Merrimack Valley Career Center Manager

Lawrence, MA
Full Time
Workforce Development and Adult Learning
Manager/Supervisor

Job Summary:

The Merrimack Valley Career Center (MVCC) Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Career Center while managing the implementation and compliance of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs. This dual-function role ensures the effective delivery of services to job seekers, youth, and employers, while maintaining alignment with federal, state, and local workforce development priorities.

This position provides operational leadership, supervises staff, manages customer flow, coordinates front-line service delivery, and ensures the Career Center is meeting performance standards across all core workforce programs. Simultaneously, the MVCC Manager leads the design, administration, and evaluation of WIOA-funded services—ensuring grant compliance, managing reporting requirements, and building partnerships to support participant success.

The Program Manager serves as a strategic liaison between internal teams, funding agencies, and community partners, ensuring an integrated and inclusive approach to workforce development. This role requires a strong understanding of operational best practices, regulatory requirements, and labor market trends, and plays a critical role in driving continuous improvement across both programmatic and operational functions.

Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities:

 

Career Center Operations Oversight

  • Manage the daily operations of the Merrimack Valley Career Center, including customer flow, front desk operations, workshop scheduling, and resource room management.
  • Supervise staffing needs including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance oversight for front-line and program staff.
  • Ensure timely and high-quality service delivery in accordance with MassHire standards and One-Stop Career Center guidelines.
  • Maintain a safe, functional, and welcoming facility by coordinating with internal departments (e.g., facilities, IT, HR) for equipment, security, and space planning needs.
  • Monitor and address operational performance metrics and recommend improvements to ensure center efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness.
  • Support the development and management of the center’s operational budget in collaboration with the Director, Senior Grant Accountant, and Finance.

WIOA Program Management

  • Lead the planning, implementation, and oversight of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local WIOA regulations and guidelines, including documentation, eligibility verification, and reporting.
  • Oversee case management processes to ensure high-quality service delivery and accurate data entry in MOSES and other systems.
  • Prepare for and respond to audits, monitoring visits, and data validation reviews by maintaining accurate records and consistent program documentation.
  • Track and evaluate WIOA performance outcomes (e.g., measurable skill gains, credential attainment, employment placements) and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Coordinate and manage specialized youth programming and ensure alignment with WIOA youth service objectives.
  • Monitor WIOA budgets and funding plans, ensuring appropriate use of grant resources in collaboration with the Senior Grant Accountant and Finance, and the MVCC Director.

Staff Supervision & Development

  • Supervise a multidisciplinary team including WIOA Employment Counselors, career advisors, program coordinators, and front-line operations staff.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and support to staff; conduct performance evaluations and recommend professional development opportunities.
  • Ensure that all staff understand and implement program policies, procedures, and customer service standards.

Community & Partner Engagement

  • Serve as a liaison to the MassHire Workforce Board, community-based organizations, educational institutions, employers, and training providers.
  • Collaborate with partners to align services with regional labor market needs and workforce development strategies.
  • Represent the Career Center at community events, workforce development forums, and statewide partner meetings.
  • Support cross-agency collaboration to ensure seamless service integration and maximize program impact.

Performance Management, Reporting & Strategic Planning

  • Analyze and monitor program performance data to ensure achievement of state and federally mandated benchmarks.
  • Submit regular reports to the MVCC Director, funding agencies, and other partners, highlighting performance, challenges, and strategic priorities.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of operational and programmatic goals, ensuring alignment with broader agency mission and workforce objectives.
  • Contribute to strategic planning efforts, grant development, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications: 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Human Services, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in workforce development, operations, or program administration, with at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
  • Demonstrated experience managing federally funded programs, including WIOA and Wagner-Peyser.
  • Strong knowledge of workforce development systems, labor market trends, and community engagement strategies.
  • Proficiency in MOSES and data management systems used in workforce development.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

Substitutions for Education Requirement:

  • A certificate in a relevant or related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
  • An Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
  • A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
  • A Graduate degree in a related field may substitute for three (3) years of the required experience

*Please note: a Doctorate degree in a related field may substitute for the full required experience.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position has direct supervisory responsibility for a team of professional staff, including WIOA case managers, program coordinators, and front-line operations personnel. The Program Manager is responsible for hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating performance, and providing ongoing support and development for assigned staff. The role also involves coaching staff on policy compliance, customer service standards, and performance goals to ensure effective and consistent service delivery across all programs.

Travel:  May require occasional travel to community sites, events, or partner locations.

Work Environment: Based in an office environment with hybrid flexibility, this job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines. Some evening or weekend availability may be required for events or public meetings.

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