Research and Development Director jobs in Springfield, IL

Director of Workforce and Community Development

The Director of Workforce and Community Development develops, implements, and manages an outcome-based approach to develop, retain and upskill our area’s workforce. The Director also aids community partners on quality-of-life initiatives and long-range community projects that are crucial to maintaining the economic vitality of our communities.

Essential Job Functions

· Ensure the Career Guidance team and its members work cooperatively and effectively to discover, develop and execute programs in career pathways, upskilling and addressing multiple barriers to employment.

· Serve as program and administrative coordinator for multiple workforce committees and programs.

· Use data to establish and direct strategic priorities and initiatives in attracting, developing and retaining a skilled workforce.

· Support Director of Business Development by providing workforce data in specific industries as part of timely Requests for Information (RFIs) from employers considering Adams County as a place to do business.

· Develop and direct workforce programs such as Tri-State Makerfest, Career Launch Signing Day and the GREDF Career Pathways Landscape

· Support the development of earn-and-learn programs with local K-12s, JWCC, and local employers.

· Identify and champion quality-of-life initiatives that enhance the economic vitality of our region.

· Assist economic development partners with events and programming.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an appropriately accredited four-year college or university and/or 3-5 years related experience and / or training in a workforce-related field such as Human Resources, Economic Development, Education, Management, Communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. May consider candidates without a four-year degree with demonstrated leadership and managerial experience. Must have working knowledge of communication techniques and methods, as well as the ability to manage and maintain complex and dynamic business / political relationships.

DATA MANAGEMENT and ANALYTICS

● Capable of recognizing, defining, and solving problems. Aptitude for collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions to drive strategic decision making

● Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex information. Proficiency in writing reports and business correspondence.

● Strategic thinking and reasoning to establish data-driven priorities

COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS

● Superb oral and written skills to communicate data-driven decision making

● Ability to effectively present information in a customized format and respond to questions from groups of clients, investors, media, and the general public both orally and in writing.

● Ability to build and maintain relationships, as well as organize and host regular meetings with various stakeholder groups to include business, K-12 education, higher education, human resource professionals, labor organizations, young professional groups, regional municipalities / counties, local media, the Tri-State Development Summit, and economic development partners.

ORGANIZATIONAL, EVENT and PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS

● Ability to multi-task and organize relevant data, while adhering to multiple timelines.

● Knowledge of Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) and/or Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

● Knowledge of automated email marketing softwares, leading website and social media platforms, and ability to effectively utilize them is a plus but not required

● Ability to manage volunteers and vendors at community events.

Licenses or Certifications: Valid Driver's License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity, and is performed in office surroundings. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office environment, travel required along with some night and weekend activities.

The Great River Economic Development Foundation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Great River Economic Development Foundation complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

• Quincy, IL 62301: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person