Youth Programs Manager in Kent, Washington at AJAC-Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships

About AJAC

AJAC is an industry-driven apprenticeship, not-for-profit organization, founded on the belief that mastery occurs on the job. Through pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship and adult apprenticeship, all people have the opportunity to earn competitive wages, find meaningful and fulfilling work, and pursue lifelong learning.

AJAC is based in Kent, WA and serves the manufacturing industry and surrounding communities statewide. AJAC serves approximately 400 apprentices per year at close to 300 companies, partnering with 7 community colleges to ensure that all apprentices receive college credits while working towards a journey-level certificate.

About the Role

We’re seeking a Youth Programs Manager to lead and grow our statewide Youth programs for students ages 16–18. While serving youth, schools, and skills centers through Youth Apprenticeship programming has been the focus of our youth work for years, we are starting to diversify our youth programming portfolio to include apprenticeship preparation, career exposure and navigation services for young people.

In this role, you will oversee and facilitate youth program operations, support instructors and school partners, and collaborate with employers and internal teams to ensure students have meaningful, career-connected learning experiences, including apprenticeship. You’ll play a key role in connecting youth to opportunities in advanced manufacturing —helping shape the future workforce. Mention key role in growing the program here

Work Location & Flexibility

This position offers a flexible hybrid work model that balances remote work with in-person engagement:

· Remote work: Available for planning, reporting, meetings, and administrative tasks

· In-person engagement: Approximately 25% of time will require in-state travel, mostly across the Puget Sound region with occasional site visits to the Yakima/Tri-Cities region and Spokane, including: in-person meetings with AJAC colleagues and partners, travel to schools, program sites, employer partners, career fairs and community events.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively across virtual and in-person settings.

What You’ll Do

Program Leadership and Operations

· Manage AJAC’s portfolio of youth programs in compliance with organizational standards, funding requirements, and WSATC regulations.

· Oversee logistics including scheduling, enrollment, materials, safety coordination, and attendance tracking.

· Implement mid-program and post-program assessments; analyze outcomes and recommend improvements.

· Collaborate with leadership to define and refine program goals.

· Plan and support student completion events and recognition ceremonies.

· Document processes and workflows to ensure quality and continuity.

Compliance & Reporting

· Maintain accurate, timely program documentation including enrollment, demographics, outcomes, and logging outreach activity.

· Ensure participant records are confidential and compliant with program guidelines.

· Support apprenticeship registration and compliance with grant and funding requirements.

· Prepare reports for internal leadership.

Instructor Support & Coaching

· Provide program onboarding, training, and ongoing support for instructors participating in the program.

· Support/implement delivery of technical and professional skills curriculum for students.

· Conduct site visits to ensure instructional quality and consistency.

Collaboration & Team Leadership

· Partner with the Business Development team to maintain employer relationships and secure student placements.

· Participate in team meetings and cross-functional planning efforts.

· Collaborate across departments to strengthen program scalability and outcomes.

· Stay up to date on state/county policy changes as they relate to career and technical education, career pathways and youth apprenticeship to serve as a resource for AJAC leadership.

Outreach, Recruitment & Partnerships

· Recruit high school students (ages 16–18) in partnership with school districts and community organizations.

· Present at career fairs, school events, and community outreach opportunities.

· Build and maintain relationships with educators, families, and industry partners

· Promote equitable access by engaging underrepresented populations, including BIPOC students, ESL learners, rural youth, youth with disabilities, and justice-involved youth.

· Support alumni engagement as ambassadors for the program.

· Represent the organization at community events and statewide convenings.

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone with:

· Experience teaching, administrating or coordinating Career and Technical Education and/or apprenticeships in a high school or skills center or youth-serving non-profit, 5 or more years highly preferred

· Experience working in the manufacturing industry, 2 or more years preferred

· Familiarity with basic machining and manufacturing concepts

· Strong communication skills (written and verbal), especially comfortable authentically engaging with teenagers, able to build rapport and trust

· High organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple priorities

· Collaborative, team-oriented, and solutions-focused outlook

· Adaptability and comfort navigating change

AJAC’s Core Competencies

All team members are expected to demonstrate:

· Ethics: Treat all with respect, inspire trust of others, work with integrity

· Professionalism: Communicates effectively, presentable and approachable

· Customer Service: Responsively support students, partners, and stakeholders

· Planning & Organization: Prioritize effectively and execute with attention to detail

· Safety and Security: Observe safety procedures, determine appropriate action

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:
$75,000 – $85,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes:

· Medical, dental, and vision insurance

· Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)

· Retirement plan (e.g., 401(k) with employer contribution/match)

· Flexible and hybrid work options

· Opportunities for advancement and leadership development

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on students’ futures across WA while helping AJAC develop new programs and initiatives that will connect them to meaningful career pathways. You’ll be part of a collegial, mission-driven team at the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Together, we are dedicated to innovation, equity, and workforce development across the state and beyond.

Additional Information

· Annual performance goals will be established in partnership with your supervisor

· Ongoing professional development, including required annual anti-harassment training

Apply Today

If you’re ready to help shape the future workforce and expand opportunities for young people, we encourage you to apply!