Business Relations Strategist

Join a passionate organization and progressive team! Come and surround yourself with talented and professional individuals who have also taken the next step of making a difference. We are looking to grow our team with someone who share our energy and enthusiasm for building a viable workforce that can support current and future business and industry growth in the Acadiana region of Louisiana.

General Statement of Duties

The focus of the Business Relations Strategist is to implement employment tactics that promote economic development through job retention and job creation within the eight-parish region of Acadiana Louisiana. Work includes serving as a resource for businesses, job center staff, and partners in the region needing assistance with employment related matters. Duties also includes assisting with training and promotion and technical assistance of workforce programs. The role foster positive and productive relationships with employers in the region by promoting job training programs, scheduling informative seminars and aiding with employment related needs. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Workforce Development Executive Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for the development of innovative solutions for the regional businesses and industries, as well as establishing and maintaining activities to develop, locate, and secure job openings for regional job seekers. Duties include:

· Market/promote career center services and programs by meeting with businesses/employers and other organizations.

· Initiate significant public relations activities necessary to promote and explain the use of workforce system services to community groups, business groups, union officials, industrial groups, and planning committees to inform them of services and programs available through Acadiana Workforce Solution system.

· Lead the regional business/employer marketing/outreach team for purpose of coordinating a streamlined business contact system that supports the mission of the LWDB and Acadiana Workforce Solution centers; coordinate services with state Business Representatives, LWDB staff and WIOA sub-contractors.

· Provide on-going feedback regarding local business needs to all job centers in Acadiana region.

· Promote and develop plans to lead business services team in increasing WIOA on-the-job training program opportunities with employers.

· Serve as the Rapid Response Coordinator by facilitating communications between the state division of workforce development and the implementers of the WIOA Dislocated Worker programs.

· Develop relationships with prospective employers and obtain commitments to hire jobseekers; seek job shadow, internship and volunteer opportunities as a step to employment.

· Create and maintain electronic records of contacts and outcomes with employers.

· Make presentations at Workforce Development Board meetings as requested.

· Support the LWDB Equal Opportunity (EO) Officer as needed.

· Perform other related work as assigned.

Other Requirements: Must have proof of liability insurance and access to personal transportation.

Experience

· Between 5 – 9 years of previous experience as a business services professional and/or job developer is preferred.

· At least 3 – 5 years of experience in leadership at management or higher level.

· Knowledge of regional business community.

· Understanding of workforce development and WIOA state and federal regulations.

· Experience in working closely with business leaders, human resource, talent contractors, or economic development leaders.

· Understanding and background in developing strategic plans to respond to organizational staffing needs.

· Proficient in Microsoft office products including Outlook, Work, Excel and PowerPoint.

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Physical Demands: Driving up to three hours one way, to reach a destination with some longer and overnight trips for meetings- 30-50%; sitting for long periods of time in a car or at a desk and operating a computer up to 8 hours a day-75%.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $59,496.00 - $69,978.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $59,496 - $69,978