Career Readiness Program Manager

The Opportunity
As the Career Readiness Program Manager in Selma, AL, you will lead the launch and implementation of career readiness and life skills programming, supporting local community members as they transition into meaningful employment. Reporting to the Regional Executive Director, your role is vital in designing, managing, and delivering career training and wraparound support in a town that values relationships, trust, and personal empowerment. You will serve as the primary point of contact for students, partners, and community stakeholders, coaching individuals to overcome barriers, facilitating career readiness workshops, and aligning local resources for program success. Your ability to mentor, lead initiatives, and foster strong community connections will be critical to both short-term student success and long-term workforce development in the region. This role also includes temporary responsibilities in program design and implementation, ensuring a smooth program launch and student progression. Once the program is established, your work will focus entirely on student engagement, success coaching, and workforce placement.

Organization Overview:

As part of Skilled US’s commitment to empowering adults in marginalized communities, the Career Readiness Program Manager plays a crucial role in supporting individuals through career transitions and growing our footprint in the region. At Skilled US, our mission is to provide the tools, training, and resources necessary for individuals to secure high-demand jobs and achieve economic stability. Through comprehensive vocational programs, wraparound services, career counseling, networking, and mentorship, we equip our participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today's job market. The success of our program graduates underscores the transformative impact of Skilled US in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering long-term economic growth.

Location:  Selma, AL, or within a 30-mile radius. This position requires in-person interaction with students, training partners, and community partners as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Implementation

• Lead the design, facilitation, and launch of a local career readiness program tailored to the unique needs of Selma's community.
• Collaborate with the Regional Executive Director to set program goals, timelines, and success indicators.
• Coordinate with local organizations and training partners to ensure timely and smooth program delivery.
• Track implementation milestones and make adjustments to improve quality and impact.

Student Success & Career Readiness Coaching

• Serve as a trusted mentor and coach for students, offering personalized guidance through enrollment, training, and job placement.
• Create and facilitate in-person or virtual career and life skills workshops focused on communication, financial literacy, time management, and workplace expectations.
• Identify barriers to success (e.g., transportation, housing, trauma, motivation) and help students access needed supports.
• Monitor enrollment, withdrawals, and attendance to ensure consistent engagement and program completion.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to help students explore goals, strengthen intrinsic motivation, and resolve ambivalence about personal or professional growth.

Community & Partner Engagement

• Build and sustain relationships with local employers, community leaders, training partners, and service providers.
• Organize work-based learning opportunities and employer site visits to connect students with real-world experiences.
• Promote Skilled US’s mission through community outreach, speaking engagements, and collaborative efforts.

Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date student records using enrollment and CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot.
• Collect and analyze student progress data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Prepare timely reports for leadership and funders, highlighting student success stories and program outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, higher education, or a related field, or at least four years of relevant experience.

Work Experience

• 3+ years working in adult education, career services, or workforce development.
• Demonstrated success advising adult learners, managing career pathways, or building employer relationships.
• Experience designing and implementing training programs, particularly in small or rural communities.

Skills & Knowledge

• Proficiency in Excel, CRMs (Salesforce or similar), and data entry/reporting.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to lead workshops.
• Deep understanding of social work case management, social emotional learning techniques, trauma-informed care, and career counseling.
• Knowledge of funding sources and support systems such as SNAP, WIOA, or reentry programs.
• Bilingual abilities are a plus.

Availability

• This in-person position requires regular in-person engagement in Selma with students, community partners, and program stakeholders.

Our Core Values:

• Children First - work to ensure that all interactions and decisions put our scholars first
• Respect - Treat others as you would like to be treated
• Determination - With hard work and superior effort, we can achieve all things
• Continuous Improvement - try to get better and better every day
• Gratitude - Demonstrate gratefulness for all that we have done and the opportunity to serve our scholars and communities

Compensation and benefits:

PLA School Leaders receive a base salary that is competitively aligned to the market. In addition to a base salary, PLA School Leaders receive: 

• Competitive Compensation
• Benefits – Healthcare, vision, and dental insurance
• Monthly professional development opportunities, including participation in our annual Leader Institute
• Opportunities to collaborate and brainstorm with other School Leaders in the network
• Incentive and bonus opportunities

PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

Please read carefully.

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.