Position Title: Program Manager, Workforce Development

Position Level: Program Manager

Reports to: Director of Workforce Development

FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt, Full-Time

Hiring Range: $44,000 - $47,000

Prepared Date: October 2026

About WMCAT

The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) provides a culture of opportunity for people to make social and economic progress in their lives and community. We fulfill our mission through visual arts and tech engagement and workforce development.

Workforce Development (WFD) builds income security with families and young adults through post-secondary exploration, career training, and leadership development. This includes:

- WMCAT’s tuition-free Adult Career Training Program offers Kent County adults experiencing under- and unemployment the opportunity to learn a recent career, grow personally and professionally, and build a network with industry and community leaders. Our welcoming environment, small class sizes, and extra support services move adults toward new careers in the cybersecurity and pharmacy technician fields. These career pathways pay living wages, may offer benefits, and provide opportunities for career advancement.
- Step Year at WMCAT is specifically designed to help young adults find a career or educational path that’s right for them. The tuition-free program is a unique mix of college and career exploration, self-discovery, and connections to employment pathways in a variety of sectors. Through WMCAT's curated curriculum and mentorship approach, students develop an action plan to guide their next steps toward post-secondary education and career.



Step Year is tuition-free and is open to young adults ages 18-24 who have a high school diploma or GED and live in Kent County.

Position Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for managing Workforce Development (WFD) initiatives at WMCAT, including leading all aspects of the Step Year at WMCAT program. This encompasses recruiting participants, coordinating activities, implementing the established curriculum, planning and facilitating class sessions, and connecting students to community resources.

Additionally, the Program Manager provides holistic support for participants in the Adult Career Training Program, which includes managing community partnerships, engaging in systems-level work, and offering direct support to students and alumni. This role also supports recruitment and retention efforts for other Workforce Development programs as needed.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting individuals as they navigate educational and career pathways, along with a strong understanding of the barriers that can impact their success. A deep knowledge of Kent County's community resources and support systems, or a demonstrated ability to identify, navigate, and build relationships with these resources, is essential. This includes connecting participants to services that address needs such as housing, transportation, childcare, food security, financial stability,



and other barriers to educational and career advancement. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate an understanding of systemic inequities and their impacts, a commitment to building trusting relationships, and the ability to advocate for participants while helping them achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals.

Essential Duties + Responsibilities

Community Engagement

- Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of community resources, services, and support systems throughout Kent County that address barriers to student success.
- Build and sustain relationships with community organizations and service providers to ensure students have access to resources that support their personal, educational, and professional goals.
- Participate in systems-level work and initiatives to drive systemic change for students and families.

Holistic Student Support

- Champion the student support process to ensure student needs are met.
- Manage WMCAT’s relationships with external support systems such as DHHS and on-site Arbor Circle therapist.
- Act as a liaison between students and both internal and external support systems.
- Maintain contact with program alumni to check in, offer support, and assist with next steps and transitions.

Program Management

- Lead the day-to-day planning, coordination and implementation of the Step Year program, ensuring alignment with established program goals and curriculum.
- Coordinate with director of workforce development to identify opportunities for Step Year program partnerships and modify curriculum as necessary.
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📌 Program Manager, Workforce Development (Grand Rapids)
🏢 West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology
📍 Grand Rapids