Position Title: Build Freedom Project Manager
Reports to: Build Freedom Director
LOCATION: Remote, with 40% travel as needed; eligible candidates must reside in TN, MI, OH, IN, FL, WV, NC, TX, PA.
SALARY RANGE: $80,000- $100,000 based on relevant experience and qualifications
DESCRIPTION
IACMI - The Composites Institute®, is seeking an experienced Project Manager for the Build Freedom Program.
The Build Freedom Project Manager at IACMI – The Composites Institute® will work with the Build Freedom Director to support planning, coordination, implementation, and execution of Build Freedom.
A key responsibility of the Build Freedom Project Manager is to manage all aspects of the Build Freedom project. This includes managing project coordinators and site personnel. They will coordinate deliverables, track program progress, and ensure successful execution of program initiatives. They will need to be a team player who is organized and experienced in program management. This position will collaborate closely with IACMI workforce and project management, finance, and contracting.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Under the direction of the Build Freedom Director, manage the Build Freedom project and people nationwide.
- Maintain and build a working relationship with each Build Freedom Coordinator and Build Freedom program collaborator.
- Work with Build Freedom Coordinators to develop a system and track metrics for site coordinators for structured interactions with schools, community, and industry.
- Manage project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements for Build Freedom Initiatives.
- Coordinate meetings, agendas, follow-up items, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Oversee the development and implementation of preventative maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities in coordination with partner performer Teknista.
- Ensure Program Coordinators maintain accurate, maintenance records and service documentation.
- Assist with the rollout of Build Freedom training programs.
- Guide Program Coordinators in cultivating and maintaining relationships with industry partners through regular meetings, site visits, and ongoing collaboration, ensuring training programs remain aligned with regional workforce needs.
- Establish performance expectations and oversee the tracking, analysis, and reporting of key program metrics, including enrollment, certifications, training hours, job placements, employer engagement, and participant outcomes for the Build Freedom initiative
- Coordinate operational, financial, and programmatic reports with IACMI finance and PACT support.
- Prepare for the national Build Freedom Program initiative and organizational leadership, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.
- Ensure Program Coordinators and site operations comply with all applicable safety regulations, training standards, grant requirements, and organizational policies related to workforce development programming.
- Oversee site budgets and resource allocation, including equipment purchases, supply inventories, maintenance expenditures, staffing needs, and training materials, while ensuring responsible use of program funds.
- Supervise, support, and evaluate Program Coordinators by setting priorities, monitoring performance, providing guidance, and addressing operational challenges across program sites.
- Represent IACMI at meetings, events, conferences, and partner discussions as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Associates degree in business, workforce development, technical specialty, education, engineering, manufacturing, project management, or related field required.
- Experience managing projects, programs, grants, partnerships, or workforce development initiatives in a supervisory or management level.
- Proven on-site job experience with schools, adult learning, military or industry.
- Proven experience in organizing projects, managing employees, and working with multiple stakeholders to develop and enhance proposals.
- PMP qualification preferred.
- Qualifications and experience with industry safety preferred (OSHA).
- Operational leadership experience in industry or military preferred.
- Experience in advanced manufacturing and engineering education, or technical training programs
- Familiarity with federally-funded programs, federal reporting, contracts, MOU’s, or sponsor deliverables.
BENEFITS
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
- Professional development opportunities
- Collaborative and supportive work environment fostering growth and innovation.
ABOUT IACMI
The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI–The Composites Institute®, is focused on securing U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology. IACMI is a 180-plus member community of industry, academic institutions, and government organizations designed to enhance competitiveness in U.S. manufacturing with a focus on meeting the needs of the private industry sector. Established in 2015 by the Department of Energy, IACMI is one of 17 Manufacturing USA Institutes collaborating to accelerate new technology, create new products, reduce cost and risk, and enable the manufacturing workforce with the skills of the future. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, IACMI is managed by the Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation, a not-for-profit organization established by The University of Tennessee Research Foundation.
IACMI has built a national reputation as a leader in U.S. workforce development, education, and training across advanced manufacturing industries. Workforce programmatic themes include, but are not limited to, advanced composites manufacturing and processes, machine tool technology, including CNC machining, cybersecurity for industrial applications, additive manufacturing, and metals-related training areas such as casting, forging, plate rolling, metallurgy, and production-focused skilled trades. IACMI’s workforce portfolio also includes internships, apprenticeships, employer-connected training pathways, and K-12 career awareness and skill-building programs designed to strengthen the future manufacturing talent pipeline. Our continued growth and success have led to the search for a new team member.