Senior Workforce Development Planner

City of Somerville•Somerville, MA

6d•$90,000

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Economic Development and Deputy Director of Economic Development, the Senior Planner – Workforce Development Specialist is responsible for building partnership programs to increase Somerville residents’ access to opportunities for employment in various sectors of the economy. The City of Somerville is seeking a skilled communicator and connector who brings passion to two critical aspects of the role – employer outreach/partnership development and strategic implementation with academic institutions, as well as organizations engaged in workforce development. The incumbent will play a key role as OSPCD leads the City of Somerville’s efforts to focus on retention and growth within economic sectors, particularly in the areas of workforce development.The Senior Planner will work to find and support management of grants, inventory existing training opportunities, and build collaborative program teams with non-profit trainers and local employers, tracking resulting from workforce programs. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Development, Human Resources, Public Administration, Management, Organizational Leadership, or a closely related field and seven to ten (7 -10) years’ progressive experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Knowledge of emerging occupations and industries.
Knowledge of the workforce development landscape and/or municipal policy and program development and operations.
Ability to organize and direct the implementation of public-private partnerships as well as lead collaborations and complex partnerships; analyze problems, prepare technical reports, and formulate recommendations; ability to engage effectively orally and in writing with employers, training providers, colleagues across many departments, and the public.
Applicants must have highly developed ability to convene and work effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
Excellent strategic thinking, planning, and creative problem-solving skills.
Proven track record in establishing and managing partnerships with external organizations and bringing together groups involved with the implementation of strategic objectives.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (e.g. Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration, or Education) preferred.
Demonstrated skill in effectively engaging residents who may be disconnected from workforce development services is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide subject matter expertise to elected and appointed officials including the Jobs Creation and Retention Trust (“JCRT”) regarding workforce development needs of the community and pathways to support residents’ access to opportunities
Support the implementation of local, regional, and national best practices in workforce development.
Implement programs to enhance the workforce development ecosystem in Somerville, and initiatives that connect workforce development to business development and economic development more broadly.
Convene and develop relationships with senior representatives of mid- to large-size companies as well as academic institutional leaders and non-profit organizations which focus on developing, funding, implementing and connecting potential employees with opportunities
Lead efforts to identify and submit applications for alternative funding sources that support workforce development and training.
Work with appropriate City of Somerville/OSPCD departments to support the management of grants obtained
Develop strategic recommendations for City investments in workforce development in partnership with the Jobs Creation and Retention Trust (“JCRT”), Health and Human Services Department, Somerville Public Schools, and Somerville Center for Adult Learning Opportunities. This could include staff-led trainings, partnership investments, as well as strategies to remove barriers to program participation and completion.
Assists and manages new or existing RFPs, consultant contracts, and partner relationships.
Serve as City of Somerville representative on various boards and commissions focused on workforce development as appropriate and as identified by the Mayor (or OSPCD Director or Director of Economic Development).
Prepare written project analysis and staff reports for a variety of Boards and Commissions.
Offer a written and oral presentation of materials.

Benefits

4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions.
Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Long term disability through Sun Life Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
Annual cancer screening & wellness release
Somerville Retirement Pension System
Tuition reimbursement
MBTA pass program
FREE Blue Bikes membership
Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)