WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CONSULTANT

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

2d•$85,943 - $127,195•Onsite

About The Position

The Workforce Development Project Consultant is a strategic advisor who designs, implements, and monitors workforce development initiatives for government agencies, private enterprises, or community organizations. This role involves orchestrating projects that bridge the gap between workforce supply and industry demand, providing tailored training and support programs to enhance skill levels, job placement, and career progression. The consultant leverages market analysis and cross-sector partnerships to build programs that address current and future labor market challenges, while ensuring measurable outcomes for economic growth and community development. The Director of the Office of Apprenticeship will coordinate and oversee all apprenticeship activities, including the construction trades, expansion of apprenticeship into additional industry sectors, and working with state intermediaries and industry associations. The Director will collaborate with multiple stakeholders to advance programs, and advocate policy activities with a focus on DOL registered apprenticeships. The Director is responsible for developing and coordinating statewide workforce development activities and partnerships as it relates to apprenticeship and for overseeing traditional apprenticeship, construction training, and expansion related grant opportunities. The Director must be effective in working alongside other team members in developing and communicating and pitching a strategy that creates opportunities for OSD to be a resource for stakeholders statewide consistent with the mission of the agency. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Workforce Development, Community Development, or a related field.
Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience is required.
Hands-on experience with program coordination or project management in workforce development or community service environments.
Prior experience working with government agencies or non-profit organizations in a workforce or economic development capacity may be required.
Ability to plan, execute, and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
Proficient in conducting labor market research, data analysis, and using findings to shape strategic program development.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with varied groups including employers, educators, government officials, and community leaders.
Capability to understand complex economic trends and translate them into actionable workforce development strategies.
Strong aptitude for adjusting strategies based on ongoing evaluation, feedback, and changing market conditions, while providing innovative solutions.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to prepare detailed reports, proposals, and presentations for various audiences.

Nice To Haves

Two - Three years of experience in policy, government affairs, workforce development, economic development, or related field.
Knowledge of vocational education and/or career and technical education.
Knowledge of workforce and economic development activities.
Knowledge of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Knowledge of the construction trades and licensing laws.
Ability to work with database systems.
Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of existing program operations.
Ability to plan, prepare, and conduct presentations and meetings.
Ability to develop modifications for policies pertaining to the area of specialty.
Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws and agency policy.
Strong people skills, professional demeanor, and ability to maintain composure under pressure.
Ability to self-start and meet deadlines.
Team-player, solution-oriented, and ability to think critically and strategically.
Remain accessible and responsive beyond business hours.

Responsibilities

Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and milestones to drive workforce development initiatives from conception through completion.
Oversee and coordinate project implementation to ensure that deliverables are met on time and within budget.
Conduct comprehensive labor market analysis and skills gap assessments to determine industry demands and workforce trends.
Utilize data-driven insights to inform program design and align training curricula with emerging economic sectors.
Design and implement workforce training programs, career pathway models, and educational interventions.
Build and maintain effective relationships with industry leaders, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations.
Facilitate partnerships and collaboration to leverage resources, secure funding, and promote integrated workforce strategies.
Monitor, evaluate, and report on project outcomes and program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Provide regular progress updates, make recommendations for improvement, and adjust project strategies based on performance data.
Ensure that all projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
Implement industry best practices in workforce development and project management.
The director of the Office of Apprenticeship will be responsible for managing relationships with K-12 and post-secondary institutions, private sector business, chambers of commerce and economic developers, apprenticeship program sponsors, non-profit entities, and other workforce development stakeholders.
Responsible for developing and managing workforce development projects with private sector business, regional groups, or statewide associations to make strategic investments in the Arkansas workforce.
Responsible for creating memorandums of understanding which outline the details associated with the projects that also establish reporting metrics that shall be followed as part of the project.
Other responsibilities include attending state and national conferences on the topics of workforce development, apprenticeship, career and technical education, and economic development.
Responsible for the traditional apprenticeship, construction training, and expansion grants OSD offers.
Responsible for apprenticeship database systems.
Oversee the electrical and plumbing apprenticeship programs to verify compliance with the rules.
Responsible for releasing electrical and plumbing apprentices to test after completion of their apprenticeship program.
Oversee the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordinating Steering Committee, State Electrical Apprenticeship Committee, and the State plumbing Apprenticeship Committee
Work with occupational licensing agencies that require registered apprenticeship training.
Assist in reaching goals by which we measure effectiveness of program and policy impact.
Research best practices on workforce development programs including career pathways, apprenticeship programs, and sector strategies with an emphasis on manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, construction, and transportation.
Other duties as assigned.