By the middle of the 21st century, the public and private sectors will invest more than $100 billion into the Central New York economy. At the forefront is Micron’s commitment to spend $40 billion by 2030 to build the largest semiconductor facility in the United States. Economists project that these investments will yield tens of thousands of new jobs, with the most significant gains in advanced manufacturing and construction. Central to this investment is a focus on inclusive workforce efforts that ensure these new opportunities are available to all members of the community.

To meet employer demand and fulfill the promise of this unprecedented opportunity, New York State Empire State Development (ESD) has engaged CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO), a Syracuse-based business leadership and economic development organization, to lead, incubate, and launch the Central New York One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON RAMP).

As part of the planning process to inform the development of ON RAMP, CenterState CEO convened a leadership committee and planning groups focused on supportive services, academics, community engagement, operations, and real estate. The planning process involved dozens of community organizations and training providers and included focus groups and town halls to gather feedback and ideas. During 2024, the research and planning resulted in a data- and community-informed blueprint, including staffing plans, board structure, and a framework for initial programs and supportive services. Over the past six months, CenterState CEO has taken the next steps to launch the ON RAMP organization by the end of 2025, including: securing year one funding, staffing plans and budget; preparing incorporation papers; selecting a board; developing program plans; developing a process to identify program partners; expanding industry partnerships; and exploring a permanent site in Syracuse. CenterState CEO is also currently piloting at least five workforce programs with partners that are anticipated to be incorporated into ON RAMP.

The ON RAMP organization will be a stand-alone nonprofit training organization focused on construction and manufacturing training for entry and middle-skill roles. The organization will use an industry sector approach and best practices in highly accessible workforce development programs. Implementing a hub-and-spoke model to make training more accessible is critical to advancing ON RAMP’s mission. ON RAMP will provide demand-driven training and coordinate with organizations that provide wraparound services such as childcare and transportation. It will also help attract, retain, and advance a diverse pool of candidates to enter the talent pipeline, ensuring that traditionally underserved communities benefit from the massive influx of investment into the region.

Organizational Overview

New York State Empire State Development is investing $40 million in start-up funding and $40 million in building capital to establish ON RAMP. The investment is intended to provide a multi-year runway to get the organization launched and operational over the next several years. It is anticipated that public support will taper down to be replaced by corporate and private grants, revenue from employer partnerships, tuition-sharing agreements with education partners, private fundraising, and space rentals.

CenterState CEO is coordinating the process to incorporate ON RAMP as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. The application has been filed, and approval is expected later this year. A board of directors will govern the organization. The board’s three founding members have been appointed and are actively engaged in the planning processes.

Based on initial projections, ON RAMP will be staffed by an eight-person team, including senior operations, programs, and development professionals. Additionally, during the first year, CenterState CEO will provide fiscal sponsor services, including contract review and administration. With complementing support from CenterState CEO senior staff, ON RAMP will benefit from the expertise of a Leadership Committee comprised of funders, elected officials, and leaders from regional community, education, and employer partners. Beyond administration, ON RAMP will be a long-term strategic workforce partner of CenterState CEO and a lead member of the Microelectronics Industry Partnership and Construction Industry Partnership. Convened by CenterState CEO as part of the Future Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium, these structured industry partnerships bring together groups of employers and unions to identify demand trends, skills gaps, and outreach strategies that should inform ON RAMP programming.

The Mission

ON RAMP is dedicated to addressing critical workforce skill gaps in the advanced manufacturing and construction industries in Central New York. Its mission is to provide local employers with a skilled workforce pipeline while ensuring equitable access for historically underserved communities. ON RAMP will provide demand-driven, high-quality training, career development support, and job placement services, aiming to meet growing regional demand while promoting economic equity and inclusion.

The Vision

ON RAMP will serve as a premier training organization for the advanced manufacturing and construction industries and as an innovator in collaborative public-private partnerships that drive regional economic prosperity with a focus on equity.

The Position

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ON RAMP CEO will build the Central New York ON RAMP organization. They will develop and implement all programs, recruit and onboard staff, oversee daily operations, and lead business development and revenue generation strategies and execution. The founding CEO will represent ON RAMP in the community, engaging with employer partners, regional stakeholders, funders, and trainee prospects. Essential responsibilities include:

Leadership

Create and implement strategic and operations plans to stand up programs that meet employer demands and provide comprehensive services that allow job seekers to get into a new career quickly;
Refine organizational structure and staffing plan; hire and train a team with the capacity to build on existing programming to enroll 150-200 trainees in year one;
Develop strategies for engaging un/underemployed individuals, historically underserved communities, and priority groups;
Produce a marketing and branding campaign to effectively market ON RAMP as a welcoming center for the community and a place of opportunity for all;
Ensure the organization’s mission and vision are aligned with established equity principles.

Outreach and Community Engagement

Serve as a key interface with the community advisory committee and as the organization’s primary spokesperson representing ON RAMP in public, in the media, and at community, philanthropic, and employer events;
Collaborate with CenterState CEO’s industry partnerships to gauge evolving demand and to identify and develop training programs and credentials that best meet employers’ needs;
Foster partnerships with educational institutions and training providers to develop specific programs that utilize demand-driven industry-recognized credentials and meet specific hiring needs;
Proactively seek partnership opportunities with government agencies, philanthropic organizations, corporations, supportive services providers, and community stakeholders;
Ensure that ON RAMP is a welcoming and inclusive center for effectively recruiting new trainees and positively engaging with the community.

Programs

Build on existing planning work to implement and refine a full continuum of services for building trades apprentices, manufacturing assemblers/operators, and manufacturing technicians;
Ensure effective delivery of permanent and flexible training programs that include the core elements driving the ON RAMP theory of change;
Develop, track, and analyze metrics to evaluate training effectiveness and program impact and to define post-job placement success;
Develop and analyze cost-benefit models to assess the viability of programs customized for specific employers.

Business Development

Lead strategies to leverage ESD funding to grow and diversify resources across multiple public and private sources;
Create earned revenue models to generate fee-for-service and ancillary business revenue;
Craft program and sponsor opportunities to drive philanthropic and private sector investments;
Engage diverse training partners, including higher education institutions, workforce development organizations, and community-based programs to explore collaborative funding models and resource-sharing arrangements.

The Opportunity

This is an extraordinary opportunity to develop and lead a workforce organization to meet hiring demand and ensure that historically underserved communities benefit from the unprecedented investment in the Central New York economy. While advancing equity and working to redress past injustices, the inaugural CEO will help lead a once-in-a-century opportunity to rebuild a thriving middle class in Central New York.

Professional Requirements

The inaugural CEO will be a seasoned leader with deep experience in developing and implementing workforce training programs. They will bring a strong growth mindset and a fierce drive for innovation to the work of building a new organization. The ideal candidate will have:

Leadership experience in a corporate, nonprofit, or educational organization workforce training program;
Exceptional strategic visioning and planning skills to build an organization. Prior experience starting up a department or organization is ideal;
At least ten years of ecosystem, program, and staff development experience;
Financial acumen to develop budgets, track restricted grants, and manage public funds;
Experience raising revenue from diversified funding sources, including corporations, foundations, and government;
Government advocacy and/or lobbying experience is valued;
Strong data systems development and analytical skills to track enrollees’ status, progress, needs, and long-term trajectories, and to create clear reporting protocols to share with funders and partner organizations;
An understanding of organized labor, including the purpose and functions of building trade unions;
Experience in coalition-building, organizing and/or collaborative, cross-sector efforts, including group facilitation;
Board development and governance expertise, including experience cultivating partnerships and collaborating with board members to realize organizational goals;
Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus;
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required;
A valid driver’s license.

Essential Qualities

The CEO will have a deep understating of workforce training and educational opportunity programs and a vision for realizing the extraordinary possibilities afforded by the $100 million public-private investment in Central New York.

Personal Characteristics

The inaugural CEO will be an innovative and adaptable leader who is passionate about engaging historically underserved communities and increasing workforce diversity in the advanced manufacturing and construction sectors. The ideal candidate will bring the following qualities:

Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to develop authentic and effective relationships with employer partners, educational institutions, community stakeholders, and elected officials;
Social and emotional intelligence to balance competing partner demands and navigate complex relationships;
Exceptional communication skills, including active listening and public speaking ability;
Enthusiasm for building and growing;
A flexible approach to creating and problem-solving;
Knowledge of rural and urban communities and how they intersect, and an understanding of the developing opportunities in Central New York;
An unwavering commitment to upholding the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all decisions and relations.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $180,000-$200,000, commensurate with the selected candidate's professional experience and qualifications.

Until ON RAMP is established as an independent 501(c)(3), the ON RAMP CEO will be a CenterState CEO employee. CenterState CEO offers comprehensive benefits coverage, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Additional benefits include Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts and a 401 (k) plan. CenterState CEO’s generous PTO policy provides vacation, sick, and personal leave time as well as 13 paid holidays.

Location

During the start-up period, the ON RAMP CEO will work on-site in CenterState CEO's main office located at 115 West Fayette Street, Syracuse, New York 13202.

About Syracuse

Syracuse, NY, is a mid-sized city in Central New York that blends urban convenience with a small-town feel. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and strong sense of community, Syracuse offers a compelling case for those looking to relocate.

Affordable Cost of Living

One of Syracuse’s biggest draws is its affordability. Compared to major metropolitan areas, housing costs are significantly lower, whether you're looking to rent an apartment downtown or buy a home in one of the charming city neighborhoods or suburbs like Fayetteville or Baldwinsville. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are also budget-friendly, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Strong Job Market & Education

Syracuse is home to a diverse economy, with opportunities in education, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Major employers include Syracuse University, Upstate Medical University, Lockheed Martin, and a growing tech sector. The city has also seen an economic boost with investments in semiconductor manufacturing, promising future job growth. For families, the region offers excellent schools, both public and private, as well as highly regarded higher education institutions like Syracuse University and Le Moyne College.

Seasons & Outdoor Recreation

If you love experiencing all four seasons, Syracuse delivers. Winters are snowy, thanks to lake-effect snowfall, making it a great spot for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The city embraces the cold with events like the Syracuse Winterfest. In warmer months, outdoor lovers can explore the nearby Finger Lakes, hike in Green Lakes State Park, or enjoy boating and fishing on Oneida Lake. Autumn is particularly stunning, with breathtaking foliage.

Thriving Culture & Food Scene

Syracuse boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. The historic Armory Square district features lively restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The Landmark Theatre hosts Broadway shows, while the Everson Museum of Art showcases modern and contemporary pieces. The city’s food scene is diverse, offering everything from classic Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine to beloved local staples like salt potatoes and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Farmers' markets and food festivals further enhance the culinary experience.

Sports & Entertainment

Sports fans will find plenty to cheer for in Syracuse. The city is passionate about Syracuse University athletics, particularly basketball and football. There’s also minor league baseball with the Syracuse Mets and hockey with the Syracuse Crunch. The New York State Fair, one of the nation’s largest, is an annual highlight, drawing visitors to concerts, food, and entertainment.

Tight-Knit Community

Despite being a city, Syracuse maintains a strong sense of community. Neighborhoods are welcoming, and there are plenty of opportunities for involvement in local organizations, events, and volunteer efforts. The city’s size allows for a balance of urban amenities without the overwhelming hustle of a large metropolis.

Conclusion

Syracuse offers an appealing mix of affordability, job opportunities, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. It’s a city that embraces all seasons, fosters a strong sense of community, and continues to grow economically. Whether you're a young professional, a family, or someone seeking a change of pace, Syracuse provides a high quality of life at a reasonable cost.

Contact

Please submit a résumé and an original cover letter that describes your interest in ON RAMP’S mission and qualifications for the CEO position through the application portal on the McCormack + Kristel website. For full consideration, applications should be received by April 25, 2025. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Individuals who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, system-impacted, immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic or gender-based oppression are encouraged to apply.

Please note that AI technology may be used to streamline and enhance the recruitment process.

To request additional information or recommend a candidate, please contact:

Michelle Kristel, Managing Partner
McCormack + Kristel
1325 Avenue of the Americas, 28th Floor | New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212.531.5003
Email: search@mccormackkristel.com | Website: www.mccormackkristel.com

Background Check Statement

Please note that McCormack + Kristel will check references, verify employment history and academic credentials, and conduct criminal background and social media checks before finalizing an offer.

EOE Statement

McCormack + Kristel works only with equal-opportunity employers.

CenterState CEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CenterState CEO does not discriminate and will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of a person's race, religion, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender dysphoria, marital status, family status, pregnancy, military status, veteran status, genetic information including predisposing genetic characteristics or carrier status, arrest or conviction record, domestic violence victim status, or any other legally protected class or status.

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