Project Manager - Workforce 360 Grant

Project Manager - Workforce 360 Grant

Henry Ford College (HFC) seeks a highly organized and results-driven Project Manager to lead the implementation of the Workforce 360: Preparing Talent for All Sectors initiative, a federally funded workforce development project supported through U.S. Department of Labor Community Project Funding.

This position reports directly to the Dean for the School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development and works collaboratively with HFC Foundation, HFC Financial Services, and other HFC departments. The Project Manager will be responsible for day-to-day management, coordination, compliance, and reporting across multiple academic programs, workforce pathways, equipment procurements, and institutional stakeholders.

This role is critical to ensuring timely execution of grant deliverables, achievement of enrollment and credential targets, adherence to federal regulations, and alignment with HFC's strategic workforce development goals.

Hours: The generally scheduled workday is from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday; however, as an exempt employee, evening and weekend projects may arise from time to time. Any Education, experience, and training that demonstrates proficiency and the ability to perform the essential duties will be evaluated for equivalency to the education, competencies, and experience qualifications listed below.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least three years of experience managing U.S. Department of Labor, Department of Education, or other federal workforce grants.

Key Competencies:

• Foster Teamwork and Innovation - Actively promotes collaboration across departments and stakeholders while encouraging new ideas, process improvements, and creative approaches to achieving project goals. Creates an environment where team members feel supported in contributing solutions that enhance program effectiveness and efficiency.
• Results Orientation - Demonstrates a strong focus on achieving measurable outcomes by setting clear priorities, managing timelines, and monitoring progress toward grant deliverables, enrollment goals, and credential attainment targets. Takes accountability for meeting project milestones and delivering successful program outcomes.
• Thoroughness - Ensures work is complete, accurate, and compliant with project requirements by carefully reviewing processes, documentation, and deliverables. Maintains organized systems to track activities, deadlines, and reporting requirements associated with federally funded initiatives.
• Communication (Oral, Written, and Persuasive) - Clearly conveys information, expectations, and project updates to diverse audiences including faculty, administrators, external partners, and funders. Produces well-organized written materials such as reports, documentation, and presentations, and effectively communicates to build alignment and support for project goals.
• Building Collaborative Relationships - Develops and maintains strong working relationships with internal departments, institutional leadership, and external partners. Demonstrates trust, responsiveness, and mutual respect to foster cooperation and ensure successful coordination of project activities.
• Analytical Thinking - Uses data, program metrics, and available information to assess progress, identify trends, and inform decision-making. Evaluates challenges or gaps in project implementation and develops data-informed solutions to improve outcomes.
• Forward and Strategic Thinking - Anticipates future needs, challenges, and opportunities related to program implementation and workforce development goals. Aligns project activities with institutional priorities and long-term workforce initiatives while planning proactively for sustainability and scalability.
• Entrepreneurial Orientation - Approaches the project with initiative, creativity, and a solutions-focused mindset. Identifies opportunities to expand partnerships, improve program impact, and leverage resources to maximize the value of the workforce initiative.

The most successful candidate will have a career that might include the following:

• Demonstrated experience with workforce development programs, career and technical education, or community college environments.
• Experience coordinating equipment procurements, lab buildouts, or capital-related grant activities.

Additional Unique Competencies (Departmental & HFC Core Competencies):

• Grant compliance and accountability - Ensures adherence to federal grant requirements, institutional policies, and reporting obligations. Maintains accountability for accurate documentation, fiscal stewardship, and timely completion of required reports and deliverables.
• Cross-functional coordination - Effectively organizes and synchronizes activities across multiple departments, programs, and operational units. Facilitates communication and workflow among stakeholders to ensure project tasks are completed efficiently and aligned with shared objectives.
• Data tracking and reporting - Implements and maintains systems to monitor enrollment, program participation, outcomes, and other key metrics. Produces accurate reports and dashboards that support grant reporting, performance monitoring, and informed decision-making.
• Risk management and problem solving - Identifies potential risks to project timelines, compliance, or outcomes and proactively develops mitigation strategies. Responds to challenges with thoughtful analysis and practical solutions to keep the project on track.
• Stakeholder communication - Maintains consistent, transparent communication with project stakeholders including leadership, faculty, partners, and funders. Provides timely updates on progress, challenges, and outcomes to ensure alignment and accountability.
• Attention to detail and documentation - Maintains precise and well-organized records related to program activities, procurement, reporting, and compliance. Ensures documentation meets institutional and federal standards and supports transparency, audit readiness, and accurate reporting.

All positions at Henry Ford College are also expected to demonstrate the following HFC Core Competencies:

• Public Service Motivation - Shows a commitment to serve the public. Ensures that actions meet public needs; aligns organizational objectives and practices with public interests.
• Respect - Demonstrates collaboration and teamwork; values diversity and inclusiveness; practices transparency; shows compassion and empathy; and remains engaged and committed to shared goals.
• Passion - Displays enthusiasm for teaching and learning; seeks diverse perspectives and ideas; creates a student-centered environment; and pursues excellence in all that we do.
• Ingenuity - Is agile, flexible, and responsive; pursues discovery and innovation; uses data and evidence to guide decisions; and continuously reimagines the future.
• Integrity - Upholds high ethical standards; maintains trust; and recognizes the impact of one's actions on the institution and community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Manage all operational aspects of the Workforce 360 grant across its 36-month period of performance, ensuring alignment with the approved Statement of Work, budget, and milestones.
2. Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, risk logs, and performance dashboards.
3. Coordinate implementation of activities across academic departments, workforce programs, procurement, facilities, finance, and external vendors.
4. Ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Labor regulations, federal grant requirements, and institutional policies.
5. Prepare and submit required progress reports, performance data, and documentation supporting enrollment, completion, and credential attainment targets.
6. Maintain auditable records related to project activities, expenditures, procurements, and outcomes.
7. Serve as the primary liaison between HFC leadership, faculty, staff, finance, procurement, and grant administration teams.
8. Support coordination with employers, workforce partners, and community organizations as applicable to project activities.
9. Facilitate internal meetings, status updates, and cross-functional problem solving.
10. Monitor grant expenditures to ensure alignment with the approved budget and cost categories.
11. Coordinate with finance and procurement teams on equipment purchases, vendor contracts, and budget modifications.
12. Track burn rates and proactively identify risks to budget compliance or project timelines.
13. Track and support achievement of grant performance goals, including student enrollment, completion, and credential attainment.
14. Assist academic and workforce teams in aligning curriculum, lab readiness, and program launches with grant timelines.
15. Support continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making and corrective action planning when needed.
16. Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of qualifications and/or training.