Job description

POSITION TITLE: Rural Program Manager - Workforce Development

REPORTS TO: Senior Manager, Rural Development

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

PREPARED DATE: March 2023

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is responsible for implementing and evaluating programs that guide an extensive network of employers, educators and service providers with strategies to advance workforce development in rural Arizona. In addition, as needed the role supports other projects and Local First initiatives that advance organizational and rural development priorities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position supports the Local First Arizona Rural Development Team in program development, implementation, and advocacy for rural workforce strategies that strengthen alignment between employers, training and education programs, and talent pipelines in rural communities. Collaborative efforts will be made with community members, policy makers, elected officials, nonprofits, business organizations, businesses, and other appropriate entities statewide, with a focus on northern Arizona.

Workforce Development - 80%

• Serve as the primary program manager for development and implementation of the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network, a workforce training system spanning five counties (Apache, Navajo, Cococino, Mohave, and Yavapai).
• Use structured methods and channels for collecting and assessing rural employers’ workforce needs, such as the Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) methodology, and for securing stakeholder engagement in pilots, initiatives and strategies designed to address those needs.
• Manage key stakeholder relationships within the workforce system including state agencies, local government bodies, institutions of higher learning and community-based organizations to foster strong collaborations and coordinated outcomes.
• Responsible for planning, scheduling, and facilitating frequent group meetings, including developing and delivering presentations tailored to rural communities, industry sectors and workforce project focus areas.
• Plan and organize workforce projects into tasks and timelines using organizational tools and processes, adhering to structured project timelines.
• Manage survey development, data collection, program monitoring and evaluation, and reporting to workforce development stakeholders, including members of the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network, with a focus on linking solutions to identified rural needs or opportunities.
• Review, analyze and apply state, county and community workforce-related data to identify trends, better quantify areas of focus and measure success of workforce programs.
• Track program progress, impact, and overall effectiveness to help the Rural Development team continuously evaluate the impact of its workforce programs and services.

Workforce & Other Rural Development - 10%

• Establish and implement strategies that enhance strength of community partners, resources and rural employers, including keeping informed of rural development trends and opportunities for systemic change.
• Contribute to partnership proposals, blogs, and program reports/outcomes for individual projects and funders.
• Participate in the planning and promotion of the annual Rural Policy Forum, which may include securing workforce development speakers and vendors as needed to ensure a successful event.
• Support community development projects as needed and monitor for intersections and collaboration with workforce development activities (e.g. a community development effort to promote in-state tourism and a workforce development effort for the tourism sector).

Ongoing Support of Local First Arizona Programs - 10%

• Work with the Rural Development Team on all related strategic planning, goals, and related execution and reporting to increase capacity in rural Arizona.
• Attend weekly Rural Development team and other relevant internal meetings for fulfillment of duties across Local First Arizona. Consult cross-team tracking and reporting resources (e.g. At a Glance report) to stay abreast of various teams’ work.
• Be a brand ambassador for the organization at all times, which could include serving on committees or boards relevant to Local First’s mission, as available and appropriate; representing Local First at partner organization meetings; and managing relationships with all members and partners of Local First.

Position Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or work experience equivalent

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• 2 years+ experience in Business Management, HR Management, Education or Workforce Development.
• Familiarity with workforce industry, data, and software
• Ability to effectively manage multiple programs at a time while meeting a variety of deadlines.
• Understands non-profit funding and can identify partnerships, grants and other creative ways to generate funding for Local First Arizona programming.
• Reliable transportation / required to frequently travel statewide / occasionally overnight
• Outgoing, and excited to talk to internal and external stakeholders about the mission of Local First Arizona.
• A creative thinker who is able to work in different communities, assessing and adapting to different community and local business needs and desires.
• A developed understanding of rural communities and the specific needs they have in the development process.
• Proficient in Active Listening
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Self-motivated and driven
• Highly organized
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite, Wrike, and Zoom
• Demonstrated ability to conduct one’s self in a calm and professional demeanor when dealing with the public and/or with difficult situations
• Willingness to adjust hours to accommodate the needs of the job
• Ability to work productively in an unstructured environment with frequent interruptions
• Ability to work independently and with team members
• Good perspective and/or appreciation of the history of Arizona

Job Type: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 2 years

Schedule:

• Day shift

Experience:

• Education or Workforce Management: 2 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: In person

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