Workforce Development Manager

Kinship Community Food Center, formerly known as Riverwest Food Pantry, is seeking an individual to develop and manage a healing- and community-focused workforce program to empower individuals to overcomes their barriers to long-term health and economic stability. Program participants are selected from individuals who currently shop, volunteer, and receive crisis and mentoring assistance at our center that would benefit from deeper career and human development.

In partnership with Kinship staff, the Workforce Manager will oversee and coordinate workforce cohort members in culinary, agriculture and grocery management. The Workforce Manager will have skills in program design and be adept at strengthening partnerships to offer participants on-the-job training amidst a continuum of career development, restorative care, case management and life skills.

Our Mission

Kinship Community Food Center engages volunteers and neighborhood residents to end hunger, isolation, and poverty.  Kinship works to 1) nourish food security and wellness, 2) foster belonging and community engagement and 3) create stability & economic opportunity for residents on Milwaukee’s northside. Our fresh food market, urban farm, and collaborative meals expand food access while teaching healthful habits and skills in a community of belonging where crisis assistance and workforce mentoring is made available. We believe no one is so deprived that they have nothing to give, and no one is so well-off that they no longer have needs.

Position Responsibilities 

• Manage the ongoing development, coordination, and provision of a healing and community focused workforce program.
• Lead the panel that recruits, interviews, hires, manages, and evaluates workforce cohort candidates.
• Manage and strengthen collaborations with partner organizations to create a continuum of training and support for participants (human development, job readiness, financial literacy etc.).
• Collaborate with management team to place, schedule, and assess job duties on behalf of program participants.
• Collaborate with human service team to provide coaching, case management and necessary referrals on behalf of program participants.
• Oversee review and assessment of program best practices, program participants, and evaluation of data to improve program outcomes.
• In collaboration with the management team, develop and maintain a database of local area employers for post-program participant placement.
• Coordinate with program funders to ensure accurate and timely reporting. Work with marketing and communications team to speak to the success and impact of programs.
• Responsible for setting, managing, and evaluating departmental budget.
• Manage and coordinate participation in Kinship IDA (Individual Development Account).
• Some Saturday mornings are required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience and sensitivity to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Candidates have experience with direct client peer support or case management, or the tasks and duties involved with direct services.
• Receptiveness to personal growth and servant leader approach at Kinship Community Food Center.
• Preferred candidates understand workforce development infrastructure, business model, and outcome measurements.
• Working knowledge of trauma informed care and strength-based principles.
• 3+ years of workforce development and/or individual case management experience, related experiences may be considered in lieu of workforce/case management experience.
• Associates or bachelor’s (preferred), related experience may be considered in lieu of education. 
• Effective leader, with ability to organize, problem solve and function independently.
• Knowledge of community resources and services.
• Case management documentation skills desirable.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to set priorities and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated organizational, collaborative, interpersonal, and written & verbal communication skills.
• Microsoft Office experience (preferred), willing to train.
• Openness to work within Christian/Catholic faith-based environment based on social justice principles.
• Valid Driver’s license and proof of insurance to support work activities.
• Some Saturday mornings are required.

And We Offer You

A competitive wage of $45,000 – $60,000 (commensurate with experience), benefits package, a flexible work environment, an enthusiastic team of dedicated staff and volunteers.

Working Conditions:

Work Location: Open office workspace with active team atmosphere. Manage and facilitate workforce cohort in a variety of settings, including a commercial kitchen, an urban farm.

Physical Requirements: Standing and sitting for prolonged periods, typing on a computer keyboard, lifting objects of 50 pounds or less.

Here is what some Team Members have to say about the Kinship Community Food Center workplace culture:

“I always feel supported, like I have a purpose, and that my coworkers truly care about me.”

 “The sense of family and willingness to accept each other as they make themselves vulnerable leads to a culture that fosters the risk required for growth and achieving our personal as well as organizational potential.”

“The community of shoppers, volunteers, staff, donors, etc., and the culture of generosity here has made this a great place to work. I love that we are so mission driven. As a whole, the community here really cares about the dignity of one another, and we strive to uplift that through our program offerings (offering fresh, farm produce, assisting others in mentoring relationships, offering trainings on poverty and hunger, and so much more).”

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.