SkillUp is a new, 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to helping the millions of frontline workers impacted by COVID-19 get rehired for in-demand jobs in high-growth industries. SkillUp combines career navigation, training programs, and job opportunities in a curated, mobile-first platform (see www.skillup.org). Specifically, we serve COVID-impacted frontline workers earning less than $40,000 a year, with less than a bachelor’s degree, who are disproportionately people of color and women.

SkillUp moves quickly and at scale because of the urgency and historic nature of this challenge.  We are a coalition of more than 50 leading technology companies, hiring partners, learning providers, and nonprofits dedicated to giving workers the opportunity to build new skills that help them access  in-demand jobs with promising career paths. While we move quickly in response to the COVID crisis, we are building the capacity, assets, and funding models to contribute to a new learning ecosystem post-COVID.

We’re looking for an innovative, multi-talented Manager, Partnerships and Operations to lead SkillUp’s expansion of programmatic efforts nationwide. Reporting to the VP, Partnerships and Operations, the Manager, Partnerships and Operations will help launch and lead initiatives that support workforce intermediaries and boards, education and workforce development systems, non-profit organizations, and business and industry within each of the cities SkillUp operates in. The Manager, Partnerships and Operations will also help to coordinate projects across SkillUp’s key business units: Program Operations, Marketing, Product Design, and the SkillUp Together Fund (scholarship program for training participants).

Please note, the SkillUp is a remote organization so this position can be based anywhere.

• Project and Stakeholder Management Across the Cities SkillUp Operates In

  • Develop and manage projects from concept and proposal, to kick-off, implementation, and final close-out

  • Identify and support workforce intermediaries and workforce boards, nonprofits, and other regional stakeholders in developing partnerships with employers, community-based organizations, and other regional partners who may wish to train and hire talent

  • Support worker outreach and awareness campaigns

  • Work with potential funders and colleagues to build out new ideas and proposals that advance the work and reach of SkillUp

  • Track and complete key project deliverables and metrics for partners and funders

  • Proactively identify potential problems or risks to projects and work with the team to mitigate and/or design solutions 

  • Organize and facilitate small and large group meetings, trainings, and/or strategic planning sessions for community and business leaders

• Future Planning

  • Conduct research for existing projects and initiatives and to inform new pathways and partners

  • Participate in strategic planning and staffing and budgeting decisions

  • Help prepare pitch material and funder presentations.

  • Monitor new partner inbound requests and manage the process to vet, invite, and sign prospective stakeholders.

Qualifications

We expect to see a track record of success in similar roles, including:

• You have at least 5 years of experience in workforce development and regional collaborations

• You possess experience working with both employers and workforce talent

• You are a strong project manager with a proven track record of leading large, complex projects that include deliverables for multiple partners and funders

• You possess experience working directly with senior-level executives and decision-makers

• You are an excellent researcher, writer, speaker, and presenter, with the ability to synthesize and communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences 

• An analytical mind; able to provide insightful conclusions and recommendations based on trend data and market research.

• You are a creative and entrepreneurial thinker who enjoys anticipating challenges and proactively developing new solutions

• You model inclusive leadership, working collaboratively with diverse staff, and you work to build and steward a team culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion

• You are a curious and adaptive learner, with a willingness to take in new information, perspectives and data to inform your work

• You demonstrate a growth mindset and a desire to continuously improve in your work

• Resourceful team player with high energy and a passion for the mission.

And while all of the above qualifications are important, there are three demonstrated capabilities most important for this job, and they are non-negotiable (blatantly borrowed from Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn):

• Dream Big

• Get Sh*t Done

• Know How to Have Fun

At SkillUp, our mission is to help the more than 40 million workers impacted by COVID-19 get rehired for in-demand jobs in high-growth industries. Success in this mission requires that we don’t just accept difference—but that we celebrate it and embrace the diverse community and backgrounds individuals come from. In short, it’s one of our key values. 

We stay true to our mission by ensuring that our place can be anyone’s place, and embrace diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. As a proud equal opportunity employer, SkillUp does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.

Let us end without all the legal mumbo-jumbo. Your gender, your gods, your skin color or your bigshot relative don’t make a difference here. SkillUp is an open-minded meritocracy. We recognize that diverse teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And being inclusive isn't just a catch-phrase for us - it’s mission critical.  If you’re smart, good at what you do, and passionate about changing lives - come as you are.