Senior Workforce Manager, Pathways & Apprenticeship Development

Updated: 02/04/2026

Polaris MEP functions as a Manufacturing Sector Workforce Intermediary with the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. In this capacity, we respond to sector needs for current and future workforce by facilitating demand-driven training, career pathway development, and employer engagement to support Rhode Island’s manufacturing sector. We believe jobs in the sector should produce a livable wage, competitive benefits, and offer room for professional growth and upward mobility.

Position Summary:

The Senior Workforce Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation, management, and continuous improvement of workforce training, employment, and apprenticeship pathways supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through the Pathways Home initiative.

This role includes program operations, partnership coordination, compliance, employer engagement, and Registered Apprenticeship development. The Senior Workforce Manager serves as a senior connector across corrections, workforce development, employers, and apprenticeship systems, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, compassionately, and in alignment with grant requirements and employer needs.

Strong candidates will work well independently, demonstrate exceptional time management and relationship-building skills, and bring experience navigating complex systems, employer partnerships, and data-driven program management.

Location: Hybrid, with frequent visits to Cranston RI Department of Corrections Facility
Reports To: Director, Workforce & Community Partnerships
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $80,000-$105,000

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with staff and stakeholders in manufacturing, marine trades, corrections, workforce organizations, training providers, and government to implement workforce programs that support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in achieving sustainable employment.

  • Develop, implement, and oversee strategies to achieve Pathways Home program objectives.

  • Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, making adjustments as necessary to improve outcomes.

  • Ensure accurate tracking of performance metrics and continuous improvement of data management practices, in support of existing Pathways Home staff.

  • Ensure compliance with funding requirements, apprenticeship standards, and program regulations.

Employer Engagement & Registered Apprenticeship Development

  • Serve as the primary liaison to Apprenticeship RI, coordinating employer outreach, apprenticeship program design, registration, compliance, and reporting.
  • Identify, recruit, and support employers interested in developing or expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs, with a focus on second-chance hiring and high-demand occupations.
  • Provide technical assistance to employers to design and implement Registered Apprenticeships, including standards development, on-the-job training frameworks, related instruction alignment, and wage progression models.
  • Align pre-apprenticeship, training, work-release, and post-release employment into cohesive career pathways.

Program & Participant Support

  • Work with training program staff and DOC contacts to coordinate recruitment, screening, and scheduling of training cohorts.
  • Support participant intake, orientation, job placement, and work-release transitions.
  • Provide individualized job coaching and workplace support during training, work-release, and early employment.
  • Coordinate with parole, classification, and work-release staff to support successful placements and retention.

Partnership Development & Collaboration

  • Establish and maintain relationships with community partners, employers, service providers, government agencies, and funders.
  • Represent Pathways Home and workforce initiatives at community meetings and events.
  • Coordinate with external agencies to enhance service delivery and resource sharing.

Budget & Fiscal Oversight

  • Monitor expenditures and ensure financial accountability.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work and life experience in workforce development, public administration, education, human services, business, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in workforce development, program management, employer engagement, apprenticeship, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-partner programs with compliance and reporting requirements.
  • Experience working directly with employers on hiring, training, or workforce pipeline development.
  • Knowledge of or experience with Registered Apprenticeship systems strongly preferred.
  • Experience working with justice-involved populations, reentry programs, or second-chance hiring initiatives required.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders across government, education, workforce, and industry.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems.
  • Lived experience with the justice system is a plus.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to travel locally as needed.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Application Process

At Polaris MEP, we have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, stay, and do their best work.

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to careers@polarismep.org. 

 

Polaris MEP, a business unit of URI Research Foundation, recognizes that the field of manufacturing needs to be strengthened by contributions from a broad range of perspectives. The URI Research Foundation seeks to serve as a representative inspiration for the next generations.

Polaris MEP, 401 Tech Bridge and URI Research Foundation are committed to creating an environment built on respect for all. We are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers.

No persons will be discriminated against in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.

We are committed to the fulfillment of this principle by employing individuals based upon job-related criteria including education, experience, and skills.

Each employee is expected to support and carry out this policy fully in all their relations with present and prospective employees and in any dealings they may have with others as a representative of Polaris MEP.

Our Vision

Polaris MEP, 401 Tech Bridge and the URI Research Foundation together have a clear vision: to be a community in which a mix of talented people come together to make a lasting difference. Our success comes only through the dedication of our employees and thoughtful, creative collaboration. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.