Senior Workforce Development & Inclusion Specialist

OU Health•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

The Senior Workforce Development & Inclusion Specialist is a strategic program lead in Human Resources who designs, implements, and evaluates enterprise workforce development and belonging and inclusion initiatives. The role independently manages complex programs, builds cross-functional relationships, and uses data to support decision-making and operational excellence. The position supports OU Health’s workforce pipeline, inclusive culture, and goal of remaining Oklahoma’s Employer of Choice. The Specialist leads the operational execution and continuous improvement of workforce development and inclusion programs, supports the Director in defining and communicating strategy, and develops partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, schools, and industry groups. The role also provides governance support to OU Health Belonging Networks, measures program impact, communicates initiatives, and delivers reports and recommendations to senior leaders. It may provide informal leadership and subject matter guidance to specialists, coordinators, or interns.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in Human Resources, Talent Development, Workforce Development, Education, Community Engagement, or a related field.
SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification at the time of hire or attainment within 12 months of hire.
In-depth understanding of workforce development and inclusion principles and ability to apply them in an organizational setting.
Ability to envision and communicate the department’s strategic vision.
High cultural competency and ability to navigate and appreciate different perspectives and backgrounds.
Emotional intelligence to support employees in sensitive situations.
Executive presence and ability to inspire and drive organizational change.
Knowledge of current industry trends, best practices, and emerging issues related to Workforce Development and Inclusion.
Project management skills to plan and execute initiatives.
Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to assess initiative impact.
Collaborative leadership and relationship-building skills with stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to follow through and meet deadlines effectively and efficiently.
Advocacy, employee-challenge response, and conflict-resolution skills, including for bias and discrimination matters.
Proactive critical thinking and ability to develop innovative solutions to organizational barriers.
Ability to develop timely, practical recommendations based on data and research.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information accessibly.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Serve as operational lead for Workforce Development and Belonging & Inclusion programs, overseeing end-to-end execution and continuous improvement.
Support the Director in defining, operationalizing, and communicating the Workforce Development & Belonging and Inclusion strategy.
Develop and implement initiatives that strengthen workforce pathways and advance belonging and inclusion across the enterprise.
Lead daily operations and strategic execution of workforce development programs, including Healthcare Career Explorers, MHA Fellows, and internships.
Build and manage partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, schools, and industry groups to strengthen engagement and expand access to healthcare careers.
Provide governance support for OU Health Belonging Networks, including strategy alignment, impact measurement, and leadership guidance.
Liaise between Belonging Network leaders and executive sponsors to support visibility, influence, and strategic alignment.
Promote workforce development and inclusion programs through communications, presentations, and employee engagement strategies.
Collect and analyze data, develop insights, measure program effectiveness, and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
Identify opportunities to optimize processes, improve scalability, and increase program efficiency.
Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and recommendations to senior leaders.
Provide informal leadership, subject matter expertise, and guidance to Workforce Development & Inclusion Specialists, coordinators, or interns as appropriate.
Manage complex cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives with minimal supervision.
Complete ad hoc and special projects based on organizational needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.