Who We Are:

The Manufacturing Institute (MI), the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), is dedicated to supporting the manufacturing workforce of today and growing the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow. It does so through a variety of programs designed to excite, educate and empower with a particular focus in four key areas: women, veterans, youth and lifelong learning. The Institute also serves as the leading authority on data and research for the industry through its Center for Manufacturing Research, closely examining issues of importance to manufacturers both to help understand them and illuminate what needs to be done to solve them.

Heroes MAKE America (HMA) is the Manufacturing Institute’s initiative to build a pipeline from the military to manufacturing, arming transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses with the skills and qualification needed to excel in careers in the manufacturing industry. The MI is committed to building and expanding the Heroes MAKE America military training program so we can assist our nation’s service members in their transition to civilian life and fill open manufacturing jobs.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a Program Manager to manage the operations of the HMA training program at Fort Benning in Georgia.

The individual will be a vital part of the team whose primary responsibilities will be focused on supporting the development, operations and growth of the HMA training program at Fort Benning. Responsibilities include direct administration of the HMA program in collaboration with the U.S. Army Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program, local educational partners, community support organizations and industry representatives to support a highly successful program that achieves a consistent enrollment of 15 to 25 participants per class with a graduation and job placement rate of 85% or higher. Day-to-day activities include class recruitment, data collection, partner relationship management and course syllabus/tour management. This position reports to the Vice President, Military and Veterans Programs.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary onsite liaison for the Manufacturing Institute and program partners to include the U.S. Army Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program, community, education and industry partners.
• Execute day-to-day operations to meet overall program objectives, goals, and requirements to include coordination of candidate recruitment, applicant screening and data tracking.
• Participate at all Ft. Benning transition events to recruit candidates into HMA training classes. Organize HMA information sessions to identify opportunities to raise program visibility on the installation to build interest and maximize future enrollment.
• Responsible for all enrollment/grant paperwork and Commander approvals for class participants.
• Organize quarterly HMA Networking Events with program Sponsors and community partners to increase job placement rates.
• Oversee and track HMA student resume distribution and interview process with all industry and program partners.
• Schedule, coordinate and attend weekly plant tours to include facilitating required transportation for tours outside of 70 miles from the installation.
• Collaborate with course instructor(s) to ensure that all training policies and procedures are followed and that the class syllabus and calendar are current.
• Build the schedule for the class career week in coordination with the local workforce center, financial institutions, veteran organizations, USO Pathfinder office, industry sponsors, and the education partner.
• Prepare weekly reports outlining class data and maintain historical records on participants to include supporting long-term tracking and engagement with HMA graduates.
• Communicate to Vice President, Military and Veterans Programs any program policies or procedures that are required to ensure successful outcomes.
• Manage email correspondence from the Heroes@nam.org account that are directed towards the Fort Benning program and respond within a 24-hour period.
• Grow industry relationships to expand employer participation in the HMA training program. Share the HMA sponsorship opportunities with the Vice President, Military and Veterans Programs.
• Lead discussions and support engagement in the Online Veteran community.
• Manage HMA newsletter content for Fort Benning.
• Manage the program budget for Fort Benning.
• Represent the Manufacturing Institute at local chamber and veteran association events to advance the mission of the Manufacturing Institute and the Heroes MAKE America program.
• Recruit for the HMA program at additional Army installations as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.