Workforce Development Specialist

Southern Company • Columbus, GA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Regional Workforce Development supports communities across Georgia by building talent pipelines for high demand, livable wage careers. The work supports community-based workforce efforts and broader industry needs within the state of Georgia. While advancing longer term strategies, the team maintains a strong focus on immediate, employer-aligned solutions that address critical workforce challenges and move people into jobs. Staff are assigned to specific regions to build strong local relationships and deliver responsive, data-informed workforce solutions. In this role, the Workforce Development Specialist serves as Georgia Power’s regional point of contact, supporting practical short and long-term workforce initiatives across the West, Metro South, and western part of Southwest Regions.

Requirements

• Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of partners, including employers, education providers, workforce organizations, and government agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
• Experience facilitating partnerships and initiatives where success depends on influence rather than direct authority.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills, and strong organizational skills and attention to follow‑through.
• Ability to work independently while remaining closely aligned with team goals and priorities.
• Comfortable using data and information to support workforce planning and conversations, even if not serving as a technical data analyst.
• Five (5) years of experience in workforce development, economic development, customized training, or a related field.
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, marketing, or a related field required.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience working for technical colleges’ economic development divisions, workforce boards, or education and training systems in Georgia.
• Experience supporting or coordinating customized training or workforce initiatives aligned to employer needs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary workforce development representative for assigned territories, maintaining strong working relationships with non-profits, employers, education and training providers, workforce boards, and community partners.
• Support communities and partners in developing regional workforce strategies that align employer demand with available and emerging talent pipelines.
• Collaborate with employers and partners to identify workforce gaps, training needs, and opportunities for new or improved workforce solutions.
• Help coordinate and align education and training partners (e.g., technical colleges, universities, community‑based organizations) to support industry‑driven workforce needs.
• Facilitate conversations and partnerships rather than owning or operating training programs directly.
• Represent Georgia Power in local and regional workforce development initiatives as appropriate.
• Share workforce data, labor market insights, and best practices with partners to inform decision‑making.
• Assist communities and partners in identifying and navigating external funding opportunities that support workforce initiatives (e.g., state, federal, or private funding sources).
• Communicate clearly and consistently with internal stakeholders and external partners regarding workforce initiatives, progress, and outcomes.
• Track activity and outcomes related to regional workforce efforts and provide updates, insights, and recommendations to leadership as needed.

Benefits

• competitive base salary
• annual incentive awards for eligible employees
• health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being
• incentive program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree