Employment Development Manager

Public Strategies Overview
Public Strategies (PS) is a nationally respected consulting, project management, and marketing firm based in Oklahoma City. We provide innovative solutions for federal, state, and local clients, including project and program management, training and technical assistance, technology, event management, research and evaluation, video production, and strategic communications. We also deliver research-informed direct services to financially vulnerable Oklahomans, with a focus on strengthening families and improving employment opportunities.

We are a collaborative team of thinkers, creatives, strategists, communicators, builders, researchers, and change agents committed to touching lives, driving change, and doing good well.

Position Summary
The Employment Development Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the planning, development, and execution of the Work Ready Oklahoma (WRO) employment development system and foster collaborative relations with other Public Strategies family strengthening and economic self-sufficiency programs. The Manager will also be responsive for identifying and developing meaningful partnerships with businesses and employers for the program, to develop research-informed workforce solutions and addresses economic needs of high demand industries throughout Oklahoma. WRO offers programs that serve several special population groups, including veterans, the historically unemployed or underemployed, individuals with a criminal background including those reentering communities from incarceration, incumbent workers, and low-skilled or low-wage workers. Over the years, WRO has developed a reputation for and continues to demonstrate the value and efficacy of well-thought approaches to incorporating soft skills, vocational training, continuing education, job placement, job coaching and career advancement in ways that make obtaining consistent employment with a living wage more accessible. Additionally, WRO continuously looks for opportunities to innovate within the workforce development field and, where appropriate, develops and fosters social enterprises that include employment opportunities for the populations served and whose financial success can be reinvested in the services and resources needed to build the WRO model.

The Employment Development Manager is a critical member of this team, training and developing staff, identifying labor market trends, engaging employers in active partnerships, finding sustainable jobs for program participants, and managing vital relationships that directly correlate to the programs long-term success.

Essential Job Functions
Use a variety of outreach, relationship-building, marketing, and communication techniques to market and represent the WRO program, including its clients and services in the community
Collect and analyze labor market information to ensure efficacy of workforce development efforts
Support the alignment of WRO economic and workforce development activities.
Research emerging industries, workforce trends, and modern employment strategies to generate sustainable opportunities for program participants
Research workforce needs and develop relationships with employers in high-demand industries who are interested in employing financially vulnerable Oklahomans to support industry workforce needs and support economic development in the state.
Build a network of employers that understand the mission and value of WRO services and are willing and eager to align their company objectives with the program objectives
Engage employers in the design and execution of training programs, as appropriate, to ensure WRO is equipping participants with relevant, industry-required skills and certifications
Collect job orders, including job requirements and skills to match with program participants and find qualified candidates
Refer candidates to jobs and coordinate with other team members to ensure the successful removal of barriers to retaining employment
Coordinate follow-up with both employers and participants after applicants are placed to ensure employer satisfaction, future partnership opportunities and employee retention
Develop & support employment development staff mentoring, training, and professional development plans as well as coverage and scheduling
Routinely use data and evidence-based practices to target sectors and employment partners to create appropriate career exploration activities and internships to prepare participants for successful job placement
Help program participants understand the concept of career ladders, utilizing current employment and training opportunities to increase their marketability, earnings, and job satisfaction
Meet with team members on a regular basis to ensure appropriate information sharing, coordination of program activities, successful job placements and retention
Make the business case for the benefits of working with those with criminal backgrounds and maintain an active list of employers in the Central Oklahoma area that will hire individuals with criminal backgrounds
Organize & support employment development data management and outcomes reporting through the entry and tracking of participant information, progress, and business and referral data into MIS.
Other duties as assigned
Education/Training
Bachelors Degree Required
Experience with labor market analysis, economic and workforce development policies required
Previous experience managing and building teams required
Related experience in Marketing, Public Relations, Business, or another related field, preferred
Applicable fields and disciplines include workforce/labor economics, public relations, marketing, business development, social sciences, humanities, public administration, public policy, not-for-profit management, and related fields.

Experience
Proven experience marketing and representing a program and its services to stakeholders
3 years prior employment development or business services experience required
Labor Market analysis, workforce development, marketing, sales, or job placement experience, required
Knowledge of the demand-driven approach to employment services, career pathways, job development strategies and labor market trends in a range of occupational fields, preferred
Proven experience managing business and community relationships to achieve objectives
Special Requirements
Utilize time management techniques to organize and prioritize work, meeting timelines/deadlines
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve project goals
Understand the methods and techniques of job development and client placement and/or current practices in vocational education
Comfortable and a willingness to work with the populations referred to in the Position Summary, including occasional work in correctional facilities
Ability to motivate participants towards full-time employment
Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings or weekends
Essential Physical Requirements
Sufficient mobility and strength to move about the facility. Ability to be mobile throughout the community.