MACNY - Workforce Development Specialist - In Training

MACNY•Syracuse, NY

3d•$22 - $25•Remote

About The Position

The Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) seeks a Workforce Development Specialist to train in a developmental capacity. This role conducts work throughout assigned areas and responds to inquiries from or initiates work with current and potential program sponsors and contacts, including employers, associations, and community-based organizations. The primary goal is to build, maintain, or enhance new or existing apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and ecosystems, and to conduct compliance reviews or assessments. The Workforce Development Specialist in training will support the delivery, growth, and continuous improvement of the Manufacturers Talent Institute’s (MTI) programs for advanced manufacturing. This position plays a beginning role in the Apprentice program MACNY delivers by preparing participants for careers in manufacturing while helping employers build a skilled talent pipeline. This position builds knowledge and skills that are crucial and utilized in the success of a Workforce Development Specialist (WDS) position, which supports pathways into Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Requirements

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Always maintain professionalism and exhibit sound judgment.
Collaborate effectively with others.
Gather, analyze, and convey data.
Support presentations to varied groups of individuals.
Work independently and with training supervision.
Travel to various locations on a weekly or daily basis as needed to meet training needs.
Conduct research and analysis and present findings.
Purposeful with a proven solution-focused attitude.
Effective organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Six months minimum working with employers, students, job seekers, community partners, education providers, or workforce development programs is a plus.
Familiarity with CRM systems, learning management systems, Smartsheet, data dashboards, and other reporting tools.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel regionally for recruitment, program delivery, partner meetings, employer engagement, graduations, and community outreach.
Must be able to participate in occasional activities outside standard business hours, as needed.
Successfully pass a background check.

Nice To Haves

Preferred bachelor’s degree in workforce development, education, business, communications, human services, public administration, or a related field.
Experience with grant-funded programs or grant-related documentation.
Bilingual or multilingual a plus.

Responsibilities

Support and assist the recruitment, screening, and interviewing of participants for pre-apprenticeship/Registered Apprenticeship programs.
Track and coordinate with education partners, workforce development partners, community organizations, and employers to support successful program delivery.
Provide support in career preparation, including resume development, interview preparation, workplace readiness, and job search assistance.
Support participant retention and completion by identifying barriers, connecting participants to resources, and maintaining regular communication throughout the program.
Assist with participant placement into employment, Registered Apprenticeship pathways, or other appropriate next-step opportunities.
Continuously learn to function as a liaison between participants, businesses, educators, and community partners to ensure clear communication and alignment of expectations.
Support and assist with special projects, pilot programs, new regional initiatives, and program expansion efforts as assigned.
Train to enhance skills to build and maintain relationships with employers, educators, workforce partners, and community organizations to promote MTI’s pre-apprenticeship programs and broader workforce development initiatives.
Take part in job fairs, community events, partner meetings, advisory committees, graduations, and other program-related events.
Train and maintain accurate information and timely documentation of participant activity, employer engagement, partner communication, program outcomes, and required grant data.
Enter and update information in CRM systems, learning management systems, spreadsheets, and other program tracking tools.
Work collaboratively with your assigned trainer, the apprenticeship team, and other MTI departments.
Contribute to a positive, solutions-oriented team culture focused on accountability, service, participant success, and continuous improvement.
Perform other related duties as assigned.