Program Manager, Skilled Trades Academy (San Antonio)

ABOUT US:

Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) connects the military community—service members, military spouses, and veterans—with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce. HOH is a workforce development initiative of the 501c3 arm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Hiring Our Heroes, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Program Manager to lead the Skilled Trades Academy in San Antonio, Texas. This role is ideal for a strong communicator and relationship-builder who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment. You’ll play a key role in connecting transitioning service members and the military-connected community with high-demand, skilled-trades careers by managing program operations, expanding the program's footprint and impact by building employer partnerships, and delivering exceptional participant experiences. If you’re passionate about workforce development, community engagement, and empowering the military community, we want to hear from you.

• Own program strategy and execution for the San Antonio Skilled Trades Academy, translating national objectives into regional plans, cohort schedules, and measurable performance targets.
• Align program offerings with industry needs by analyzing labor market trends and employer and partner feedback.
• Identify growth opportunities (new employer sectors, new training pathways, additional cohorts) and present recommendations with rationale and expected impact.
• Conduct business development to recruit new companies; nurture, expand, and retain employer relationships.
• Plan and host networking events to foster community and connection among participants and employers.
• Promote sponsorship opportunities to support program growth and sustainability.
• Deliver engaging briefings and webinars to educate transitioning service members about program benefits and enrollment through regular transition briefings and events where available.
• Manage training-provider performance by setting expectations, confirming capacity, monitoring quality, and addressing risks/issues to maintain participant experience standards.
• Provide personalized support to participants throughout the fellowship journey—from application to employment.
• Track outcomes and report results to measure impact and inform continuous improvement.
• Develop executive-ready updates for leadership and external stakeholders, including impact narratives, success stories, and performance summaries.
• Collaborate across HOH programs to support events and initiatives in your region.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proven experience in business development, sales, or partnership cultivation, ideally in workforce development or military community services.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Demonstrated ability to use AI tools to improve day-to-day productivity (e.g., drafting, summarizing, research support, and scheduling) while maintaining accuracy and quality, with a commitment to ongoing AI learning and staying current as tools evolve.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills; ability to translate data into operational decisions and clear updates for leadership.
• Professionalism, adaptability, and a self-starter mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Familiarity with the DoD SkillBridge program and military transition process is highly desirable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with the military community preferred.
• Understanding or experience with both union and non-union skilled trades

We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Our talent acquisition and employment policies are inclusive. We respect both the spirit and letter of the laws of equal employment opportunity.