Workforce Engagement Specialist: Olmsted County-Full Time

At Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI), we’re all about showing up as our authentic selves because we know that our diversity is our strength. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where every voice is valued, and where we work together to make a meaningful impact in Southeast Minnesota. If you thrive in a supportive, innovative, and sometimes quirky environment, you might be a perfect fit here! Be sure to take a look at our core values and see if they align with what you’re looking for in a workplace. If you think you can see yourself making a difference as part of the WDI family, read on to learn more about the role below!

Company Culture is at Our Core
Our core values are more than just words; they're the foundation of our mission to develop and advance the workforce of Southeast Minnesota. We believe that a strong culture and a shared sense of purpose empower us to make a lasting impact. Do our values speak to you?

• Respect: Treat everyone in our diverse community—including job seekers, colleagues, and community partners—with dignity. We strive to build an inclusive environment where each person’s unique background and experiences are valued as we work together to create opportunities for all.
• Integrity: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and personal responsibility. We earn the trust of those we serve by maintaining confidentiality, offering transparent guidance, and being there to support clients and partners through every step of their workforce journey.
• Innovation: Embrace creativity and forward-thinking to improve the ways we connect people with opportunities. Whether developing new training programs or building partnerships with local businesses, we are always seeking new ways to help individuals reach their career potential and meet the evolving needs of our region's workforce.
• Education: Commit to continuous learning and growth—not only for ourselves but for the job seekers and employers we serve. We believe in the power of knowledge and skill-building, and we work hard to provide training that equips people for meaningful careers. As we learn, we share, because a rising tide lifts all boats.
• Community: We are more than just colleagues; we are a team united by our passion for making a difference. By working closely with local businesses, schools, and community organizations, we create a network of support that drives economic growth and makes Southeast Minnesota a great place to live, work, and thrive.

Company Perks: Quick Reference

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: WDI offers a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees with employer contributions.
• Mental Health Support: Access to resources and support for mental well-being, including employee assistance programs.
• Professional Growth Opportunities: Enjoy continuous professional development through training, mentorship programs, tuition reimbursement and tuition repayment programs.
• Generous Time Off: Paid time off options include vacation, holidays, and personal leave, allowing you to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Your first year at WDI will include 27 days off!
• Retirement Savings: WDI offers a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 6% employer contribution match to help you secure your future.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Flexible scheduling and hybrid work options make it easier to balance work with family commitments.
• Community Impact: Engage in meaningful work that positively impacts the local community, and enjoy opportunities to volunteer and give back.
• Team Spirit & Fun: Experience a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture with team-building activities and a supportive atmosphere.

Position Overview

The Workforce Engagement Specialist is dedicated to building and maintaining strong relationships with businesses throughout Olmsted County. This role focuses on understanding each business’s unique needs, from hiring and retention to workforce training and development. By serving as a bridge between businesses and job seekers, the Workforce Engagement Specialist ensures that companies have access to skilled talent while connecting job seekers with opportunities that align with their skills and career goals. This position supports WDI’s mission to develop and advance the workforce in Southeast Minnesota, aligning with our core values of Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Education, and Community.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Relationship Development: Proactively reach out to local employers to understand their workforce needs, including hiring, retention, and training. Build strong, trust-based relationships through regular communication and on-site visits.
• Customized Workforce Solutions: Identify and present WDI services and programs that can address specific business needs, including On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs, wage subsidies, and incumbent worker training.
• Talent Pipeline Coordination: Collaborate with Career Planners to match job seekers with local employers, ensuring a seamless transition between training and employment.
• Labor Market Analysis: Utilize local labor market data to advise businesses on hiring trends, wage information, and skills in demand, helping them make informed decisions about their workforce.
• Employer Workshops & Presentations: Organize and conduct workshops for employers on relevant topics, such as effective hiring practices, employee retention strategies, and navigating workforce development resources.
• Retention and Follow-Up: Maintain ongoing communication with businesses after placements to ensure satisfaction and address any evolving needs or challenges. Provide support to help retain new hires through continuous engagement.
• Community Collaboration: Partner with local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and industry associations to promote workforce initiatives and increase business participation.
• Data Management & Reporting: Maintain detailed records of employer interactions, services provided, and outcomes using WDI’s case management system. Provide reports to leadership on employer engagement metrics and trends.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, human resources, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience: Proven track record in business development, sales, or workforce development. Experience in building and maintaining business relationships is highly valued.
• Skills: Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. Ability to analyze labor market data and translate it into actionable insights for businesses.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with diverse businesses, including small enterprises and large employers.
• Knowledge of regional economic trends and industry-specific workforce needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and customer relationship management (CRM) software.

A Day in the Life of a Workforce Engagement Specialist

8:00 AM – Start the Day
You begin the day by reviewing your schedule, which includes a mix of business visits, follow-up calls, and internal meetings. You check emails for updates from local employers regarding upcoming hiring needs and opportunities to support their recruitment efforts.

8:30 AM – Employer Follow-Up
Your first call is with a manufacturing company you recently assisted with a hiring event. You check in to see how the new hires are adapting, offer support for any training needs, and schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss additional hiring plans.

9:00 AM – Labor Market Analysis
Using the latest labor market data, you analyze trends in the healthcare sector to prepare for a meeting with a local clinic. You identify potential training opportunities that could help them meet their demand for skilled nursing assistants and share this information in a brief report.

10:00 AM – On-Site Business Visit
You drive to a local construction company that is struggling to find skilled tradespeople. During the meeting, you listen to their challenges and share information about WDI’s Career Pathways programs and wage subsidy options. You agree to work together to host an informational session for job seekers interested in the trades.

11:30 AM – Internal Collaboration
Back at the office, you meet with Career Planners to discuss current job seekers who might be a good match for your business partners’ open positions. Together, you review candidates’ skills and develop a plan for introducing them to potential employers.

12:00 PM – Lunch Break
You take a quick break to recharge, enjoying lunch while catching up on industry news and trends that could impact your business relationships.

1:00 PM – Employer Workshop
You host a virtual workshop for a group of local businesses, focusing on best practices for employee retention and strategies to create a more inclusive workplace. You encourage employers to ask questions and share their experiences, creating a collaborative space for learning.

2:30 PM – One-on-One with a Business Owner
You meet with a small business owner who is interested in expanding their team but unsure about the hiring process. You walk them through creating a job description, share insights on current wage expectations, and discuss how WDI’s training programs can help new hires develop the skills needed for the job.

3:15 PM – Data Entry & Reporting
You document the day’s activities in WDI’s case management system, recording details of each business interaction, follow-up actions, and any challenges discussed. You also prepare a brief summary of engagement metrics for the weekly team meeting.

4:00 PM – Planning for Tomorrow
You review your appointments for the next day, making notes of any materials or data you’ll need. You send follow-up emails to businesses you met with earlier, providing them with additional resources and confirming upcoming meetings.

4:30 PM – End of Day
You log off for the day, satisfied with the progress made in helping businesses connect with job seekers and build stronger, more resilient teams.

Salary Range: $49,920 - $54,080 annually

If you are interested in a dynamic work environment at an organization dedicated to helping job seekers and employers, please submit your resume and letter of interest to be received by 4:30pm on Friday, January 3rd to:

Jakki Trihey

Workforce Development, Inc.

2070 College View Road East

Rochester, MN 55904

Or E-mail: hiring@wdimn.org

WDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Service Provider. WDI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or military status in any of its activities or operations. This information is available in alternative formats for people with disabilities by calling 507.292.5152 (voice) or by using your preferred relay service.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $49,920.00 - $54,080.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rochester, MN 55904

Salary : $49,920 - $54,080