Program Manager II - Office of Workforce Engagement

Program Manager II

The Program Manager II serves as a senior member of the Office of Workforce Engagement (WE) and plays a key role in advancing workforce engagement, employee appreciation, organizational culture, and institutional belonging across the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Reporting to the Program Director, this position provides leadership for Workforce Engagement signature programs, manages the employee engagement network, and develops institutional culture initiatives that strengthen MCW's People Strategy and advance the institution's core values.

The Program Manager II serves as a strategic thought partner to the Program Director and helps coordinate day-to-day operations of the Office of Workforce Engagement. This role provides continuity of operations during periods when the Program Director is unavailable, supports team coordination and communication, mentors Workforce Engagement staff, and assists in advancing office priorities and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Program Director.

The Program Manager II works collaboratively with colleagues across Human Resources, Organizational Development, Employee Engagement Groups, institutional committees, institutional inclusion councils, and other campus partners to enhance employee engagement and strengthen workplace culture.

An ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, collaborative relationship-builder, operational manager, and experienced program developer who is passionate about supporting employee engagement, organizational culture, and the growth and development of others.

Primary Responsibilities

Office Leadership & Operations

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Program Director on office priorities, initiatives, fiscal year goals, and opportunities.
• Provide operational continuity and leadership support during periods when the Program Director is unavailable.
• Facilitate Office of Workforce Engagement team meetings and support effective coordination of office priorities.
• Mentor and support Workforce Engagement staff members.
• Review Workforce Engagement communication plans and communications across the team, providing feedback to strengthen messaging and employee engagement efforts.
• Assist with development, monitoring, and review of the Office of Workforce Engagement budget.
• Support implementation of Workforce Engagement strategic priorities and annual goals.

Workforce Engagement & Culture

• Manage, coordinate, and advance MCW's workforce engagement, organizational culture, and workforce appreciation initiatives.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of MCW's Employer of Choice Strategy.
• Collaborate with institutional partners to strengthen employee engagement, retention, appreciation, and workplace belonging.

Signature Programs & Initiatives

• Lead and manage Workforce Engagement signature programs that advance MCW's core values, including:
• President's Inclusive Excellence Award
• Staff Awards & Honors Program
• Distinguished Service Award
• MLK National Day of Service Celebration
• Global Cultural Showcase
• Conversations to Advance MCW Values
• Employee Engagement Groups
• Religious Observances Calendar and Jummah Prayer Scheduling and Coordination
• Inclusive Holiday Communications

Relationship Building & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Human Resources, Organizational Development, the Office of Community Engagement, Employee Engagement Group leaders, and other institutional partners.
• Serve as a liaison and representative of the Office of Workforce Engagement on institutional initiatives, committees, and special projects.
• Strengthen cross-functional partnerships that enhance employee engagement and organizational culture across MCW.

Planning & Assessment

• Collaborate with Workforce Engagement leadership to define, track, and achieve annual strategic goals and priorities.
• Analyze program outcomes, participation trends, and engagement opportunities to inform recommendations and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support special projects and initiatives, as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating large scale events and signature programs.
• Experience working and navigating in a complex, decentralized environment, working with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and design innovative programs and opportunities to engage the workforce.
• Experience working across all levels of leadership and employee classification.
• Experience supporting the work of Employee Engagement Groups.
• Experience assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of a program.
• Strong time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• Efficient self-directed work, ability to remain focused, meet deadlines, and possess attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

Appropriate experience may be substituted for education on an equivalent basis.

Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degree

Minimum Required Experience: 8 years

Preferred Education: Master's degree

Preferred Experience: 10 years of leading workforce engagement programs in Academic Medicine setting

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview

For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers

At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring Collaborative Curiosity Inclusive Integrity Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.