Director of Workforce Development and Existing Industry

General Purpose

The Director of Workforce Development and Existing Industry will assess and develop the workforce capabilities of the region. This will be accomplished through an aggressive existing industry program. The position will seek to match workforce development needs to appropriate initiatives and assist in program development where workforce gaps exist.

Main Responsibilities

•Develop and foster on-going relationships with businesses and organizations to fully understand the current and future needs of our employers •Develop a contact program to visit existing industries to establish and maintain relationships •Implement the workforce development initiatives in the Jonesboro Unlimited strategic plan •Work collaboratively with business and industry as well as academic institutions to facilitate the development of workforce development priorities •Serve as a liaison between industry and education to see that emerging workforce needs are met •Conduct periodic workforce development needs assessments and summarize and present reports as required •Participate in the efforts of area education providers to ensure effective implementation, review and evaluation of workforce development programs •Serve as the staff lead for the Chamber Workforce Development Committee

• Assist the President/CEO of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce as required to meet the goals and objectives of the Economic Development Strategy or other pertinent projects and activities as required

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred

• Five years business sector experience, with leadership responsibilities preferred

• Demonstrated success in business planning and communications

• Ability to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds

Key Competencies

• Comprehensive knowledge of the area’s business and education provider communities

• Ability to listen and communicate effectively

• Ensures confidentiality of proprietary, strategic and personnel-related information

• Congenial, professional and collaborative

• Develops and manages timelines, detail oriented and able to execute workforce events and initiatives

• Demonstrated skill in information technology with competency in various Microsoft software

• Ability for concise, direct communications as well as excellent presentation skills

• Experience dealing with federal and state agencies

• Facilitation skills to collaborate with various groups-often with competing agendas

• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of economic and community development, workforce development, and education and how these sectors intersect

To apply please send your resume to : Careers@jonesborochamber.com

Or mail to: Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce

Mark Young, President

PO Box 789

Jonesboro, AR 72403-0789