Workforce Partnerships Director

Category:  Regular Full-Time
Classification:  Non-Exempt
Wage Type:  Salary
Reports to: President|CEO
Direct Reports: None

Come work for the award-winning Manatee Chamber of Commerce, with a mission focused on strengthening local businesses and our community’s quality of life! This is a full-time, high-energy position focused on education and workforce development priorities. Many of the programs/initiatives fall under the Manatee Chamber Foundation as administered by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and the position serves in a leadership role to fulfill the Chamber’s role as the backbone organization for the REACH Manatee collaborative (Manatee County’s Local College Access Network).

RESPONSIBILITIES (Chamber/Chamber Foundation):

• Develop, manage, and execute the Chamber’s workforce development initiatives including Project TEACH, Big Bank Theory, Job Shadow Days, student industry tours, and the Business and Education Partnership Awards. This includes strategic planning with program partners, securing sponsors, recruiting and managing volunteers and partners, preparing scripts/agendas, and other related logistics critical to programmatic and event success. Several programs require time onsite at school locations during program execution, including set-up and tear-down, including the Big Bank Theory and Project TEACH, as examples.
• Develop and adhere to approved budgets for programs, events, and initiatives as well as manage expenses/revenues including ensuring proper invoicing and follow-ups on accounts receivables.
• Plan and execute monthly Education and Workforce Partnerships Committee meetings and other committees/task forces initiated by the Chamber and/or Chamber Foundation. This includes scheduling meetings, developing agendas, securing presenters, taking minutes, and maintaining rosters. 
• Work closely with the Chamber’s marketing and communications team to develop event and program materials including flyers, e-blasts, social media posts/videos, website updates, and content for the bi-monthly Current magazine.
• Represent the Chamber, as appropriate and approved, at meetings and events with key education and workforce development partners.
• Supports the Chamber’s President|CEO and Manatee Chamber Foundation board on all initiatives. 
• Responsible for additional special projects / other duties as assigned.

• Manage and grow the REACH Manatee collaborative by working closely with the Vision Council, partners, and working groups. This includes setting meetings, developing agendas, taking minutes, and maintaining partner contact information. 
• Serves as the primary liaison to the Florida College Access Network, the School District of Manatee, area higher education institutions, and other nonprofit/business partners on Reach Manatee priorities and initiatives. 
• Maintains files for REACH Manatee documents, data, reporting, rosters, grants, budget, and procedures.
• Prepare regular, required reports for grant(s) and ensures adherence to contracted deliverables. 
• Compile goals, strategies, and results provided by working groups, support grant activities, and maintain work and program alignment with key priorities as set by the Vision Council.
• Work with the Chamber’s marketing and communications team to create and design e-blasts, REACH Manatee website content, social media posts, and other communications.

• Ability to network, build respected relationships with partners, and identify new opportunities to fulfill the mission of the Chamber, Chamber Foundation, and goals of REACH Manatee.
• Independently manage multiple programs, events, and meetings simultaneously. 
• Proficient in use Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel, member database management, WordPress, and ability to learn software programs including Constant Contact and Chamber Master.
• Excellent customer service with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, an independent self-starter. 
• Must be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. 

• Experience working with education and workforce development organizations, school districts, post-secondary education institutions, and/or non-profits.
• Demonstrated success in leading program development and execution.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships, securing sponsorships, and managing volunteers.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• Experience managing special events.