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METRA · 2 weeks ago

Veterans and Community Outreach Program Manager

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$91K/yr - $137K/yr

5+ years exp

Metra is a leading commuter rail system in North America, dedicated to providing safe and efficient service. They are seeking a Veterans and Community Outreach Program Manager to lead initiatives that connect transitioning veterans and community members to meaningful careers, focusing on building partnerships and driving outreach efforts.

IndustrialManufacturingMechanical Engineering

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive program that helps Veterans transition into civilian careers by bridging military skills to agency roles, providing resume assistance, and facilitating placement

Drive participation in engagement, mentorship, and career development initiatives through Metra’s Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) and integrate Veteran-focused efforts into diversity and inclusion programs

Build and sustain partnerships with veteran organizations, community groups, and government entities to create talent pipelines and increase program visibility

Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to design proactive sourcing strategies and targeted outreach plans and partner with Marketing & Communications to create program materials and a strong social media presence

Evaluate processes and materials for continuous improvement, ensure adherence to program budget, and train recruiters, hiring managers, and external partners on program functions and requirements

Represent Metra at hiring events, chambers of commerce meetings, Veteran service organization gatherings, and other outreach activities to foster program awareness and participation

Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment while performing duties under varying conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow

Perform other related duties as assigned to meet organizational needs

Qualification

Program managementVeteran outreachCommunity engagementRecruitment strategiesMicrosoft 365Data analyticsAnalytical skillsCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsCritical-thinking skillsInterpersonal skills

Required

Bachelor's degree is preferred

Have (five) 5 years of experience in Veteran engagement, community outreach, public relations, recruiting, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field preferably in the transportation or railroad industry

Considerable knowledge of recruitment strategies, best practices, current trends, and innovations in talent acquisition

Considerable knowledge of Veterans' benefits, local resources, and employment counseling

Working knowledge of military culture, Veteran, and community needs

Working knowledge of local, state, and federal labor and employment laws and regulations including those related to Veterans such as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)

Familiar with Power BI or similar interactive visualization programs for dashboards and reports

Familiar with Dynamics 365 or similar customer relationship management (CRM) programs or systems to track program metrics

Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with active listening to building trust, empathize, collaborate, networking, and interact with the public at all levels

Strong organizational, analytical, and critical-thinking skills

Ability to design and implement programs from inception to completion

Ability to build trust, connect Veterans to services, and drive program success through strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration

Ability to work independently or collaboratively to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a demanding environment

Ability to deliver interactive and engaging presentations to large and small audiences

Ability to perform data analytics, develop project dashboards, and create reports

Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time

Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds

Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region

Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends

Preferred

Prior military service with an honorable discharge

Completion of U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Veterans' Employment and Training Service and other federal, state or agency training or continuing education obligations, and optional work-related training forums