Workforce Program Manager (GRANT-FUNDED)

The City of Richmond is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager to lead and support the RichmondBUILD/YouthBUILD Programs within the Employment & Training Division. This position plays a critical role in planning, administering, and evaluating comprehensive workforce development and pre-apprenticeship programs that prepare Richmond residents, particularly opportunity youth and underserved populations, for careers in construction trades, environmental remediation, infrastructure, and other high-demand industries. The “Workforce” Program Manager will oversee program operations that integrate education, occupational skills training, leadership development, case management, supportive services, and employment placement activities in alignment with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), YouthBUILD, and other grant‑funded program requirements. This position is also responsible for fostering strong partnerships with labor unions, apprenticeship programs, contractors, educational institutions, public agencies, community‑based organizations, and employers to create equitable career pathways and expand access to family‑sustaining careers. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in program management, staff supervision, compliance oversight, partnership development, and community engagement, as well as experience working with disadvantaged youth and adults facing barriers to employment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to workforce equity, leadership development, restorative and trauma‑informed practices, and strategies that strengthen local hire opportunities and promote economic mobility throughout the Richmond community. Annual salary for this classification is as high as $144,508.37, at the top of the range, with approved Cost of Living Adjustments on July 1, 2026 (5%) and July 1, 2027 (5%). City‑paid benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, holidays, administrative leave days, sick time, CalPERS retirement contribution, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, annual professional development reimbursement, four weeks of paid parental leave, and more. Please note: This is a grant‑funded position, contingent upon continued funding. Employment in this role may be limited to the duration of the grant, with opportunities for extension dependent on future funding availability. The Workforce Program Manager plans and administers programs designed to enhance the employment and training opportunities for Richmond residents; oversees Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, and provides support and direction to department staff; ensures that contractors with the City adhere to Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) goals and policies; provides expert professional assistance and safety guidance to City staff regarding programmatic areas; fosters cooperative working relationships with the City, other public agencies, business and community groups, and the public; and performs related work as assigned. May supervise staff. Distinguishing Characteristics This class has programmatic responsibility in one of two major areas, both designed to enhance the employability of Richmond residents. While responsibilities may relate to oversight of specified employment and training programs or the development of employment opportunities, successful performance of the work requires developed administrative, strategic, and design‑thinking, and public contact skills. This class is distinguished from the Deputy Director of Community Services – Employment and Training in that the latter has overall management responsibility for all City employment training and contract compliance matters. Ideal Candidate Qualifications Knowledge of workforce development, pre‑apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs, including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), YouthBUILD, MC3 programs, state and federal grant requirements, labor laws, prevailing wage requirements, and construction industry workforce standards. Experience planning, developing, implementing, reviewing, and evaluating workforce development, pre‑apprenticeship, construction training, and employment programs. Ability to coordinate programs and services with City departments, public agencies, labor unions, apprenticeship programs, contractors, educational institutions, and community‑based organizations. Experience developing and supporting career pathway strategies that prepare participants for entry into state‑certified apprenticeship programs, union careers, construction trades, environmental remediation, infrastructure, and other high‑demand industries. Strong program management, compliance oversight, and organizational skills. Strong communication, community engagement, and relationship‑building skills. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including youth, adults, and individuals facing barriers to employment. The following list is intended to be illustrative in nature and does not necessarily represent the entire range of work duties expected of employees within the job classification. Plans, develops, implements, reviews, and evaluates employment and training and/or contract compliance; coordinates assigned areas of responsibility activities with those of other City departments, public agencies, and business and community groups. Plans, directs, and reviews the work of assigned staff; trains staff in work procedures, and provides technical assistance to staff as required. Oversees and coordinates the work of consultants providing professional/technical assistance in specified programmatic areas and/or direct client training services; prepares requests for proposals, negotiates, and administers contracts, and authorizes payment for services provided. Ensures that client service providers and/or contractors receiving City funds meet funding‑source requirements and City goals and requirements; ensures that proper documentation is maintained. Acts as a department representative with members of the public, business, and community groups to develop and implement a variety of employment and training programs and strategies; makes presentations as required. Coordinates and provides input into departmental management processes, including budget development and goals and objectives implementation, staff assignment and training, and related administrative areas. Monitors legislative and programmatic developments in the area to which assigned; evaluates their impact upon City employment, training, and contracting activities; and recommends and implements procedural improvements as appropriate. Develops and oversees program tracking and reporting systems; prepares or directs the preparation of reports, correspondence, program information, and other written materials. Provides technical assistance regarding the area of assignment to support staff in other programmatic areas. Uses a variety of standard office equipment and drives a City or personal vehicle to attend meetings and inspect training and contractor business sites. Performs related work as required. Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business or Public Administration, Social Services, or a related field. Four (4) years of experience in a combination of direct service delivery and/or administrative or programmatic support in programs related to employment and training and/or government programs. Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Required Licenses or Certifications Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside of Richmond to meet program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, maintenance of a valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record is required. Desirable Qualifications Experience in monitoring or enforcing contract provisions is desirable. COVID‑19 Vaccination Requirement The City’s policy that all persons hired on or after October 18, 2021, must be fully vaccinated for COVID‑19, including the booster. New employees will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before employment may commence. Required Knowledge The community of Richmond. WIOA principles, practices, and funding sources specific to the programmatic area to which assigned. Prevailing Wage laws, local labor laws, and all other applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations relevant to workforce administration. State and federal Workforce Development programs. Supervisory principles and practices, work planning, scheduling, review, and employee training. Socioeconomic, financial, and political issues influencing employment and training activities. Applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations. Principles and techniques of program planning, implementation, analysis, and evaluation. Principles and practices of budget development, and the administrative practices and procedures. Project management. Personnel policies and procedures. Modern office practices and equipment, including computers and applicable software. Skill In Critical thinking and problem solving. Organization and time management. Public speaking and making presentations. Community engagement. Ability To Analyze complex and technical problems. Exercise sound independent judgment. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Compile and analyze data for research and reporting purposes. Conduct presentations and trainings. Non‑Discrimination Policy The City of Richmond is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and prohibits discrimination against any applicant on the basis of race, religion, citizenship, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability or medical condition, genetic information, marital status, reproductive health decision‑making, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, or military or veteran status or any other basis protected by law. Immigration Reform Control Act In compliance with the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986, individuals offered employment by the City of Richmond will be required to show documentation of eligibility to work in the United States as a condition of employment. Disaster Service Workers California Government Code Title I, Sections 3100 - 3109, declares all public employees to be Disaster Service Workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. EOE/ADA/DRUG‑FREE WORKPLACE Website: #J-18808-Ljbffr