Be part of something big

Project Manager

Title: Project Manager (Business Services & Strategic Initiatives)

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Chief Strategy & Business Engagement Officer

Positions reporting to: Based on specific projects

OVERVIEW

The Project Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of both short- and long-term projects related to workforce, education, economic development, and other initiatives, which fall under CWI’s strategic projects and business services. The individual may assist with initial concept design, recommend implementation framework required to operationalize, then support the various projects from planning through its lifecycle. Scope of work includes resource management, tracking, reporting, staff oversight, and ensuring project outcomes are met. Will develop and/or lead committees, task forces, key groups within the community, and project staff as applicable. This position will coordinate workflow, adjusting as needed to achieve project deliverables, and report progress to goals.

DUTIES

• Assist in defining the project(s) scope and objectives including building networks with relevant stakeholders or by convening various groups
• Ensure necessary resources are identified and available to be allocated to the project
• Develop detailed project plans to monitor and track progress
• Manage changes to the project scope, schedule, and project cost using appropriate techniques
• Forge and maintain relationships with stakeholders, staff, and project partners for ongoing success
• Facilitate regularly scheduled meetings to discuss progress and planning with the Chief Strategy & Business Engagement Officer
• Coordinate with marketing and communications
• Remain current on all project related intelligence and recommend changes if needed
• Manage internal/external project resources including third party vendors
• Create a human centered project environment so each team member is focused, knowledgeable, and relevant

JOB COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Project Management – Plans, develops, coordinates, communicates, and adjusts as needed.
• Technology Skills – Understands and utilizes an array of web and computer-based technology platforms
• Presentation/Facilitation Skills – Confident in ability to present or facilitate groups using a Human Centered Design approach. Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, listens and gets clarification, responds well to questions.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive collaborative spirit; puts success of project group above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed; recognizes accomplishments of other project members, both internally and externally.
• Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies that align with organizational goals; understands organization’s strengths and weaknesses; analyzes market and competition; identifies external threats and opportunities; and adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; anticipates the need for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people to incorporate their tasks; develops realistic action plans.

KEY BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Proven ability to evaluate and research data and develop action plans from multiple sources and platforms
• Highly energetic, self-starter, strong attention to detail, and very organized.
• Strong technology acumen with advanced skills in Microsoft Office and 365 suite, Adobe, Google Workplace, and virtual meeting software like Zoom and Teams

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor’s Degree or project management experience equating to four or more years of high-level application
• Project Management Professional Certification preferred
• 3 years’ experience leveraging data informed decisions and analyses

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to travel independently, provide own transportation, have a valid driver’s license and demonstrate proof of insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK EXPECTATIONS

The physical demands are not all inclusive but generally those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• This position though office based will require site and site level visits in various locations based on the project, which may include business and industry.
• The role includes significant travel to meetings both within northwest Indiana and outside the area.

WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Works with mid to high-level leadership, various boards, project delivery staff including partners, and community stakeholders.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CWI is an equal employment opportunity employer for all employees and applicants, regardless of their race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, genetic information, or disability.

---

Career Advisor

TITLE: CAREER ADVISORS

REPORTS TO: CENTER MANAGER

STATUS: Non-exempt

OVERVIEW

Career Advisors help people identify their talents and skills, explore careers, and set training, education, and career goals. They are jobseekers’ first point of contact in the public workforce system, providing a warm welcome, support, encouragement, and hope. Career Advisors listen to client stories, ask questions, identify employment barriers, and engage with individuals to create life changes. Career Advisors are resource connectors, mentors, and problem-solvers. They help clients write resumes, complete job applications, practice interviewing skills, land new jobs, and celebrate success. A Career Advisors specializes in motivational interviewing, individual advising, and case management.

DUTIES

Foundational Activities

• Provides excellent hospitality and customer service.
• Engages clients in career exploration and job search support.
• Executes accurate and timely administrative functions.

Career Advising and Case Management

• Collects information about clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
• Identifies programs and services that will maximize support and opportunity for clients.
• Assesses barriers to employment and refers clients to the appropriate services.
• Interprets and explains information such as eligibility requirements, application details, and client obligations/expectations.
• Enrolls individuals to participate in programs and notifies them of their acceptance.
• Provides training direction, encouragement, motivation, and advice to prepare individuals for education and employment.
• Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.
• Refers qualified clients to employers or employment services for job placement.
• Collaborates with other staff members, departments and partner organizations to place clients into good-paying jobs.
• Maintains regular contact with clients from their initial participation through the 4th quarter after their exit, providing support, encouragement, and resources to help clients attain education and training milestones, certifications, and long-term, good-paying employment.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; motivational interviewing techniques; and advising and case management methods.
• Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, spreadsheet functionality, and managing electronic files and records.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software, including databases.
• Active Listening-gives full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking-uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• De-escalation-uses communication techniques to build rapport and connection with an agitated person to reduce the potential for violence.
• Service Orientation-actively looks for ways to help people.
• Complex Problem Solving-identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Four or more years of experience in customer service, hospitality, retail sales, counseling, Advising, teaching, or equivalent.

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Travel will be required within the region (NWI), to Indianapolis and elsewhere for project work or training. Ability to travel, have a valid driver’s license and insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000.
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and talk or hear.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CWI is an equal employment opportunity employer for all employees and applicants, regardless of their race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, genetic information, or disability.

---