Apprenticeship Solutions Manager

OUR ORGANIZATION:  

Kinexus Group, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2026 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. 

The Michigan Works! Business Solutions Team assists employers by understanding their needs and creating solutions. Whether it is workforce related, infrastructure or expansion needs, our team develops solutions through grant funding and strategic partnerships. We work closely with employers, educational providers, as well as the non-profit and government sectors to ensure continued success for employers.

OUR DESIRED OUTCOMES: 

As an integral member of the Business Solutions Team, and under the supervision of the Director of Business, will be responsible for leading all apprenticeship-related activities for Michigan Works! Berrien-Cass-Van Buren. The Manager will lead with a growth mindset, collaborating with stakeholders to develop solutions that meet the needs of employers across industry sectors. A priority focus of this role is to increase access to high-quality, in-demand jobs for underrepresented populations and underserved communities through a robust apprenticeship strategy, thus increasing the talent pipeline for Michigan employers. In the new service delivery model, the Manager of Apprenticeship Solutions will have direct supervision of the Apprenticeship Program Coordinators and work as a cross-functional team member alongside workforce development leaders to ensure effective delivery of case management services.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU:

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary contact for USDOL and the State of Michigan LEO Sector Strategies Office of Apprenticeships on apprenticeship development, compliance, and reporting.
• Engage in strategic planning, measuring, and analyzing existing apprenticeship effectiveness, and oversee data-driven continuous quality improvement.
• Manage internal and external pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship projects and activities.
• Serve as the apprenticeship representative for internal and external work groups and committees.
• Oversee program compliance activities to ensure alignment with USDOL regulations.
• Lead the development of proposals to support employer demand through pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs.
• Strategize with employers to assess their talent gaps and pursue training opportunities to develop and retain talent.
• Establish robust internal controls to support audit preparedness and site visits.
• Meet with employers, industry consortiums, and stakeholders to understand demand and build apprenticeship solutions.
• Provide innovative solutions to RAP development including the expansion of technical training providers.
• Develop and maintain a vigorous performance management system inclusive of onboarding, program management, and exit processes.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues on project management, data collection, and timelines.
• Collaborate with the Director and team to proactively communicate and follow up with prospective employer leads and inquiries.
• Organize and participate in virtual and in-person recruitment, workshops, and information sessions.
• Lead efforts in collaboration with internal teams to communicate apprenticeship-value proposition.
• Conduct research; compile and analyze results; and prepare reports and recommendations.
• Manage attendance, performance, development, training and discipline for direct reports
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.     

MINUMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of training and/or professional experience in business, workforce development, or related field
• Three years of related experience (Career Services, Training, Advising, Recruiting or Talent Acquisition)
• Project management principles and ability to handle multiple assignments
• Budget management
• Best practices and innovative strategies in career development, training and work-based learning
• Effectively market and represent programs and services to employers
• Excellent customer service
• Interpret and apply local, state, and federal laws and regulations
• Supervisory and managerial principles
• Research, analyze, and interpret data
• Develop and present oral and written reports and presentations
• Develop and implement objectives, policies and procedures
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Interpersonal skills to work cooperatively and effectively with individuals and groups
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Five years of related experience in workforce and/or economic development
• Demonstrated understanding of the apprenticeship model

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be able to lift to 25 pounds at times. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Hybrid – Onsite and remote options
• Combination of office, local travel and remote. Will depend on the needs of the project and expectations will be set in partnership with the Director of Business Unit Performance and Impact.

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.    
• Exceptional benefits.
• 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.