Workforce Development Associate

Job Summary

*This is a full-time, hybrid position. During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit's office location in Ann Arbor, MI. Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week.

At Merit Network, we believe technology has the power to connect people, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity. For more than 60 years, our nonprofit organization has supported education, research, healthcare, government, libraries, tribal organizations, and nonprofits through innovative technology and connectivity solutions. Join a team of passionate professionals who are committed to making an impact and helping create a future where communities have the tools and connections they need to thrive.

To learn more about Merit Network, please visit our website: https://www.merit.edu/ 

The Workforce Development Associate will be a contributor to Merit's new Workforce Development initiative, serving both Merit employees and external partners and stakeholders around the state of Michigan. Supports Merit's Director of HR and works with all Merit department leaders and staff to address development opportunities and strategies. Supports Merit's Director of Workforce Development by organizing and tracking initiatives that help vendors and external partners to address development needs across the state. This position has a direct effect on Merit's purposes, specifically to power lifelong learners. 

Responsibilities*

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

As the Workforce Development Associate, your main responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Cross-collaboration across Workforce Development, Human Resources, Finance, and Member Success teams to ensure business operations (E)
• Serve as a central coordinator for workforce development initiatives, providing comprehensive administrative and operational support across programs and projects (E)
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, and communications for workforce development initiatives, including engagement with external partners, stakeholders, and vendors (E)
• Assist in the coordination and execution of workforce development programs, experiential learning, training initiatives, and partner-based programs (E)
• Support recruitment and talent pipeline efforts related to workforce programs, including candidate coordination and communication (E)
• Manage compliance, reporting, and deadline requirements for and track reporting requirements for workforce development grants (E)
• Partner with Finance to monitor grant budgets, track expenditures, and support financial reporting and forecasting (E)
• Maintain and manage the Learning Management System (LMS), including participant enrollment, progress tracking, reporting, and key performance indicators (KPI) monitoring (E)
• Prepare reports, dashboards, presentations, and materials for leadership, including regular updates for executive stakeholders (E)
• Provide administrative support for contract development and review in collaboration with leadership, finance, and legal partners
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, streamline workflows, and enhance program efficiency and effectiveness 
• Document processes and investigate opportunities for efficiencies as programs develop 
• Maintain a high level of attention to detail while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of you for this job.  Responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

You have no supervisory responsibilities, however at times will direct the work of others within the scope of project management activities. 

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. You will routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud-based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software & equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Employees must frequently work at computer stations, answer telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client communication. Employees may on occasion be required to move items of various sizes throughout the office or building.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Education, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 3-5 years of professional experience in program coordination, workforce development, administration, or a related field
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, shifting deadlines, and detailed workflows in a fast-paced environment
• Experience supporting projects or programs with reporting, compliance, or tracking requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present information to a variety of audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems and tools as needed
• High level of emotional intelligence, professionalism, and ability to build positive working relationships
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to proactively identify issues and implement effective solutions
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, team-oriented environment
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting organizational purpose-driven work, particularly in workforce development, education, and digital opportunity 
• Ability and willingness for up to 20% travel across the state of Michigan as needed

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience working with workforce development programs, training initiatives, or experiential learning models (e.g., internships, apprenticeships, etc.)
• Experience coordinating meetings, events, or multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Experience working with or supporting a LMS or similar platform
• Experience building dashboards or analyzing data to track program performance and KPIs
• Familiarity with grant-funded programs
• Experience working in a nonprofit, higher-education, or purpose-driven environment

Modes of Work

This is a full-time, hybrid position. Though the typical work schedule is 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff, your work schedule will be determined with your supervisor and may change if necessary.

During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit's office location:

880 Technology Dr., Suite B 

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Following, working on-site will be required for a minimum of 2 days per week determined in partnership with your supervisor. In addition, ad-hoc on-site meetings and events may be needed with adequate notice provided. 

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or remote work modes are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

There may be some occasional work required outside of the established schedule, which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.  

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Travel

Some travel within Michigan will be required; roughly 20% of the time.

Additional Information

Starting salary range is $62,000-$67,000, depending on experience and credentials. 

Enjoy comprehensive benefits that support your health, well-being, and future, including:

• Full access to medical and dental insurance for you and your eligible dependents
• Generous 2:1 retirement matching to help you plan for your long-term goals
• Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and additional paid time off to support work-life balance
• Access to a variety of well-being programs, resources, and campus perks
• Professional development opportunities and educational assistance to further your career
• And more discover the complete benefits package at careers.umich.edu/benefits 

If you have any other questions regarding this role, please contact [email protected].
 

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.