Workforce Development Manager 

Unidos MN is an immigrant-led, multiracial, state-wide organization building power for Minnesotan working families to advance social, racial, and environmental justice. We are an organization born out of the immigration justice movement. Immigration reform, democracy, education, healthcare, and climate justice are at the core of our work. We do people-powered electoral organizing as a democracy defense strategy aligned to our working families agenda in metropolitan, suburban and rural areas. Our medium term outcome is a community of leaders taking responsibility in the public arena, and our long term North Star is a healthy and high functioning multiracial democracy where nobody is left behind. We are tens of thousands of Minnesotans united to build a future where everyone can thrive.

Join us in this mission as our Workforce Development Manager for the Green Worker Fellowship Program. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Green Worker Fellowship Program (GWFP) is a pre-apprenticeship training and capacity program for New Americans and BIPOC workers within the green energy and infrastructure transition. In the metro area, the GWFP is part of the vision for the Rise Up Center. The Rise Up Center is an opportunity center and an energy resilience hub where multiracial, low-income, working families will access pre-apprenticeships, jobs, and job readiness training in the fields of green energy, construction, service, and food systems.

The Workforce Development Manager will play a crucial role in developing the GWFP to prepare New Americans and BIPOC workers for careers in green energy and infrastructure. This role is based in the Twin Cities-Metro area, with a focus on building a sustainable workforce model that aligns with Unidos MN’s goals for the Rise Up Center.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

Develop Workforce Development Program

• Draft a comprehensive workforce development plan in partnership with unions in order to train 80 workers by 12/31/25 including the following information:

  • Pre-employment/work readiness training, including who will provide training

  • List specific certificates and/or credentials that will be offered, including who will provide training and if your credential training is Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE) compliant

• Retention services, including the duration and support to be provided (with state funds).

• Training program delivery method

• Length of training program

• Select an academic assessment (reading/math) and implement it as part of the workforce training program

• Co-create multilingual training materials for pre-apprenticeship fellowship programs

• Attend Quarterly Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) meetings and facilitate communication and data collection, reporting, and documentation to ensure programming meets grant requirements

Coordinate Partnerships

• Facilitate employment placement partnerships with union and corporate partners to connect fellows with potential employers  

• Lead organizational workforce development relationship with UFCW 663 and LiUNA for pre-apprenticeship programs

• Coordinate career development partnerships to ensure pre-apprenticeship trainees have at least one partner they have communicated with training program

Support Worker Leaders

• Design and implement a support plan to retain GWFP fellows throughout the duration of the program

• Track deliverables and implementation requirements from grantors for individual supportive service funding 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual in Spanish and culturally competent in the Latino or Indigenous community (including communities outside the US)

• Experience with workforce development program implementation, retention, worker support, and data collection for programming objectives

• Committed to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by Latino communities, low-income individuals, and workers with limited skills, with a focus on promoting equity and inclusion in workforce development.

• Demonstrated history of leading impactful workforce development programs and fostering partnerships that prioritize social justice, economic mobility, and empowerment for marginalized groups.

• Strong capabilities in organization, problem-solving, and project management, with a focus on advancing equitable outcomes and dismantling systemic barriers in the workforce.

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills 

• Self-interest aligned with Unidos MN mission, vision, and values

• Experience with federal funding for workforce development service and programs

HOURS AND COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position requiring evening and weekend hours on a regular basis.

The total compensation package, valued at approximately $82,000, includes:

• Salary: $60,000 (commensurate with experience)

• Comprehensive Health Benefits:

• Premium Blue Cross Blue Shield Zero Deductible Plan, with 100% premium coverage for employees and 70% premium coverage for dependents—an employer-paid benefit valued up to $22,000 annually.

• Vision and dental insurance coverage included.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation days plus additional office-wide breaks throughout the year.

• Leadership & Professional Development: Opportunities to grow within Unidos MN, including access to skill-building workshops and leadership training.

HOW TO APPLY

Send an electronic cover letter, resume, and three references to emilia@unidos-mn.org. Position will be open until filled.