Workforce Development Specialist

Job Summary

The Workforce Development Specialist serves as a liaison between industry and school partners, to facilitate career connected learning with students across the region. This includes career exploration activities for students, such as small group activities fostering professionalism skills, site visits, job shadows, project-based learning opportunities, and paid internship experiences. The Workforce Development Specialist coordinates work-based learning activities for students ranging from elementary school to college age, through employer involvement and close collaboration with schools.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and support programming in coordination with the PEB team and school staff to provide students with career exploration and preparation. This includes delivering content that is relevant to students’ stage of development in collaboration with school partners.
• Collaborate with school partners to establish work-based learning calendars.
• Serve on P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) and early college high school steering committees as required.
• Serve as a connector to other PEB-led initiatives, industry opportunities for students, and STEM engagement events in our community.
• Represent PEB and MACNY programs to employers and educators to increase awareness within the region. This includes enhancing and developing new relationships for work-based learning.
• Build support of PEB initiatives for engagement opportunities, new volunteers, company involvement, and financial investment.
• Help employers understand the benefits of engaging with their future workforce.
• Coordinate employer participation in PEB-led events and work-based learning activities.
• Communicate with employers to maintain a working understanding of industry and company needs.
• Author newsletter, magazine, and digital content as requested.
• Participate and assist in the planning of PEB and MACNY events, including, but not limited to, Manufacturing Month and the Talent Development Awards.
• Maintain accurate program documentation for reporting purposes.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Passion for cultivating various pathways to careers.
• Mission-driven, a self-starter, a love of learning, and a creative problem solver.
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking and building relationships with a variety of key stakeholders across industry sectors.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate with a team.
• Flexibility and interest in handling multiple responsibilities and initiatives.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or High School Diploma or equivalent with 2 years similar work experience.
• 2 plus years serving diverse groups of individuals who are facing barriers.
• Must have working with youth programming.
• Proven passion and interest in technology and emerging markets within the Central New York and Mohawk Valley regions.
• Preferred experience to have worked in a workforce development setting with emphasis on the K-12/college space in the Central New York and/or Mohawk Valley regions.
• Helpful to have experience with digital platforms, virtual events, social media, and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems.
• Experience working in an educational or non-profit setting is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must have reliable transportation for frequent community outreach and engagements.
• Must have work flexibility in availability to support occasional activities outside of regular business hours.

Travel

• Local travel within Central New York and Mohawk Valley.