Manager, Community Employment

Description:

Empower Inclusive Employment. Build Community. Change Lives.

At Aspire, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to work, grow, contribute, and thrive in their community. We are seeking a passionate, strategic, and people-centered Manager, Community Employment to lead innovative employment and community-based programs that create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

This is more than a management role — it’s an opportunity to shape futures, strengthen employer partnerships, and build a more inclusive workforce.

About The Role

The Manager, Community Employment leads Aspire’s Community Employment program, ensuring high-quality, person-centered services that help individuals achieve meaningful employment, independence, and full community participation.

You’ll lead a dynamic team of Employment Specialists and Career Navigators while serving as a key connector between Aspire, employers, and the community. Your leadership will directly impact job placement success, workforce readiness, and long-term participant outcomes.

If you are energized by relationship-building, leadership, innovation, and mission-driven work — we’d love to meet you.

What You'll Do

Lead High-Impact Programs

• Oversee daily operations for Community Employment
• Drive measurable outcomes including job placements, retention, skill development, and participant engagement
• Ensure programs remain person-centered, compliant, and outcomes-focused
• Use data and performance metrics to continuously improve services and efficiency

Build Employer & Community Partnerships

• Develop strong relationships with inclusive employers across diverse industries
• Create warm employment pipelines for Aspire participants
• Represent Aspire at hiring fairs, workforce events, and community partnerships
• Align workforce opportunities with participant strengths and labor market needs

Oversee Aspire's Work Readiness Program

• Lead and enhance Aspire’s four-week Work Readiness Program
• Ensure curriculum supports workplace skills, communication, professionalism, and self-advocacy
• Support smooth transitions into employment services and long-term success

Inspire & Develop Teams

• Supervise and coach Employment Specialists, Career Navigators, and related staff
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented culture
• Support staff development, performance management, and professional learning Champion Participant Success

Champion Participant Success

• Ensure individualized, respectful, and coordinated services
• Support teams in addressing barriers to employment and community inclusion
• Serve as a leader for complex participant or service concerns Inspire & Develop Teams

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Business Administration, or related field
• 3+ years of program management experience, preferably in disability services, employment services, or life skills supports
• Previous people leadership experience
• Experience building employer or community partnerships
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to obtain required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• CRC licensure
• Experience with workforce development systems
• Background in quality improvement and data-driven program management

The Ideal Candidate Is:

• A collaborative and empowering leader
• Passionate about disability inclusion and equitable employment
• Skilled at building partnerships and driving outcomes
• Innovative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
• Compassionate, accountable, and mission-driven

Leadership Competencies

We are looking for leaders who:

• Achieve Results
• Build Effective Teams
• Cultivate Innovation
• Make Quality Decisions
• Tackle Tough Issues

Why Aspire?

At Aspire, your work matters every single day. You’ll join a mission-driven organization committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to live full, self-directed lives. We foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, growth, and impact — where team members are valued as much as the people we serve.

What We Offer

• Meaningful, mission-driven work
• Collaborative and supportive culture
• Opportunities for growth and leadership development
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• The chance to create lasting community impact

Ready to Make An Impact?

Join Aspire and help build a world where every individual has the opportunity to work, belong, and thrive!