Industry Workforce Support Specialist

State of North Carolina

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This role will serve as the primary point of contact on work-based learning and apprenticeships for the local workforce system and facilitate connections between businesses and local workforce partners. The position will support state-wide goals to increase participation of businesses in work-based learning opportunities and monitor those expenditures, facilitate collaboration between industry-led organizations and the workforce system, and facilitate local workforce engagement in state-led economic development projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of workforce and economic development practices, typically demonstrated by at least four (4) years of related experience.
• Expertise in work-based learning strategies, including experience developing, implementing, and supporting work-based learning programs.
• Experience developing and administering workforce or economic development programs, including planning, coordination, and evaluation of program activities.
• Understanding of economic development principles and business engagement, with the ability to build partnerships and support employer-driven initiatives.
• Experience supporting grant administration, including coordination of grant activities, monitoring requirements, and assisting with reporting and compliance.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of workforce and economic development practices, typically demonstrated by at least four (4) years of related experience.
• Expertise in work-based learning strategies, including experience developing, implementing, and supporting work-based learning programs.
• Experience developing and administering workforce or economic development programs, including planning, coordination, and evaluation of program activities.
• Understanding of economic development principles and business engagement, with the ability to build partnerships and support employer-driven initiatives.
• Experience supporting grant administration, including coordination of grant activities, monitoring requirements, and assisting with reporting and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with state and local workforce leaders and organizations, including workforce development boards, EDPNC, the NC Community College System, Apprenticeship NC, the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and other workforce system partners, including nonprofit and industry-led organizations such as the NC Chamber and NC Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
• Support the development and delivery of training and technical assistance related to work-based learning and apprenticeship initiatives at the local level.
• Identify training needs, develop resources aligned with federal and state workforce strategies and performance goals, and respond to requests for virtual and on-site support.
• Manage the NC Job Ready workforce grants process, including identifying and evaluating new funding opportunities, supporting grant application development, overseeing budget approvals and fund disbursement, and ensuring compliance with grant deliverables, reporting requirements, and performance outcomes.
• This position requires a strong working knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, U.S. Department of Labor guidance, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• The role also supports initiatives aligned with NCWorks Commission strategies, the Governor’s workforce priorities, NC Department of Commerce strategic goals, and Division of Workforce Solutions initiatives.

Benefits

• 12 Annual Paid Holidays and monthly accrual of vacation and sick leave
• North Carolina State Health Plan administered by Aetna
• Supplemental Benefits including Flexible Spending Accounts, Accident Insurance, Cancer & Specified Disease, Critical Illness, Dental, and Vision
• NC State Retirement (TSERS), 401(k), and 457 savings plans
• WeSave Employee Discounts
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager