Community Program Specialist III (Business Engagement Specialist)

City of Long Beach•Long Beach, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department has an opening for a Community Program Specialist III (Business Engagement Specialist) in the Business Development Bureau in direct support of the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN). LBWIN connects adults, youth, and businesses to opportunities—job seekers to employment, and businesses to skilled workers. The Business Engagement Specialist builds relationships with local employers, conducts business needs assessments, and provides workforce program assistance to local business partners. The position will report to the Business Engagement Supervisor, and works collaboratively on business engagement efforts. The position will work closely with business development staff to connect and bridge workforce and business solutions between employees and employers to assist businesses in the City’s five industry sectors: Logistics and goods movement; healthcare; aerospace and aviation; education; and the creative economy (arts, tourism). This position will also work with the City’s small businesses to support their workforce needs. The position will work closely with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult and Youth Program teams to support implementation of LBWIN workforce programs. This position will support the implementation of the LBWIN’s Work Experience (WEX) and On the Job Training (OJT) programs. The position will act as primary point of contact for businesses enrolling as worksites and be responsible for processing all business enrollments, conducting site visits, maintaining the database of WEX and OJT worksites, and maintaining ongoing communication with active worksite locations to address any issues and solicit feedback. The position requires local travel throughout the organization’s service area, including locations in Long Beach and Signal Hill. The position offers a hybrid schedule with one remote workday per week and the possibility for an alternate work schedule.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, or closely related field (experience offering specific and substantial preparation of duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis);
Minimum of two (2) years of recent full-time professional experience offering specific and substantial preparation of duties of the position in the public or private sector.
A Master’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, or closely related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required professional experience (Proof Required);
Possess valid California driver’s license;
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and procedures;
Maintain accurate records and files;
Ability to work independently and/or as part of a team;
Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, including employers, adult residents, dislocated workers and youth, by consistently exercising tact, good judgment and a proactive, problem-solving focused communication style.
Ability to learn, interpret, retain, and communicate technical and complex information, terminology, policies and procedures related to grant programs and compliance;
Ability to research and analyze data using a systematic and logical approach;
Ability to operate office equipment including computers, printers and copiers as well as the word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, database and program specific applications;
Ability to type and enter data accurately.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish, Khmer or Tagalog;
Experience working in Business Engagement, Business Development, Business Support programs, or Sales or Recruiting, with employer-facing outreach experience and an understanding of business needs is highly desirable.
Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, client acquisition experience, the ability to promote services to external partners, and a solid understanding of employer needs and business operations.
Knowledge and understanding of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs services;
Meeting team goals in a collaborative manner and with a sense of eagerness to assist job seekers and employers;
Proactive solution-oriented mindset with positive attitude to navigate challenges;
Excellent customer service including acute listening skills to identify business gaps and matching potential City and partners resources to gaps;
Industry expertise, or knowledge, in one or two of the following sectors: Healthcare; Information Technology; Construction & Utilities; Hospitality & Retail; Aerospace/Aviation/Space; Transportation, Distribution and Logistics; or Advanced Manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Develops relationships and partnerships with local employers in support of WIOA program goals.
Works with chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, council district office, industry associations, and community organizations to promote program and strengthen regional workforce initiatives.
Conducts employer needs assessments and connects employers with relevant WIOA program and business development resources.
Supports recruitment for employers hiring workforce customers including promotional support, coordination of recruitment events (when applicable), resume screening, and other relevant services.
Assists in planning job fairs, employer roundtables, industry panels, hiring events, and workforce workshops; coordinates logistics and employer participation.
Collects data from employers to inform WIOA services and better connect customers with quality career opportunities.
Curates job leads from local employers to support job placement for current customers.
Support the recruitment of employers to job fair events and provide staff support during events.
Support WIOA Rapid Response efforts providing services to employers facing mass layoffs as well as WIOA Layoff Aversion services.
Markets WIOA development services, conducts public presentations, and represents the Long Beach and LBWIN Career Center(s) at public meetings and events.
Lead team efforts to recruit new and renew returning partners for WIOA, Work Experience (WEX), On the Job Training (OJT), and internship programs.
Assist all worksites to sign new or renew contracts, conduct site visits, and provide supervisor orientations.
Coordinates employer participation in training programs, including OJT contract development, reimbursement processes, and performance tracking.
Maintain Worksite database with all approved employers including employer name, address, contact information, job descriptions, requirements, available positions, and number of requested positions, etc.
Maintain ongoing communications with worksites including: notification of WEX and OJT placements and regular check-ins for feedback or to address any issues.
Maintains accurate employer engagement records in CalJOBS and internal systems; prepares reports on employer activity, placements, and outcomes.
Uses CRM systems, workforce databases, and digital communication tools to track employer interactions and streamline service delivery.
Performs other related duties as required.