This position is responsible for performing a wide variety of analyses and creating materials involving workforce development matters or specialized issues; for assisting affiliates on their workforce development efforts; for advising on the incorporation of workforce development issues during collective bargaining negotiations, organizing campaigns and other union activities, and recommending policy positions around federal and state workforce development efforts. Analyses may involve efforts around registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship, youth outreach, career pathways to public service jobs, civil service systems, and funding opportunities.  Areas of workforce development specialization include apprenticeship, funding, career development & youth outreach and public and civil service jobs.  

DUTIES:

• Supports affiliates in their workforce development efforts which may include developing registered apprenticeship programs, youth outreach and pre-apprenticeship, identifying and applying for supportive funding, and creating opportunities for entry, retention and career advancement in public service work while addressing structural barriers to hiring and promotion.   
• Conducts in-depth responses and studies in areas of specialization upon request of affiliate and AFSCME staff.  May involve developing new resource materials.  
• Provides technical assistance on and analysis of affiliate workforce development efforts, researching topics, analyzing information, and documenting the analysis.  Information analyses may include but are not limited to legislation, policies, and the workforce development activities and approaches of other affiliates, unions, and organizations.  Formulates strategies for affiliates to help them accomplish workforce development objectives and documents recommendations. 
• In concert with department policy staff, analyzes state and federal legislative and regulatory initiatives on workforce development to determine their impact on AFSCME members and makes recommendations. Works with AFSCME affiliates on implementation of initiatives. 
• Formulates federal, state, and local workforce development strategies that further the interests of AFSCME members.  Recommends to Department policy staff workforce development regulatory and related priorities which promote the interests of AFSCME members.  Works with Department policy staff to prepare comments for submission in response to proposed workforce development regulations and related federal agency solicitations impacting AFSCME members. 
• Serves in an advisory capacity on workforce development matters during negotiations, preparing and/or presenting related exhibits, arguments and counterarguments, and testimony.  Responsible for the preparation and presentation of testimony related to workforce development initiatives before government entities, elected officials, and the press. 
• Delivers presentations in webinars, trainings, meetings, conferences and other live events around the country.  Prepares associated materials, secures needed equipment, and makes the presentations.  Serves as an expert panelist at conferences and meetings.  
• Prepares materials for and conducts briefings and workshops at affiliate meetings and conferences. 
• Coordinates multi-affiliate meetings and networking events around workforce development topics and areas of interest. 
• Writes occasional articles, manuals, and fact sheets on special areas of concentration. Contributes to the Center’s toolkit and is principally responsible for the composition and currency of chapters relating to designated area(s) of specialization; incorporates new knowledge, models, and ideas over time. 
• Monitors one or more specialty workforce development issue, trend, or topic of importance to AFSCME.  Serves as the resource person in these areas for both affiliate and AFSCME staff, communicating about activities and developments as appropriate.  
• Collects and analyzes workforce development efforts of affiliates to assess replicability and effectiveness. Documents analysis and recommendations.  Composes case studies as appropriate. 
• Serves as the Union's workforce development expert in meetings with employer representatives, government agencies, and workforce intermediaries. 
• Serves as lead on applications for and administration of grants for national initiatives including budgeting and preparing periodic reports.  
• Serves as staff liaison to one or more advisory committees appointed by the President. Reviews specific issues and concerns for the committee and helps develop programs to address their specific needs.  Serves as a staff resource to these committees, preparing meeting agendas and materials, following up on actions recommended, and drafting resolutions and recommendations. 
• Summarizes major AFSCME workforce development efforts, projects, and collaborations. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, advanced degree desirable with course work, depending on specific duties, in workforce development, economics, employee training and education, labor relations, or related area of study.

Skills Requirements:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:  
• Thorough knowledge of labor unions and organizing. 
• Strong ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships. 
• Experience with report creation and the ability to make presentations to small and large groups.  
• Ability to conduct sound and thorough research and make logical conclusions. 
• Ability to formulate strategies and respond to formal information requests. 
• Strong ability to perform advanced program design analysis. 
• Strong ability to analyze, formulate plans, and develop solutions. 
• Strong project management skills.  
• Ability to develop curriculum and present effective training seminars. 
• Advanced skills in the use of personal computers, internet research, and database software. 
• Thorough and advanced expertise in one or more of the workforce development specialty areas.  

Travel & Work hours 

• Travel, extended work hours including weekends are required.