Program Manager

Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI, www.bwiny.org) is a non‐profit, Brooklyn‐based workforce development organization that changes the lives of over 900 New Yorkers each year. We seek to develop job training programs that counter prevailing market inequalities, especially those based on race and gender, and contribute to a broader movement for economic justice. These programs prepare individuals for careers in commercial driving, customer experience roles at tech-enabled companies, voice and data cable installation, TV and film production, post-production, skilled woodworking, and other career pathways through our customized training program. In addition to free skills training, we provide access to credentials and job readiness, followed by job placement and career advancement support.

Brooklyn Woods Wood Worker Training Program Overview

Brooklyn Woods provides in-depth hard skills training and pathways to employment and a career ladder for low-income, unemployed, and underemployed adults. The training program includes: (1) full-time, seven-weeks of training that prepares low-income adults experiencing barriers to employment for roles in custom cabinet making, architectural millwork, furniture making, fabrication and related manufacturing and construction positions; (2) personalized job placement services via our network of employer partners and a supported job search process; and (3) two years of post-placement career coaching and placement services.

As the Program Manager, you will join a small, committed team who are passionate about helping jobless New Yorkers launch meaningful careers in woodworking, fabrication, and assembly. The Program Manager role will include a combination of direct service and partnership development and management. The Manager will lead business development efforts to secure new employer and industry partnerships, maintain existing relationships, and explore program alignment with additional career opportunities in related sectors. This role reports to and will be supported by the Program Director. Additional core responsibilities include being responsible for recruitment, assessment and program selection, job readiness instruction, and tracking program performance.

Core Responsibilities of the Brooklyn Woods Program Manager include:

Recruitment, Screening and Assessment

• Manage and facilitate weekly information sessions, recruitment, and outreach efforts for Brooklyn Woods, a seven-week sector-based skills training program serving 60+ participants annually.
  • Oversee, develop, and implement recruiting strategy.
  • Oversee outreach, orientation, and testing.
  • Interview and assess program applicants.
  • Recruitment and outreach efforts may require intracity travel.
• Guide applicants through the selection process by responding to inquiries, providing regular updates, and coordinating and conducting interviews.
• Coordinate and manage program tryouts, collaborating with the Brooklyn Woods team to screen, assess and select the final class cohort.
• Special projects as assigned.

Program Management and Job Readiness Training

• Facilitate and deliver job readiness training sessions, including resume writing, setting career goals, job search strategies, mock interviews to prepare graduates for real job interviews, and one-on-one job coaching.
• Manage and facilitate student field trips to employer partners and shop tours.
• Manage and coordinate OSHA 40 training with training vendor.
• Oversee accurate and organized participant records, including job placement and retention data, and ensure timely data entry into BWI’s internal database, generate program reports as required.
• Collaborate with BWI’s Contracts Unit to meet contract enrollment, service delivery, and program outcome goals.

Business Development, Job Placement and Retention Services

• Support partnership development, including prospecting, outreach, and onboarding of new employer partners for roles within the sector. Build linkages with woodworking, fabrication, assembly, and light-manufacturing businesses.
• Manage relationships with current employer and industry partners through marketing communications, regular meetings, candidate referrals, and identifying collaboration opportunities (e.g., guest speakers, volunteer activities, co-branded events).
• Lead job development and career advancement services for Brooklyn Woods program graduates. Facilitate the matching of Brooklyn Woods graduates with employer partners.
• Support Program Director in identifying and securing industry volunteers for mock interviews, guest speakers, and employer site visits.
• Provide job retention support to Brooklyn Woods graduates, including one-on-one support and small groups where participants will receive career advancement services, soft-skill refreshers, coaching, and referrals.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm and respect for working with low-income New Yorkers with barriers to employment; strong commitment to BWI’s mission.
• At least two years of workforce development experience, including community outreach, recruitment, building and maintaining referral networks, and at least one year of job placement experience, and at least one year of experience and demonstrated proficiency with classroom facilitation in a professional setting.
• Experience coaching, guiding, and supporting individuals in their career development.
• Exceptional organizational and administrative skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including maintaining social media fluency.
• Friendly, professional demeanor. Demonstrated ability to work well independently and as a member of a team, and with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Available to work flexible hours