COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST jobs in Cedar Falls, IA

Workforce Specialist

Workforce Specialist
North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation and NIACC Business & Workforce Solutions

Category/Level: PSS/4

Reports to: 
 - President & CEO, North Iowa Corridor EDC
 - Director of Emerging Workforce Solutions, NIACC
Supervises:
    None 

Main Functions: In a diverse role, coordinates and leads collaborative community workforce development initiatives that help our community attract and retain jobs and a talented workforce for the region. Support work-based learning by promoting and enhancing career awareness and preparation. Also serves administrative responsibilities through key roles in marketing, communications, and research support as well as event/meeting planning. 

Requirements: 

- Post-secondary education required
- At least two years' experience in a professional office setting
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Punctual, meticulous, and reliable
- Courteous manners with the public and demonstrated excellent customer service skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; digital media and web-based program and application management; additional computer experience preferred
- Previous experience with board administration, marketing/communications and event planning preferred

Salary & Benefits: Salary of $41,000 - $49,500 based on experience. Benefits package includes Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance; eye care, dental, life and disability insurance; paid vacation and sick leave; a choice of IPERS or TIAA retirement plans; and a variety of additional optional benefits. 

Responsibilities & Duties:

Workforce Development
1. Coordination with other agencies and partners on workforce development issues and the creation of a workforce retention and expansion program.
2. Development of K-12 school to business partnerships and programs.
3. Coordination, facilitation, and/or assistance with career awareness and exploration activities for the Cerro Gordo County area.
4. Meets with local industry representatives to determine workforce and/or talent needs.
5. Assesses the business organizations and provides comprehensive evaluation of employment and training needs.
6. Develop foundational knowledge of training resources and opportunities, including but not limited to: 260E, 260F, 260G, and Workforce Training and Economic Development funds to develop necessary and responsive workforce solutions.
7. Provide opportunities for business and industry to assist with the development of training programs to include: apprenticeships, internships, job shadows, and work-based learning.
8. Build and maintain productive relationships with public-sector, private-sector and non-profit employers to create career pathways for future talent.
9. Build and maintain strong partnerships with economic development entities, chamber organizations and other workforce development agencies to ensure alignment and execution of collaborative workforce strategies to include Talent Pipeline Management.
10. Working collaboratively with Continuing Education, High Schools, and College programs and committees to assist with recruitment efforts and the development of existing and future initiatives, with a focus on enrolling students in credit or non-credit programming.
11. Gathers information for additional funding opportunities to support workforce solutions and programming.
12. Gathers labor market information, talent demand and skills requirements, an translates data into meaningful information to create workforce development strategies.
13. Develop and manage a database of employers and/or industry representatives and maintain regular communication through appropriate channels.
14. Other duties as assigned in relation to the nature of the position by the President & CEO and Director, Emerging Workforce Solutions in response to a rapidly changing environment.
Event/Meeting Planning
1. Plans and coordinates meetings and events.
2. Schedule coordination utilizing intelligent tools, i.e. Doodle.com
3. Coordination of facilities, and food/refreshment vendors
Working Conditions: Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00a - 4:30p. Frequently exposed to noise and a regular flow of people around the office. Frequently assigned to changing priorities. Must maintain business professional dress, appearance, and demeanor at all times.
* Perform in a manner which strengthens the coordination and cooperation of all organizational components of the College, including opportunities for student recruitment.
* NIACC Core Principles: All employees are expected to adhere to all NIACC policies and procedures. NIACC administration, faculty, and staff value a positive working environment and an environment of mutual respect, therefore all employees are to maintain a positive attitude and respect for others when working with all NIACC departments, employees, students, partners, and the public.
02/2024