Workforce Program Manager

Job Summary

The Workforce Program Manager is responsible for implementing and managing active workforce grants and sector-based initiatives that strengthen Nebraska’s health care talent pipeline. This position supports the development, administration, and expansion of health care Registered Apprenticeship pathways and other workforce strategies aligned with member hospital needs and statewide priorities. The Workforce Program Manager ensures high-quality execution of grant deliverables, regulatory compliance, stakeholder coordination, and measurable program outcomes.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Workforce Grant Implementation & Management

• Manage day-to-day implementation of active workforce grants, ensuring timely completion of deliverables and milestones.
• Coordinate reporting requirements, performance metrics, budgets, and documentation in compliance with federal and state grant regulations.
• Assist in coordinating the development, alignment, and implementation of K–12 health care career exploration curricula.
• Track expenditures and collaborate with finance staff to ensure proper fiscal oversight and grant compliance.
• Prepare progress reports, outcome summaries, and presentations for leadership, funders, and stakeholders.
• Support the development of future grant proposals and assist with budget development and program design.

Health Care Apprenticeship Pathways

• Support administration and expansion of health care Registered Apprenticeship programs across member hospitals.
• Coordinate with hospital partners, workforce boards, and educational institutions to build and strengthen apprenticeship pathways, including pre-apprenticeship pathways at high schools.
• Assist with standards development, documentation, employer onboarding, and program compliance requirements.
• Monitor participant progress, completion rates, and employment outcomes.
• Provide technical assistance to hospitals navigating apprenticeship registration, implementation, and sustainability.
• Work with partners to actively promote Registered Apprenticeship pathways, entry points, and career opportunities in each established program.

Workforce Sector Strategy

• Support the execution of statewide health care workforce sector strategies aligned with hospital workforce needs.
• Engage member hospitals to identify workforce shortages, barriers, and emerging trends.
• Collaborate and convene education, workforce, and community partners to align training capacity with employer demand.
• Coordinate closely with the American Job Center system partners to develop partnerships and pathways between workforce programming and health care jobs.
• Assist in data collection and analysis to inform workforce planning and demonstrate program impact, including labor market data related to jobs in the health care industry
• Contribute to the development of strategic recommendations for leadership and external stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Serve as a liaison between hospitals, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and grant funders.
• Facilitate meetings, workgroups, and collaborative initiatives related to workforce programming.
• Represent the organization at relevant meetings, conferences, and workforce coalitions as assigned.
• Maintain clear, professional communication with internal teams and external partners.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all programs adhere to internal policies, grant conditions, and applicable privacy/records regulations (e.g., HIPAA or similar, as relevant).
• Maintain accurate and organized program documentation and records.
• Support audit preparation and program review processes as needed.

Required Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience administering grants and tracking deliverables and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of workforce development systems, career pathways, and apprenticeship models preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.

Required Experience

Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in workforce development, grant administration, health care operations, education program management, or related field. Experience working with health care employers, post-secondary institutions, or workforce systems preferred.

About Us

The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) is a statewide trade association representing Nebraska's hospitals and health systems since 1927. The hospital and health system field is the only sector of Nebraska’s economy that touches every citizen and business in Nebraska. Not only do hospitals support a healthy Nebraska and provide essential health care services, but they are also among the largest employers and economic drivers in most regions of the state. Hospitals and health care are the foundation upon which communities in Nebraska are built. The NHA serves as the influential voice of its members in the health care legislative and public arenas, promoting the delivery of quality health care and influencing public opinion of hospitals and health networks. Members depend on the Association for information, advice, education, and changes in health care policy. Hospitals are the stewards of good health. Through our partnerships with representatives in the health care industry, legislators, government, and citizens, the NHA is able to assist in the development of strong, healthy communities.

Mission

To serve Nebraska hospitals by being the most trusted voice and influential advocate in health care and a driver of hospital quality and safety improvement.

Vision

To improve the health and well-being of all Nebraskans by supporting and unifying Nebraska hospitals.

Benefits

By joining the Nebraska Hospital Association, you become one of a spirited and dynamic team that is driven to succeed. The NHA offers an outstanding salary and benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance, long-term and short-term disability; vacation, sick/personal leave and paid holidays; health savings account; and a 401(k) Salary Deferral plan with employer match and contributions as well as a profit-sharing plan. In addition, the position receives a fitness center reimbursement, educational assistance for continuing education and membership dues as budgeted in professional organizations or societies.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Miscellaneous

Physical Requirements:
Walking, standing, and sitting for prolonged periods. Must have or obtain a valid driver’s license in the state of Nebraska.

Working Conditions:
Primarily works in a well-lit, well-ventilated, tobacco-free environment. Occasional travel to meetings and association events may be required.

Position reports to:

Vice President, Program Operations

Position Classification:

FLSA: Exempt