Senior Workforce Development Planner

Statement of Duties

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.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Duties applicable to the position:

• 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.
• Assist and manage 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.

Education and Experience: 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. Master’s degree (e.g. Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration, or Education) preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

This position requires a person to be detail oriented, to be self-motivated, and able to handle multiple assignments at the same time.

Knowledge: Knowledge of emerging occupations and industries. Knowledge of the workforce development…