Workforce Development Program Manager

Workforce Development Program Manager 2025

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been making change happen in Greater Lawrence, Massachusetts since its early beginnings in 1999. Through community engagement, environmental and open space improvements, fresh food access, youth education, and employment initiatives, GWL creates the building blocks of a healthy community and empowers residents to improve their quality of life. GWL achieves results by engaging the whole community – residents, youth, nonprofits, government, and businesses – in the planning and realization of projects. With this collaborative approach, GWL ensures that all stakeholders are mutually invested in the outcomes, the key to stable neighborhoods and sustainable change.

GWL’s mission and operations are premised on the understanding that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to the economic and social health of a neighborhood. Therefore, GWL is committed to “changing places, changing lives and changing systems” through on-the-ground projects that help to transform local communities. GWL’s mission is “to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships which empower people, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic and social well-being.”

About the Position: GWL is seeking a Workforce Development Manager who will research, develop, and implement effective recruiting and staffing strategies and program development to attract a diverse pool of qualified and capable talent for workforce programs focusing on environmental and green energy positions. This position reports to the Education & Workforce Development Director. 

Workforce Development Program Responsibilities:

• Develops, facilitates, and implements all phases of the recruitment process and manages all aspects of program development and workforce programming;
• Identifies and implements efficient and effective recruiting methods and strategies based on the program and available roles;
• Screens applications and selects qualified candidates; schedules interviews; oversees preparation of interview questions and other candidate selection materials;
• Attends and participates in college job fairs and recruiting sessions;
• Identify and develop partnerships with career centers and other career development collaboratives in the Greater Lawrence area;
• Conduct outreach to employers to develop on-the-job training and direct job placement sites for program participants; maintain cooperative relationships with employers, and academic and vocational training institutions; identify appropriate job placement/training opportunities for program participants; maintain understanding of local job market and opportunities to assist in providing guidance to program participants;
• Assist in the creation of career development training materials and resources for candidates and partners;
• Coordinate and lead career services workshop programming, including outreach, implementation, and evaluation of the workshops;
• Conduct workshops, orientations, or other training and outreach activities for candidates;
• Serve as a specialist resource for staff on issues related to employment and career planning;
• Support coordinators/coaches to integrate and strengthen employment and career-building goal setting into their coaching practices with program participants;
• Support coordinators/coaches in assessing program participant’s education, work experience, skills, and job interest and matching them to available employment, training, or other opportunities/services;
• Supporting coordinators/coaches in identifying challenges or barriers that might hinder employability, and assist coaches in identifying services, supports, or referrals to community resources. Participate in service and community events and partnerships;
• Participate in, and ensure youth integration in, GWL projects, community programs, and all staff events;
• Collaborate with other GWL staff in the execution of organizational projects and priorities;
• Collaborate with local colleagues and organizations to implement new and existing programs;

Qualifications:

• Must share a passion for Groundwork’s values and vision;
• Bilingual English/Spanish required;
• Demonstrated outstanding organizational skills along with strong oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills;
• Candidate must have 3 to 5 years of relevant experience and excellent references;
• Must have a valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and ability to drive program van; acceptable CORI & SORI;
• Basic computer skills: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Ability to balance competing priorities and deadlines and to handle multiple tasks;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues;
• Must be experienced working in multi-cultural, inclusive settings;
• Must have experience in event planning and community outreach/organizing; 
• Must be willing to work outside and complete other physical activities such as park cleanups. 
• Comfortable doing public speaking; 
• Candidate must be reliable and flexible and able to work a flexible schedule including some nights and weekends.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in community organizing or related field
• Strong English/Spanish translation skills highly desirable;
• Marketing and communications experience is a plus;

Compensation: Starting salary range is $55,000 - $60,000 commensurate with experience. Employee benefits include payment of 75% of health and dental insurance, a matched 403(b) retirement plan, fresh food benefit, long-term disability and life insurance, excellent paid time off benefits and hybrid work availability. GWL provides excellent opportunities for advancement and growth within the organization. This position reports to the Education & Workforce Programs Director and is an exempt, full-time position requiring some evening and weekend hours.

Hiring Policy: GWL is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status. City of Lawrence residents are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit a letter of interest describing your relevant experience and interests and your resume to: Groundwork Lawrence, Attn: Human Resources, 50 Island Street, Lawrence, MA 01840, fax: (978) 655-1337, or hr@groundworklawrence.org.

No phone calls please. Email inquiries may be sent to hr@groundworklawrence.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $60,000