The following functions may not be comprehensive in scope regarding work performed by an employee assigned to this position classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of this position. Management also reserves the right to make reasonable accommodations so that a qualified employee(s) can perform the essential functions of the position.
Overview of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL):
Strada Collaborative, LLC d/b/a CAEL (referred to in the document as “CAEL”), is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to partnering with educators, employers, and workforce and economic developers to reimagine and create lifelong pathways that integrate learning and work for adults. CAEL helps organizations succeed by providing expertise, resources, and solutions that effectively support adult learners navigating on-and-off ramps between education and employment. We partner with entities across the adult learner ecosystem to help create actionable career pathways along the journey of lifelong learning and meaningful work.
CAEL’s work is rooted in and expresses the organization’s values; we are committed to being an inclusive organization; prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts; look for opportunities to communicate the link between our mission and eliminating systemic inequity; acknowledge and appreciate daily the challenges facing all those in support of justice for these communities; do not accept or condone racism in any form; commit personal and corporate resources to the pursuit of justice; require employee training on topics such as racial equality and unconscious bias toward maintaining an inclusive culture; provide a library of media and organizational resources to our staff to increase understanding of racial inequality, and incorporate business agreement language that reinforces our anti-racism stance.
CAEL is a virtual organization; all employees work remotely out of their homes.
Overview of Position: The Initiatives Team is made up of senior directors, directors, and managers who provide expertise in higher education and workforce and economic issues. Projects and roles are assigned based on the levels of experience and expertise needed. Managers provide a primarily supporting role, especially for directors, on more complex projects and delivery of services as they learn more about our work and the field. Managers will be assigned less complex projects independently, with clear product guides and guidance from directors and senior directors as they grow into the role. A successful candidate will bring strong project management skills and will learn more about CAEL’s work, taking on more responsibility as their skills and knowledge grow. The manager is responsible for managing shorter-term client projects and supporting effective delivery of more complex projects which contribute to annual impact and revenue goals by nurturing strong client relationships and providing subject matter expertise for CAEL’s project deliverables. Our clients include chambers of commerce, colleges, universities, workforce, and economic development boards, industry associations, employers, local and state governments, unions, state higher education systems, groups of higher education institutions, etc. Projects will vary depending on the scope of the deliverables and the client's requests. Even with this variation, the role typically involves coordinating internal teamwork and the work of external consultants and partners to determine implementation plans.
Essential Job Duties
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: The three central responsibilities of this position are client and project management in shorter-term and less complex projects or support for more complex projects (30% of the time), delivery of CAEL’s products and services (60%), and supporting other CAEL teams (e.g., membership, marketing, research, etc.) as subject matter experts (10%).
Client and Project Management
- Manage short-term and one-off projects (managing both coordination and delivery as a team of one or few) according to standard product guides and with guidance from other staff members.
- Support other Initiatives Team members in the management of more complex projects and products, as well as learn about CAEL’s work.
- Ensure CAEL’s solutions and work address clients’ needs by developing effective delivery strategies and sequencing, along with solving client and project challenges as they arise with guidance from other staff.
- Effectively managing external consultants and internal staff delivering contracted services and products, such as training and analytical report writing.
- Review and interpret scopes of work, develop a delivery plan, and the timely and organized tracking and execution of project plans and deliverables.
- Work with the Operations Team to update project budgets and assist with invoices, contracting, and internal budget/progress reporting.
- Effectively communicate and develop rapport with diverse clients, leaders, and stakeholders including but not limited to community colleges and universities, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and employers with support from CAEL’s directors and senior directors.
Delivery of products and services
- Manage work plans for specific products and services according to standard product guides and resources; assist with research project design and planning; manage distribution of surveys collect data from surveys and publicly available sources; conduct interviews and focus groups; prepare presentations and write reports, policy briefs, action plans, and issue summaries as needed.
- Support the delivery of key products and services led by directors and senior directors, such as process mapping, career pathway development, or stakeholder summits, for example.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree or commensurate experience in a related field is required.
- Minimum of 2 years experience in one or a combination of the following areas: workforce and economic development, higher education, government, and public sector, and/or non-profit. Preference will be given to the workforce and higher education experience.
Skills and Knowledge
Travel Requirements: This position will require the incumbent to travel approximately twenty-five to fifty percent (25-50%) of the time for business meetings with some overnight travel required. This is an annual average, and differences may exist week-to-week or month-to-month. Travel amounts are variable depending on project needs and external factors, but preferences for travel are part of staffing considerations. The amount of travel and expectations are subject to change based on business needs and demands.
Typical Physical & Mental Demands: Requires prolonged sitting with some bending, stooping, and stretching; eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, and other office equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports. Also requires moderate to intense concentration due to complexity and/or the need to meet deadlines, and flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment.
Security is Everyone’s Responsibility: In order to protect Strada’s personnel, affiliates, customers, assets, and mission, security is the responsibility of every employee. To maintain security, employees are required to read, understand, and follow company security policies including but not limited to the WISP and Employee Handbook. In addition, security training supporting those policies is required at least annually.
CAEL is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate and support diversity in our workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We thrive on diversity and inclusion for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our stakeholders. CAEL advocates for equitable treatment and support of both adult learners and other underserved populations. CAEL is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace.
When applying, please include a resume and a cover letter. Thank you!
