Worksystems is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to build and invest in a comprehensive workforce development system that supports individual prosperity and business competitiveness in Multnomah and Washington Counties and the City of Portland. Worksystems prioritizes investments in 4 high growth sectors: healthcare, IT, manufacturing and infrastructure / construction.

Portland’s Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) is a powerful tool to overcome the historical underrepresentation of minorities and women in the construction industry, both at the worker and contractor levels. It is a proven, effective instrument to help create a more livable and inclusive community for all by facilitating the City’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. The development and implementation of the CBA has forged a powerful political coalition, the Metropolitan Alliance for Workforce Equity (MAWE), with the ability to advance policies, processes, and strategies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Worksystems is currently recruiting for a dynamic and enthusiastic Senior Project Manager with excellent project management, communication, and program development skills. The focus of the position is managing Worksystems’ efforts in the infrastructure / construction sector, and coordinating the development and implementation of CBA projects across the region.

The Infrastructure Senior Project Manager will convene businesses to design and implement a regional workforce plan for the construction / infrastructure industry, following Worksystems’ five-phase industry engagement approach. These efforts will tie business needs to specific workforce development approaches by developing a pipeline of talent through the public workforce system (known locally as WorkSource Portland Metro), community-based organizations and local training providers. A significant piece of this strategy will include planning, coordinating and engagingwith MAWE partners and construction industry stakeholders toward the development and maintenance of CBAs on targeted construction projects. The Senior Project Manager will work with a coalition of community, trade, contractor, training and public partners towards the continued establishment of a consistent regional approach to workforce and contracting equity, and development of CBA agreements across the Portland Metro area and beyond.

Infrastructure Senior Project Manager

The successful candidate will be able to show how past work and educational experiences have prepared them to execute the position as described here:

  • Manage multiple programs through a strategic and integrative approach

Interpret, communicate and implement complex policy and regulatory guidelines

Manage relationships with key stakeholders including community contractors, partnering agencies, and employers

Thrive in a fast-paced and ever changing environment

Be visionary and understand “big picture” concepts while maintaining strong attention to detail

Act as a metro-area expert in construction / infrastructure industry occupations, pathways, training programs & apprenticeships

Identify key issues, resources and messaging for various industry and community partners

  • Provide outreach, training and services to industry stakeholders
  • Identify and secure leveraged resources to support infrastructure and construction efforts
  • Conduct research and analysis of labor market information, demographic trends and community needs to support the infrastructure and construction sector, and improve CBA development and performance across the construction industry
  • Convene large groups of diverse stakeholders in an effort to build consensus and achieve collective results
  • Speak comfortably and dynamically in public forums
  • Work proactively and cooperatively with workforce and economic development organizations and service providers to facilitate development, improvement, communication, information gathering and partnerships
  • Identify and pursue CBA planning and development opportunities across both publicly and privately funded projects
  • Provide project management leadership and support including CBA project development, identification of partner roles and outcomes and reporting for CBA initiatives, project performance and operations
  • Coordinate outreach, negotiations and CBA document changes in anticipation of CBA projects
  • Lead or participate in CBA fund procurement processes, contract negotiation and management to ensure legal, fiscal and program compliance
  • Represent Worksystems and MAWE on regional community committees, chambers of commerce, economic development, state workgroups, regional business associations and other relevant organizations as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications: Candidates should have the following:

  • Education requirements; Bachelors degree in a related field preferred, will consider substantial work experience in the construction industry as an organizer / project manager in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Knowledge of the Infrastructure and Construction industry, Registered Apprenticeship, Construction Contracting, Unions, Construction Training Programs, & Community Based Organizations
  • Knowledge/background in developing public-facing messagingcollateral
  • At least 3 years of experience in planning and research or other work directly related to human services, program administration, workforce development, private business and/or community development.
  • Knowledge and experience in program design and research methods, analysis techniques, and developmental guidelines and procedures, along with skill in contract development, negotiation and management.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing at all levels, making complex material clear and concise to varied audiences.
  • Ability to travel locally, regionally or nationally to attend seminars, conferences and meetings.
  • Basic computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Office software.
  • Demonstrated ability to:
  • Manage and prioritize complex projects with emphasis on engagement, quality and performance;
  • Identify, evaluate and resolve complex project and program elements and recommend solutions or alternative measures;
  • Show good judgment in selecting the appropriate methods and procedures for accomplishing project assignments;
  • Work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds;
  • Prepare and make presentations, including regarding sensitive planning and development projects to a variety of audiences;
  • Establish and meet designated timelines;
  • Work independently and as a team player;
  • Be detail oriented, with excellent organizational skills; and
  • Perform research, evaluations and analysis.

Senior Project Manager Salary Range: $62,270 - $93,404

Position will begin as a 1 year Limited Duration. Continued funding for this position will depend largely on Worksystems’ and the incumbent’s success in securing ongoing CBA agreements in the Portland Metro Area and leveraging support for the position by community partners and local businesses.