Clinton County Workforce Development Director

Title: Workforce Development Director (Clinton County, Southern Ohio Educational Service Center)
Reports To: Superintendent or designee
Employment Status: Full-time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Per Salary Schedule B, unless otherwise determined by the Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. Possess and maintain required valid Ohio license or certificate.
3. Three to five years of workforce development and project management experience preferred.
4. K-12 education and business experience preferred.
5. Possess proven success in working with educators, businesses, local government officials, service providers, and community development organizations.
6. Must pass a criminal background check.
7. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under administrative direction, the Clinton County Workforce Development Director will work with the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative, the Southern Ohio ESC Business Advisory Council, and partnering school districts, businesses, and community partners to: (1) develop the talent pipeline, (2) engage with the current workforce and local employers, (3) coordinate the efforts of the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative, (4) lead strategic planning, (5) marshal community resources, (6) provide a wide view of the current workforce development landscape for community agencies, organizations, businesses, and schools, (7) serve as a single point of contact for anyone in the community – employer, educator, service provider, student, or potential employee – with a workforce-related need, (8) actively work to connect those with the need to those who can provide the service, (9) see beyond the existing network to think about who else should be involved, and how, (10) increase the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative’s capacity for the number of students reached and the impact on businesses and the local workforce, and (11) expand funding opportunities through grant applications and other sources to allow the program to continue to grow.  For the strength, sustainability, and credibility of the program, it is vital that this position be accountable to stakeholders in both the education and business communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 Developing the Talent Pipeline – In collaboration with the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative (CCWC) School & Community Connections Working Group, the Workforce Development Director will:

• Work with employers to monitor industry skill and credentialing needs and work with educators to ensure that programs are available to help K-12 and post-secondary students attain said skills.
• Work with school counselors to help students understand their strengths, aptitudes, and talents, and how these translate into the workforce and can guide career paths, through the implementation/expansion of programs currently in use by partner school districts.
• Engage students across all grade levels in career exploration, with a focus on understanding the opportunities for rewarding careers available in Clinton County through grade-level appropriate experiences for elementary, middle, and high school students, such as industry immersion tours, career exploration fairs, after-school programs, summer camps, classroom curriculum, and career mentors.
• Work with schools and businesses to coordinate a full spectrum of work-based learning opportunities, such as job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships, providing one central point of contact to ensure a standard experience for students, no matter their home school, and businesses, no matter their industry or size.
• Develop relationships with employers as active participants in career exploration activities, as grade level- and industry-appropriate
• Educate employers on best practices for connecting with schools, including benefits of and guidelines for all career exploration and work-based learning opportunities.
• Obtain feedback from educators on their experience with the program, and evaluate said feedback for continuous improvement.

Engaging with the Current Workforce – In collaboration with the CCWC Education & Training Working Group, the Workforce Development Director will:

• Connect employers to appropriate service providers to meet the training and upskilling needs of their current employees.
• Work with employers and service providers to coordinate and promote job fairs throughout the county.
• Work with service providers to develop and promote publicly-available training and upskilling opportunities to the workforce.

Engaging with Local Employers – In collaboration with the CCWC Barriers to Work Working Group, the Workforce Development Director will:

• Work with the Clinton County Port Authority, the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and individual employers to maintain an understanding of current and potential regional employer needs.
• Connect employers with OhioMeansJobs Clinton County and the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce for relevant available workforce-related services.
• Provide support for employers in employee recruitment and retention activities.
• Develop awareness among community members of local career opportunities.
• Obtain feedback from employers on their experience with the program, and evaluate said feedback for continuous improvement.

Coordinating the Efforts of the CCWC – In collaboration with the CCWC Steering Committee, the Workforce Development Director will:

• Work within the existing framework of the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative and the Business Advisory Council to ensure participation by a broad range of businesses representative of the In-Demand Jobs as identified by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation.
• Provide operational support for the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative Steering Committee and Working Groups.
• Convene regular meetings of the full Clinton County Workforce Collaborative membership.
• Manage communication with the full Clinton County Workforce Collaborative membership.
• Coordinate public messaging efforts, including print, digital, and social media, and public speaking/presentation/advocacy opportunities in the county, region, and state.
• Maintain the website/program platform.
• Track return on investment and outcomes of programs/projects to identify successes, opportunities, and/or gaps in program performance.
• Represent the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative in school district and community meetings as needed.
• Stay abreast of related trends, developments, and best practices around the region, state, and nation through participation in relevant professional associations.

Management & Planning Responsibilities – In collaboration with the Business Advisory Council, the Workforce Development Director will:

• Lead coordinated strategic planning in partnership with community partners for continued growth and success of the program.
• Manage the Clinton County Workforce Development program budget.
• Obtain direct funding from businesses, school districts, local governments, community, and partner organizations.
• Research, apply for, and manage reporting of grant funding.

 OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs all duties in conformity to the adopted Principle of Service.
2. Displays professional appearance.
3. Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent and/or supervisor.
4. Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
5. Demonstrates and maintains confidentiality.
6. Maintains required certificate(s) and/or licensure.
7. Attends appropriate workshops and professional meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: an understanding of current workforce trends, relevant economic development topics, and the infusion of workforce development in K-12 education; board policies and procedures; local school and building policies and procedures; state and federal child labor laws, worker permit regulations, and state and local policies regarding students working in the public and private sectors; state standards affecting students and programs; transition services for special education services; job placement; lesson plans; teaching techniques and methods; pupil and program evaluation; supervision; vocational training; post-secondary options; public relations; individualized education plans, individual career plans, and individual transition plans.

Skill in: computer; audio/visual equipment, Internet, and e-mail; exceptional written communication, verbal communication, presentation, active listening, and networking skills in order to relate effectively to students, educators, employers, employees, job seekers, and program funders; strong data mining and analysis skills; attention to detail, sound judgment, and troubleshooting skills; exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability and personality to work collaboratively, accept responsibility, and motivate colleagues, volunteers, and partners; excellent organizational and time management skills, self-motivation, and the ability to effectively balance and integrate task-oriented and process-oriented responsibilities.

Ability to: quickly adapt to new technology platforms, hardware, and applications; interpret policies, procedures, and regulations; coordinate transitional services; teach and train; prepare reports; maintain records; adjust to meet daily situations; prepare students with desired attitudes, work habits, and job skills.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: ESC or district-provided equipment (e.g. printer, copier, scanner, laminator, calculator, fax machine, postage meter, phone system, audio/visual equipment, computers, and mobile devices).

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: As per the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center’s Governing Board Policy Manual and the contract of employment.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: As per the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center’s Governing Board Policy Manual.

The SOESC Governing Board is an equal opportunity employer.  This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, and other unforeseen events.

Application Deadline: Until Filled – Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, three professional references, and a copy of any credentials to: Curt Bradshaw, Assistant Superintendent, Southern Ohio Educational Service Center, 3321 Airborne Road, Wilmington, OH 45177, Email: cbradshaw@southernohioesc.org