Our Ability Jobs

Working Title: Employer Engagement Specialist

Job Class: Workforce Development Specialist 2

Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID : 77635

• Location : Various; St. Paul; Bemidji; Duluth; St. Cloud; Mankato

• Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible to telework up to two (2) days per week

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Limited

• Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 06/24/2024.

• Date Posted : 06/15/2024

• Closing Date : 07/01/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Economic Dev-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Workforce Development / WFD Business Services X

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Any Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes, 20%

• Salary Range: $28.50 - $41.93 / hourly; $59,508 - $87,549 / annually

• Classified Status : Unclassified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• End Date : Two (2) Years

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Accepting applications for the following location(s):

• St. Paul

• Bemidji

• Duluth

• St. Cloud

• Mankato

During the application process, you will be able to indicate your preferred location(s).

The purpose of these positions is to coordinate employer engagement within the Workforce Development and CareerForce systems. These positions have responsibility for three general types of activities: facilitation and implementation of CareerForce employer industry initiatives and collaborations; internal and external outreach, communication with employers, workforce partners, State of Minnesota employees, other stakeholders; and leading, training and support of statewide employer navigators.

These positions lead and facilitate industry-associated and employer-focused projects which are aligned with CareerForce and DEED priorities. These positions lead projects as assigned by their supervisor and senior leadership team. They maintain awareness of employer needs related to talent attraction, hiring, and retention. They lead partnerships between Job Service, CareerForce partners, industry, education, and economic development. Additionally, they provide training and support to Workforce Development staff and partners, as well as other stakeholders as needed.

The positions will meet with employers in person, online and by phone to discuss CareerForce services, assess their hiring needs, determine the best resources and representatives to help them both in the short term and long term, and makes connections accordingly. They provide timely workforce solutions and broker connections to the appropriate resources to connect employers with job seeking program participants, prioritizing immigrants, BIPOC individuals and women.

As needed these positions will focus on a variety of workforce development programs, including: the Drive for Five (5) occupational categories (caring professions, manufacturing, the trades , technology, and education); State of Minnesota careers; Drive for Five (5) training programs; CHIPS Act placements; Clean Energy placements; Inflation Reduction Act programs; Federal Transportation Programs; Apprenticeships;; and/or others.

These positions are Temporary Unclassified due to the necessary development of a new program with limited-duration funding. The position is professional, fully anticipated to be no greater than three (3) years, as the program funding is anticipated to last for two (2) years.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Minimum Qualifications

To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment.

Two (2) years* of work experience in Workforce Development systems or providing services to businesses.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, social work, human services, counseling, human resources, sociology, education or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience; master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

Ability to communicate in a highly effective manner, verbally, in writing and in person to diverse groups and individuals.

Project planning and business operations knowledge.

Proficient with computer programs and software (i.e., Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel).

Knowledge and experience working with and applying federal and state programs and regulations.

Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license, & insurance, OR have other reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

Skill communicating in a secondary language (Spanish, Somali, Hmong or other dialect).

Bachelor’s degree or higher in business administration, social work, human services, counseling, human resources, sociology, education or other closely related field as determined by the agency AND related experience.

Knowledge of Labor Market Information, Economic Conditions and Unemployment Statistics.

Knowledge of Minnesota’s in Demand Occupations, Sectors, and Industries.

Problem-solving skills sufficient to address a diverse array of regulations, guidance, and procedures.

Ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle multiple priorities.

Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant's current and/or former employers.

A Criminal Background Check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. A criminal conviction will not automatically remove you from consideration for employment.

When the position requires travel and the applicant drives a state owned or leased vehicle, a driver's license record check will be conducted.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.