Step Up Foundations Employer Engagement Manager
About The Position
The City of Minneapolis’s Step Up Program connects Minneapolis young people (ages 14-21) with Twin Cities employers through paid internships that build careers and lead to a stronger workforce. Since 2003, Step Up has created over 34,000 high-quality internship opportunities. Step Up builds hope for the future by investing in the young people who will power our communities for decades to come. It expands horizons, bolsters resumes and connects youth to the places and people who will help them get where they want to be. The Step Up Employer Engagement Manager provides strategic leadership for all employer-facing activities within the Step Up program. This role is responsible for recruiting, developing, and managing employer partnerships that result in high-quality internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities for Minneapolis youth within Step Up Foundations.
Requirements
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in employer engagement, workforce development, business development, or partnership management
- Demonstrated success in building partnerships with private, public, and nonprofit organizations
- Strong ability to analyze labor market trends and align program goals with workforce demand
- Proven experience managing multiple projects, supervising staff, and meeting placement or contract goals
- Experience with data management systems (CRM platforms, Launchpad, or similar
- Bachelor’s degree in business, workforce development, public administration, or related field required
Nice To Haves
- Experience negotiating contracts or managing employer-funded initiatives
- Knowledge of internship, apprenticeship, and career pathway models
- Familiarity with City of Minneapolis or state workforce systems (e.g., WF1)
- Budget and grant management experience
- Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or related) preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Responsibilities
- Lead the annual employer recruitment and retention strategy, establishing goals for 600–800 internship positions per program year within Step Up Foundations
- Develop and sustain partnerships with private, public, and nonprofit employers
- Collaborate with leadership and City of Minneapolis Employment & Training staff
- Work with communications and marketing staff to design outreach campaigns, employer toolkits, and recognition events
- Conduct outreach, information sessions
- Attend ongoing Step Up partnership meetings throughout the internship cycle
- Identify new employer partners and launch sector-based initiatives that connect youth to high-demand industries
- Facilitate and coordinate with Youth Services Manager to support in person Professional Development days
- Supervise Step Up Coordinators and seasonal staff supporting youth intake, training, and placement
- Provide regular coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities
Benefits
- Health & Dental Insurance
- Employer-Paid Short & Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- HSA or FSA Options
- PTO & Paid Holidays
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
- Summer Half-Day Fridays (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
- Meaningful work that impacts lives
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Number of Employees
51-100 employees
