Workforce Program Manager - NSF ASCEND Engine

Workforce Program Manager

• NSF ASCEND

  Engine Fort Collins, CO Job Details Full-time $110,000
• $130,000 a year 17 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Qualifications Writing grant proposals Record keeping Community engagement Stakeholder engagement Teamwork Operations management Master's degree Invoice processing Administrative experience Public Administration Talent pipeline development Education Presentation skills Bachelor's degree Project monitoring Attention to detail Fundraising Organizational skills Bachelor's degree in public administration Participating in conferences Networking through strategic partnership building Bachelor's degree in education Root cause analysis Senior level Strategic partnerships 4 years Communication skills Workforce development Operational budget management Organizational budget management Stakeholder management Full Job Description Workforce Program Manager•

NSF ASCEND

Engine Position Summary The Workforce Program Manager plays a central role in advancing the workforce strategy of the

NSF ASCEND

Engine by designing and delivering high-impact programs that align talent pipelines with emerging industry needs across Colorado and Wyoming. This role partners closely with the Director of Workforce & Regional Engagement, as well as leaders across R D and Translation, to operationalize workforce initiatives that support ASCEND technologies in areas such as wildfire, water, air quality, and soil health. In addition to program execution, this role serves as a visible representative of ASCEND's workforce efforts—actively building relationships with industry, education, and community partners. The Program Manager will engage in partnership development, represent ASCEND at regional and national industry events, contribute to panel discussions, and help position ASCEND as a thought leader in workforce innovation. This role will manage and evolve a portfolio of workforce programs spanning K-12, postsecondary, and industry-connected learning experiences, ensuring alignment with employer demand and regional priorities. The Program Manager will also contribute to the growth and sustainability of the workforce portfolio through external funding development, partner engagement, and continuous program improvement. Key Responsibilities Program Implementation Manage day-to-day operations of workforce programs, including K-12 engagement, postsecondary pathways, and industry-connected learning experiences. Coordinate program logistics, participant recruitment, and partner engagement. Ensure programs are aligned with ASCEND technology focus areas and employer needs. Support the design and launch of new workforce initiatives in response to emerging opportunities. Industry Engagement & Thought Leadership Represent ASCEND's workforce strategy at industry events, conferences, and partner convenings across the region and nationally. Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners to inform and expand workforce programming. Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities aligned with ASCEND's technical focus areas. Participate in panel discussions, presentations, and public forums as a representative of ASCEND. Contribute to positioning ASCEND as a regional and national leader in workforce innovation through storytelling, visibility, and engagement. Grant Writing & External Funding Research, identify, and pursue external funding opportunities aligned with ASCEND's workforce development goals (federal, state, foundation, and corporate). Lead and contribute to grant proposals, letters of intent, and funding applications in collaboration with ASCEND leadership. Build and maintain relationships with funders and workforce organizations to strengthen ASCEND's funding pipeline. Ensure compliance with grant requirements, including reporting, budget tracking, and documentation. Partnership Coordination Serve as a primary relationship manager for education, industry, and community partners. Proactively identify and develop new partnerships that expand program reach and impact. Support rural and tribal engagement efforts to ensure broad and meaningful participation across the region. Monitoring & Evaluation Track program outcomes, collect participant feedback, and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders. Ensure programs meet performance metrics and deliverables. Recommend program improvements based on data, feedback, and emerging best practices. Administrative & Budget Support Monitor program budgets, process invoices, and ensure compliance with NSF and other funding requirements. Maintain accurate records and documentation for audits and reporting. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in workforce development, education, public administration, or a related field (Master's preferred). 4-7 years of experience managing workforce, education, or talent development programs. Experience developing or supporting talent pipeline strategies that align workforce programs with evolving industry and technology needs Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent an organization externally and build credibility with diverse stakeholders. Experience participating in or presenting at events, panels, or public forums preferred. Experience with grant writing, fundraising, or managing externally funded programs strongly preferred. Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Experience working with rural and/or tribal communities is a plus. Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is both a builder and a connector—someone who can manage complex programs while also stepping confidently into external spaces to represent the work.

They are:

Relationship-driven

• naturally builds trust and maintains strong partnerships across industry, education, and community stakeholders Understands talent pipelines
• brings experience or intuition for how individuals move from education and training into careers, and can help design programs that align with employer demand Externally oriented
• energized by being in the field, meeting partners, and representing the organization at events and convenings Operationally rigorous
• highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to track budgets, invoices, reporting requirements, and program milestones without letting anything fall through the cracks Accountable and proactive
• takes ownership of program performance; when challenges arise, they investigate root causes, problem-solve quickly, and drive projects back on track Strategic and adaptable
• able to connect day-to-day program execution to broader workforce and industry trends Credible communicator
• comfortable speaking in front of groups, facilitating conversations, and contributing to panels Execution-focused
• able to translate ideas into action and deliver high-quality programs in a dynamic environment Mission-aligned
• motivated by expanding access to high-quality career pathways and supporting regional economic growth

Pay:

$110,000.00

• $130,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Fort Collins, CO 80524