Workforce Development & Education Manager, Infrastructure Sites

About the Role At OpenAI, we are proud to build and operate our data centers with a community-first led approach. From construction to operations, we want to be positive partners within our data center communities that we are honored to call home…and we are just getting started. OpenAI is seeking a Workforce Development & Education Manager to help build local talent for data center construction, commissioning, and operations in communities hosting OpenAI infrastructure projects. You will work with infrastructure teams and project partners, education providers, and local Community Engagement Leads to understand workforce needs and help education and training providers prepare people for these jobs of the future. You will build partnerships with local community colleges, technical schools, universities, and union apprenticeship programs from the ground up. Working with educators and technical experts, you will develop and expand training programs that connect local residents with career opportunities and meet the local industry hiring needs. Key Responsibilities Work in partnership with the local Community Engagement Lead to build and manage relationships with community colleges, technical schools, universities, career and technical education programs, and local workforce boards. Work with building trades unions and joint apprenticeship and training committees to expand training opportunities aligned with project needs both on a local and national level. Partner with OpenAI’s infrastructure teams, developers, contractors, and operators to identify job requirements, skills gaps, and hiring timelines across construction, commissioning, and operations. Work with educators and technical experts to develop or adapt curricula, hands-on training, and credential programs that reflect employer requirements and offerings available through OpenAI’s literacy programs. Support apprenticeships, internships, and other work-based learning opportunities with participating employers. Manage program implementation, including timelines, partner responsibilities, and progress against agreed goals. Track participation, completion, credential attainment, job placement, and retention, working with partners to use the results to improve programs. Partner with the local Community Engagement Lead to identify workforce grants and other funding opportunities, and help education and training partners pursue relevant support. Represent OpenAI on local workforce advisory councils and in meetings with education, labor, and community partners, in partnership with the Community Engagement Lead. Manage the program operations and administrative tasks needed to run a successful workforce development program within our data center communities. Qualifications Seven or more years of experience in workforce development, technical education, apprenticeship programs, or education–industry partnerships. Bachelor’s degree in education, instructional design, workforce development, engineering t