Program Training Associate

Program Training Associate

Open to Applicants in Buffalo, Albany or Rochester 

In-person. Comfortable traveling between Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo with the ability to travel to the other 2 sites once per month (CEO will cover all travel-related expenses under the grant).

Anticipated deadline to submit application: January 23, 2026 by 5:00pm EST. Position may close early if application limit is met. Apply promptly for full consideration.

The Opportunity

The Training Associate ensures the effective delivery of services for Upstate Union Pathways (UUP) which supports the re-entry community with the training and mentoring needed to obtain and advance in union careers with industry partners. This position administers the program and serves its participants in our Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo sites. As such, you must be comfortable with travel and have the ability to travel to the additional 2 sites once per month (CEO covers all travel-related expenses under the grant).  

This role empowers participants with upskilling and job placement in high-demand, union industries in the skilled trades. They are responsible for ensuring program implementation aligns with the organization’s mission, values, and workforce development strategy to foster an inclusive and thriving labor market. 

They oversee the development and implementation of training, and individualized job readiness support. They will collaborate closely with employer partners and unions to customize training curricula and provide participants with ongoing coaching support for career advancement. The role also involves recruiting and managing participants, as well as coordination with program staff across departments that assist in the delivery of services.

As part of our mission, we strongly encourage individuals who have lived experience of incarceration or involvement in the justice system to apply for this role

Please note this is a one-year grant based position that runs through February 28, 2027.

Who We Are

The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides employment services to people recently released from incarceration. Across the United States, 8,000-9,000 people participate in CEO each year, transitioning to employment that supports themselves, their families, and their communities.

What began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1970s to address employment barriers facing the formerly incarcerated following release in New York City has grown into the leading reentry employment organization in the country, where over 30,000 formerly incarcerated individuals have secured full-time employment since 1996.

Who You Are

Education & Experience

• You are comfortable traveling between Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo with the ability to travel to the additional 2 sites once per month (CEO will cover all travel-related expenses under the grant).  
• You have at least 2+years of experience in workforce development or a related field, with proficiency in project support, training, and coordination of multi-stakeholder efforts
• You have some experience with program evaluation and reporting, including familiarity with tools like Excel and SurveyMonkey
• You have familiarity with cloud-based platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Salesforce, and other job-seeking and remote learning tools
• You have a proven ability to lead and coordinate with staff and volunteers
• You have a proven track record for maintaining program compliance with governmental and grant-funder regulations
• You have lived or working experience working with re-entry and underrepresented communities is highly desirable

Must Have Skills or Competencies

• The role demands leadership, strong coordination, and the ability to foster partnerships between a diverse set of stakeholders to develop accessible pathways to union jobs while also meeting the needs of both the local workforce and industry partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to intercultural communication, with a professional and approachable demeanor.
• Organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in data analysis to support evaluation of program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to effectively communicate program goals, successes, and challenges to a range of audiences, including community groups, stakeholders, and potential employer partners. 
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace and the broader community

Preferred Skills or Competencies

• Bilingual ability is a plus, though not required

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Key responsibilities of the Program Training Associate include but are not limited to:

Participant Training Program 

• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of UUP, ensuring smooth execution of all program phases, including developing curriculum, conducting outreach and recruitment, delivering training, job placement, employer coordination, and reporting.
• Serve as the supportive point of contact for program partners, employers, and other CEO staff assisting with delivery service.
• Refine and adapt curricula for career exploration, job readiness, and specialized industry training in coordination with industry partners.
• Guide participants through the program by coaching individuals and facilitating group workshops and other training that will ensure participants are able to obtain and upskill in union jobs. 
• Ensure all participants receive the necessary support to thrive in their training and subsequent employment.
• Maintain detailed participant records and program data. 
• Support the evaluation process by tracking progress, administering pre/post-assessments, developing reports, and gathering feedback from participants and union leaders.
• Pull Salesforce data reports, perform data analysis, and share out trends and recommendations
• Monitor Salesforce dashboards to highlight areas for celebration and improvement
• Other duties as assigned

External Partnerships 

• Work with employers to integrate industry-specific competencies and employer expectations into the training. 
• Contribute to the program's expansion and sustainability by identifying opportunities for new employers and union partners, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities, and other potential areas for growth. 
• Actively represent UUP at community events, job fairs, and employer meetings. 
• Promote the program to potential participants, employer partners, community organizations, and other stakeholders to expand the program’s reach and impact.

Job Coaching

• Engage UUP participants in ongoing discussions about their employment goals
• Use motivational interviewing techniques as appropriate to help guide participants to goal achievement
• Develop and produce professional resumes for participants
• Maintain weekly contact with participants to track their progress to interview readiness
• Facilitate group sessions and workshops to build employment readiness skills
• Additional duties as assigned

Compensation and Benefits  

The salary for this position is $57,250. In an effort to be both equitable and transparent, CEO's compensation philosophy considers a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, experience, internal equity, and home office location in making a final determination on our salary offer.

We recognize that salary is a part of the overall compensation package and also provide a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, as well as professional development opportunities and training, including regular training opportunities in Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is one evidence-based skill that reentry and human service professionals can utilize when supporting participants to achieve their goals.

We also offer paid parental leave, participation in a retirement plan, sick and vacation leave, paid holidays and more. We are a workplace that promotes continual learning and

More About Us

Center for Employment Opportunities believes that everyone deserves the chance to shape a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities. People who are justice involved are highly encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. CEO is committed to the CROWN Act, and creating an open space where our employees can present as their true authentic selves. 

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, gender, gender identity, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact.

Please note that due to the volume of resumes received, we are unable to contact each applicant regarding the status of each position or reply to candidates' inquiries via phone or email.