Economic Development Manager Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $83,500 - Midpoint: $112,700 (Salaried E13)

Department/Organization: 750404 - AL Mobility & Power Research Center

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Workforce Development Program Manager designs and administers workforce analysis projects or initiatives with the goal of identifying trends and facilitating strategic workforce planning.

Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Mobility & Power (AMP) Center at The University of Alabama is at the forefront of a national transformation in mobility, electrification, and energy systems. From major battery and EV manufacturing investments to advanced manufacturing expansions, the state's industrial landscape is evolving rapidly.
This position is a high-impact, high-visibility role at the intersection of higher education, applied research, and economic development and plays a central role in ensuring that Alabama's workforce is ready to meet this moment. Leads and expands workforce education, training, and industry engagement initiatives supporting the rapidly growing mobility, battery, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Aligns AMP's research infrastructure, industry partnerships, and educational mission to build scalable pathways into high-demand technical careers across Alabama and the broader Southeast.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of experience; OR Master's degree and four (4) years of experience.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.

Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge of emerging trends in energy storage, mobility, and advanced manufacturing workforce needs. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Outstanding verbal and written communication skills. Strong project management and stakeholder coordination skills. Ability to successfully engage key stakeholders in public and private sectors and win their support. Ability to manage programs from concept through pilot and deployment. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment with regional travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in education, engineering, business, workforce development, or a related field. Seven (7) years of experience in workforce development, technical education, program management, industry engagement, or economic development. Experience working with industry, K-12, community colleges, universities, and workforce organizations. Experience in battery manufacturing, energy systems, electrified transportation, advanced manufacturing, or a related technical industry. Experience with workforce funding programs, grants, or federally funded initiatives. Experience with with apprenticeship programs, technical training frameworks, or credential development. Experience working with universities, community colleges, workforce agencies, or economic development organizations. Experience developing credentialed workforce or technical training programs aligned with industry needs. Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder workforce or educational initiatives and translating industry needs into deployable training programs.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.