. With over 300 members, HACIA provides a range of technical and supportive services to assist minority, women, veteran, and disadvantaged business enterprises (M/W/V/DBE) in addition to workforce development training in the construction and professional services industries. HACIA believes that all qualified construction businesses and individuals should have equal access to opportunities and education; and, therein, strives to build diversity and inclusion that strengthens the industry. HACIA’s mission focuses on ensuring the equitable participation of its members and inclusion of diverse business practices in the construction industry, while also promoting growth, quality of work, professionalism, and integrity. The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association Scholarship & Education Foundation (HACIASEF) is a non-profit 501c (3) organization whose mission is to provide on-going training and educational services to businesses and their employees in the construction related industry. HACIASEF (C3) and HACIA (C6) together work to ensure the equitable participation of diverse construction professionals, while also supporting and promoting the growth, quality of work, professionalism and integrity of these individuals and businesses. For over 42 years, we have built a strong network of construction professionals that believe in our mission and foster a more diverse and equitable construction industry

Our Culture

HACIA’s culture is rooted in our mission and guided by our values charter, which serves as a shared commitment to embodying the principles that define who we are and how we lead, serve and work together. These five values guide our decision, partnership, and action we take: 1. Community: We build together. 2. Excellence: We set the standard. 3. Integrity: We do the right thing. 4. Stewardship: We care for what has been entrusted to us. 5. Advocacy: We raise our voices for equity and opportunity. At HACIA, we pledge to live these values daily, hold ourselves and one another accountable as we continuously reflect and evolve to ensure these values remain alive in our culture.

Position Summary

Under the leadership of the Senior Director of Innovation and Impact and the Programs Director, the Workforce Programs Manager oversees the management and delivery of HACIA’s workforce development training portfolio, including supportive services and job placement within the construction ecosystem. Working closely with Programs Department leadership, this role manages multiple grant-funded initiatives simultaneously, ensuring strong program implementation, accurate data tracking, and compliance with grant requirements while supporting the organization’s membership-facing workforce initiatives. This mission-critical role requires a highly organized and self-motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong communication and project management skills, and takes ownership of their learning while proactively asking questions and driving solutions. The successful candidate will maintain awareness of construction workforce trends and work collaboratively to ensure participants receive the support needed to transition successfully into employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position will require you to be able to complete the following essential duties, though this is not an exhaustive list and HACIA may amend this job description at any time and at its discretion:

Program Management and Delivery 

  • Provide day-to-day coordination and oversight of workforce development programs, ensuring alignment with program goals, grant requirements, and HACIA policies and compliance standards.
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of workforce development programs serving underserved populations, including training in trades, clean energy, green construction, professional services, and other construction-related fields.
  • Develop and maintain the annual training program calendar, including timelines for marketing, recruitment, enrollment, program delivery, completion, and participant transition.
  • Ensure high-quality programming by monitoring participant engagement and satisfaction, as well as the performance of workforce staff, instructors, and training partners.
  • Implement and manage program improvements, interventions, and operational adjustments to ensure program goals and outcomes are achieved while keeping leadership informed. 

Grant Management, Compliance, and Budget Oversight 

  • Coordinate closely with the Grants Manager to support budget spend-down, data tracking, and operating plans for grant-funded programs.
  • Manage program budgets and reporting data to ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance with grant and organizational requirements.
  • Prioritize data integrity by establishing and maintaining effective tracking systems and documentation processes for workforce and transition outcomes.
  • Support the development of grant proposals and contribute programmatic insights to funding opportunities

Program Strategy and Evaluation 

  • Collaborate with Programs Department leadership to develop annual program budgets and strategic priorities.
  • Design and implement evaluation methods to assess program outcomes, strengths, and opportunities for improvement, including pre- and post-assessments.
  • Maintain awareness of construction industry workforce trends and identify opportunities for new program development or expansion.
  • Serve as a strategic partner and thought leader to the Senior Director of Innovation and Impact on workforce trends, program innovation, and relationship development.

Partnerships, Outreach, and Stakeholder Engagement 

  • Develop and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders, including employers, unions, training providers, and community partners.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing team to create outreach and marketing strategies that expand program pipelines and strengthen stakeholder engagement.
  • Integrate workforce programs with HACIA membership initiatives, policies, and operations to maximize the organization’s industry and business network. 

Participant Success and Workforce Transition 

  • Identify and coordinate wraparound and supportive services that help participants overcome barriers to program completion and employment.
  • Oversee participant transition goals and support the workforce team in developing and implementing job placement and career transition strategies. 

Team Leadership and Organizational Collaboration 

  • Train, mentor, and support workforce program staff on program coordination, compliance requirements, and service delivery.
  • Support the hiring and onboarding of new staff, while fostering professional development and effective delegation within the team.
  • Collaborate closely with programs, membership, and senior leadership teams to advance organizational priorities and program success.

Additional Requirements 

  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a personal vehicle with required insurance coverage. 

Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following.

  • Project Management: Communicates changes and progress. Completes projects on time and budget. Coordinates projects and develops project plans. Manages project team activities.
  • Communications – Exhibits good listening, comprehension, and empathy. Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form. Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally. Keeps others adequately informed. Selects and uses appropriate communication methods. Keeps leadership informed as needed.
  • Achievement Focus- Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles. Measures self against standard of excellence. Recognizes and acts on opportunities. Sets and achieves challenging goals. Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
  • Job Knowledge- Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills. Keeps abreast of current developments. Requires minimal supervision. Uses resources effectively. Is able to delegate work to others.
  • Strategic Thinking- Adapts strategy to changing conditions. Analyzes market and competition. Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals. Identifies external threats and opportunities.
  • Problem Solving – Develops alternative solutions. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Identifies problems in a timely manner. Resolves problems in early stages. Works well in group problem solving situations.
  • Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities. Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Puts success of team above own interests.

Qualifications:  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. HACIA is committed to accommodating applicants and employees with qualifying disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation to the extent possible. HACIA will follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws as they relate to reasonable accommodation of individuals with disabilities and their capabilities to perform essential job duties.

Education/Experience:

  • Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university; and more than four years related experience in direct management of multiple workforce training programs. More than 6 years of experience in direct management of multiple-grant funded workforce development programming will be prioritized.
  • Management Ability: More than 3 years of experience in managing more than one person; skilled at developing a team and guiding a team to achieve excellence. Strong ability to delegate tasks, lead by example, and adept at capturing and understanding directives with the ability to lead the team to follow. 
  • Language and Writing Ability: Excellent writing skills. Read and interpret documents such as grant proposals, policies, and procedure manuals. Write routine reports and correspondence. Speak effectively before groups of customers or employees with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
  • Reasoning Ability: Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Solve and analyze problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. 
  • Computer Skills: Proficient in MS Office particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Work Environment:

Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is generally a normal office environment, but there may be occasions that require travel throughout the city and greater Chicagoland area. Employees are expected to work during the Company’s core business hours between 9:00am – 5:00pm. Employees will be given work schedules depending on department and project. The position will require occasional evening work to member events or activities.  

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time. Will be required to use hands to finger, handle or feel as well as reach with hands or arms most of the time. Prolonged periods of moving around event spaces/meeting locations during various events and meetings to prepare, organize, set up event spaces, and to network/build relationships with HACIA members as well as potential partners.  

Benefits:

HACIA offers comprehensive benefits including

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Vacation
  • Holidays Paid
  • Sick Days
  • Personal Time Off
  • 401k Matching
  • Remote Workdays

Disclaimer:

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature of the position and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of duties, skills, and standards required for the position. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed or as assigned by their supervisor

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Disclaimer: 

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature of the position and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of duties, skills, and standards required for the position. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities f rom time to time, as needed or as assigned by their supervisor.  

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

HACIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. HACIA hires individuals on the basis of their qualifications and ability to complete the essential requirements and responsibilities of the job to be filled. It is HACIA’s policy to grant equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, religion, pregnancy, parental status, marital status, age, veterans’ or military status, regardless of how discharged, source of income, credit history, arrest records, or physical or mental handicap or disability, genetic information, or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. HACIA will provide equal opportunities in all aspects of the employment relationship, including without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, working conditions, benefits and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment. All employment decisions are made based on availability, qualifications, ability, merit and/or other legitimate factors consistent with principles of equal employment. 

Please note: Cover letter & responses to the pre-screening questions below are required. Applications can be sent to jobs@haciaworks.org.

  • Why HACIA?
  • What interested you in this specific role?
  • What do you know about HACIA’s existing workforce development programs?
  • Why do you think you’re a good fit for this role?
  • Tell us about a workforce development or training program you’ve led in the past.
  • What were the challenges & what made it successful?
  • What are you looking for in your next role & how does this position align with long term goals?
  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Pay: $80,000.00 – $87,000.00 per year