Senior Program Manager - Workforce Development

Job Description

Updated 03/04/2025

 

Staff members of the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation have energy and passion for the mission and vision of the REC Foundation. This position is primarily responsible for providing senior level assistance with the management  of the designated program(s).

 

There are multiple Subject Matter Expert (SME) addendums that may serve in conjunction with this job description. If applicable, these addendums will be reviewed and signed in addition to this job description.

 

 

Responsibilities

  • Provide senior support for the designated program(s) to support the strategic direction of the organization

  • Assist with program materials and resources

  • Organize programs and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization

  • Assist and train RECF staff on program details, inquiries, and updates

  • Assist RECF customers and other parties with inquiries and concerns, including but not limited to the aiding in the Code of Conduct allegation process and any other escalated concerns as well as provide any training needed

  • Manage designated program related budgets

  • Assist with development and implementation of strategic, annual, and operational program goals

  • Collaborate with stakeholders regarding program initiatives 

  • Continuously assess and refine program performance to maximize impact and ROI

  • Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve issues as they emerge within the program

  • Maintain ongoing communication with their manager to assess program performance and direction

  • Attend approved conferences to promote RECF programs

  • Facilitate the Advisory Boards that are associated with the designated program(s)

  • Assist the Development Department with grant implementation by providing feedback as to what teams/organizations needs are and assisting with finding ways to incorporate needs into grants

  • Assist with overall program communication initiatives 

  • Assist with program specific projects and initiatives (Workshops, Coach/EP Trainings and Summits, etc.)

  • Coordinate with other departments and leadership to manage program priorities, assignments, and project teams

  • Lead project teams focused on program-specific initiatives

  • Onboard new employees to the designated program team and/or department

  • Manage, supervise, and professionally develop staff as needed

    • Establish a work environment of mutual trust and respect that values new ideas and innovation

    • Identify employee strengths and develop growth opportunities

    • Develop training and professional development resources for new and existing direct reports

    • Delegate of responsibilities to team members

    • Provide direct feedback and honest communication

    • Set an example and express diligence, enthusiasm, and professional decorum

    • Recognize accomplishments and efforts of staff

    • Lead discussions and take a lead / mentorship role to address issues and determine solutions

 

Workforce Development Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with other departments and leadership (Marketing, Development, IT, etc.) for program execution

  • Manage qualifying spot allocations for program related events if necessary

  • Serve as a Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, and/or Project Manager for program related grants as needed

  • Workforces Development Programs

    • Industry / Workforce Development Work

      • Lead growth and development with current and potential industry partners including, but not limited to, SME, PLTW, ITEEA, Automate, FANUC, IMTS, Universal Robotics, ARM, Tesla, and ACTE

       

    • Factory Automation Competition (FAC)

      • Work with VEX and the RECF to develop future versions of FAC Workcell products

      • Work with REC Foundation staff to support teams and competitions

      • Lead implementation of new yearly competition variants

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

      • Work with the Program Director of the VEX AI Robotics Competition to define a roadmap for AI programs

    • SkillsUSA

      • Serve as the Mobile Robotics Competition Technical Chair at the SkillsUSA National Conference

      • Work with a team to develop the game and organize all logistics for the National Conference

      • Attend Technical Chair meetings as needed

    • Industry Certifications

      • Lead Industry Certifications and develops strategies for growth and add recognition in more states

      • Lead the advisory board for Industry Certifications to continually update for industry relevance

      • Monitor question bank for accuracy and relevancy, update as needed

      • Process all 504 accommodation requests related to Industry Certifications

Other Responsibilities

  • Perform other duties as assigned

  • Adhere to the Student-Centered, Code of Conduct, Youth Protection, and Commitment to Event Excellence policies

  • Deliver exceptional customer service to RECF customers

  • Uphold organization policies and standards, including but not limited to policies found in the Employee Handbook

  • Ensure and maintain an ethical, trusting, inclusive, and productive work environment

  • Provide continual feedback to help maintain program integrity

  • Support program specific events and other RECF events as needed/assigned

  • Track and compile individual expense reports on a monthly basis ensuring timely submission

 

Additional Information

  • Job Type Information: Full Time | Salaried | Exempt

    • The salary range for this role is $65,000 to $95,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications

  • Primary Location: Remote or in office

  • Schedule: 40 hours per week Monday - Friday (Standard work hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST)

    • Specific schedules will be discussed with your direct manager

    • Alternate times and/or days may also be required periodically

 

Full Time Benefits

  • Health Insurance: Benefit from comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. We  contribute to a portion of the insurance premiums, ensuring affordable access to healthcare services

  • Life Insurance: We provide life insurance coverage in the amount of each employee’s salary, offering peace of mind and support during difficult times.

  • Paid Time Off: Earn up to 15 days of paid vacation time over the course of the year to relax, travel, and recharge. Additionally, you’ll receive 5 days of paid sick time annually to prioritize the health of you and your family. Please note, paid vacation increases after every three years of tenure.

  • Paid Holidays: Celebrate and spend quality time with loved ones with paid holidays throughout the year. This includes an extended Winter Break.

  • Paid Volunteer Days: We support your efforts to give back by offering 3 paid volunteer days annually.

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan: Take advantage of our 401(k) retirement plan, designed to support your long-term financial goals. Upon eligibility, you can benefit from up to a 4% match, helping you save effectively for the future.

 

 

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of relevant work experience in a professional environment; background in teaching, educational robotics, and/or other educational capacity highly desired

  • 3+ years of project and/or program management experience

  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask; outstanding verbal and written communications skills

  • Excellent written and verbal skills; English fluency is required

  • If working remotely, experience in a remote setting with demonstrated success in remote work is necessary

  • Proactive problem-solving skills that lead to innovative thinking and resolutions

  • Ability to interface on a professional level with a variety of customers (co-workers, sponsors, customers, etc.)

  • Familiarity with Google Suite and Microsoft Office products

  • Computer competency and ability to learn new programs; thorough knowledge of RECF tools/websites

  • Skilled in setting priorities to manage varying tasks/projects and time management

  • Maintain security and confidentiality of sensitive information

  • Demonstrated success as a Regional Support Manager, Program Manager, or other similar role

  • Sets a professional example within the organization

  • Understands the multi-facets of the RECF and has the ability to see the bigger picture

  • Thinks strategically and is a good steward of RECF resources

 

Travel Requirements

  • Attendance at the annual VEX Robotics World Championship for the full duration (this is not a requirement for Developing Programs Department staff)

    • Duration: Typically 10-12 days, depending on the event configuration and your specifically assigned duties

    • Timeframe: April/May (dates vary)

    • Location: 2025 - Dallas, TX; Future Dates - TBD (the location typically changes every 3-4 years)

  • Attendance at periodic department meetings for the full duration is required

    • Duration: Typically between 2-10 days

    • Frequency: May occur annually, once per quarter, or any other frequency as determined by the department

    • Location: Varies

  • Attend all Workforce Development program related conferences as required (ex. ACTE, Automate, ARM Member Meeting, IMTS, ITEEA, PLTW, SkillsUSA National Conference, and Technical Chair Meetings, etc.)

  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically (as needed and as budgets permit)

    • This includes, but is not limited to, the RECF Greenville, TX office,  events, conferences, meetings, etc.

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