Veterans and Community Outreach Program Manager

Metra's Human Resources Department is dedicated to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We foster a culture of fairness, trust, and mutual respect by promoting employee engagement, wellness, and professional growth. Through equitable compensation, flexible benefits, and compliance with employment laws, we empower employees to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Metra's mission of keeping Chicagoland moving.

Position Overview

Metra is seeking a Veteran & Community Outreach Program Manager to lead initiatives that connect transitioning veterans and community members to meaningful careers. This role is pivotal in building strategic partnerships, creating talent pipelines, and driving outreach efforts that increase program visibility and engagement. You will serve as the primary point of contact for Veteran-focused programs and play a key role in integrating these initiatives into Metra's broader diversity and inclusion strategy.

What You'll Do

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive program that helps Veterans transition into civilian careers by bridging military skills to agency roles, providing resume assistance, and facilitating placement.
• Drive participation in engagement, mentorship, and career development initiatives through Metra's Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) and integrate Veteran-focused efforts into diversity and inclusion programs.
• Build and sustain partnerships with veteran organizations, community groups, and government entities to create talent pipelines and increase program visibility.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to design proactive sourcing strategies and targeted outreach plans and partner with Marketing & Communications to create program materials and a strong social media presence.
• Evaluate processes and materials for continuous improvement, ensure adherence to program budget, and train recruiters, hiring managers, and external partners on program functions and requirements.
• Represent Metra at hiring events, chambers of commerce meetings, Veteran service organization gatherings, and other outreach activities to foster program awareness and participation.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment while performing duties under varying conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate has experience in program management, Veteran outreach, or community engagement, with strong relationship-building skills and the ability to collaborate across internal and external stakeholders. Knowledge of military-to-civilian career transition strategies is preferred, along with excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Click here to learn more about our benefits!

Qualified Veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree is preferred.
2. In addition to #1, have (five) 5 years of experience in Veteran engagement, community outreach, public relations, recruiting, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field preferably in the transportation or railroad industry.
3. Considerable knowledge of recruitment strategies, best practices, current trends, and innovations in talent acquisition.
4. Considerable knowledge of Veterans' benefits, local resources, and employment counseling.
5. Working knowledge of military culture, Veteran, and community needs.
6. Working knowledge of local, state, and federal labor and employment laws and regulations including those related to Veterans such as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
7. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
8. Familiar with Power BI or similar interactive visualization programs for dashboards and reports.
9. Familiar with Dynamics 365 or similar customer relationship management (CRM) programs or systems to track program metrics.
10. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with active listening to building trust, empathize, collaborate, networking, and interact with the public at all levels.
11. Strong organizational, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
12. Ability to design and implement programs from inception to completion.
13. Ability to build trust, connect Veterans to services, and drive program success through strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration.
14. Ability to work independently or collaboratively to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a demanding environment.
15. Ability to deliver interactive and engaging presentations to large and small audiences.
16. Ability to perform data analytics, develop project dashboards, and create reports.
17. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
18. Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds.
19. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
20. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Prior military service with an honorable discharge.
2. Completion of U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Veterans' Employment and Training Service and other federal, state or agency training or continuing education obligations, and optional work-related training forums.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at RAC@metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.