Michele
Helfgott-Waters

Summary

I design and scale career development programs that deliver measurable results. Over the past decade, I've built pipelines, launched job-readiness curricula, and coached hundreds of professionals through career transitions consistently achieving 93–95% placement rates. I thrive at the intersection of program operations, employer partnerships, and one-on-one coaching, using data to drive continuous improvement and authentic relationships to build trust at scale.

Impact

Experience

1. 2026-Present

   Project Manager

   Tenova LLC · Huntsville, AL

   • Deliver consistent client success outcomes by conducting proactive twice-weekly check-ins, providing both strategic guidance and emotional support throughout the job search process.
   • Revamp resumes and LinkedIn profiles to drive consistent interview flow; offer targeted interview preparation and resolve client issues same-day to maintain momentum.
   • Maintain accurate, real-time client records in Airtable, tracking progress, challenges, and evolving needs to ensure a high-quality client experience.
   • Facilitate and contribute to weekly group coaching sessions, capturing insights and monitoring individual and cohort progress.

2. 2024-2025

   Program Engagement Manager, Apprenticeships

   InterPlay Learning · Huntsville, AL

   • Launched and managed apprenticeship programs end-to-end, maintaining smooth operations and sustaining high company provider and learner engagement.
   • Partnered with Customer Success, Content, Sales, Product, and Technology to align platform capabilities with employer requirements and apprentice needs.
   • Resolved complex escalations with urgency and transparency, strengthening loyalty and driving long-term retention.

3. 2020-2023

   Director of Career Development

   Career Dash/MilSpo Academy · Huntsville, AL

   • Designed and rolled out a 32-hour, job-readiness curriculum that effectively transitioned learners from student to hire-ready talent.
   • Served as primary liaison for a portfolio of 40–50 Premier clients and 3 Employer Groups, ensuring consistent alignment, adoption, and satisfaction.
   • Partnered with executive leadership to deepen relationships and identify growth opportunities across accounts.
   • Led quarterly Employer Group forums to share best practices and surface product feedback, improving outcomes across the cohort.

4. 2017-2019

   Career Development Specialist - Military Talent Internships

   Thurston County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with PacMtn Workforce Development Council and Joint Base Lewis McChord ·

   • Developed and facilitated targeted career workshops (branding, networking, interviewing) that increased candidate engagement and hiring success.
   • Drove candidate outcomes with a 93%–95% job placement rate by delivering personalized coaching (resume/LinkedIn optimization, interview prep) and leading an employer-sourced internship pipeline.
   • Built and managed strategic employer partnerships, achieving 100% agreement execution and boosting overall placement rates by 44%.
   • Launched and administered a high-conversion internship program by sourcing, recruiting, and stewarding partner businesses; sustained a 95% placement rate.

5. 2014-2017

   Lead Military Recruiter

   7-Eleven, Inc. ·

   • Led full-cycle recruiting—sourced, assessed, and interviewed candidates, then partnered with hiring managers to select and hire top performers.
   • Cultivated strong stakeholder relationships with military leadership, hiring managers, and business partners to align workforce needs and accelerate hiring.

6. 2010-2014

   Military Family Relations/Transition Consultant & Trainer

   Military Child Education Coalition ·

   • Directed family-readiness training across the installation and local community, streamlining referrals to essential services and increasing engagement by 35%.
   • Designed and facilitated professional development for educators and staff on supporting highly mobile, military-connected students through academic transitions.

Skills

Education and certifications