Workforce Development Lead

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven‑county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Human Resources works with all divisions of the Metropolitan Council to provide proactive solutions for the Council’s workforce needs in the areas of recruitment, labor relations, benefits, training, organizational development, occupational health, and wellness.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Workforce Development Lead coordinates program administration efforts with minimal oversight, ensures program objectives are met, and provides work direction to Workforce Development (WFD) Coordinators.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate’s permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. All Workforce Development team staff are required to work approximately 50 weekday nights per year both in person and virtually.

What you would do in this job

• Lead or oversee all WFD program efforts to ensure programs follow operational plans, proactively respond to challenges, and achieve objectives.
• Provide training and coaching for WFD coordinators so that programs are delivered at a high standard.
• Ensure appropriate department program and measurement tools are working as designed so the department can deliver and report on program performance.
• Serve as lead coordinator for WFD outreach efforts to ensure program opportunities reach intended applicant pools.
• Provide low level determinations and action steps for situations involving WFD program participants.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

• High school diploma/GED with seven or more years of experience
• Associate degree with five or more years of experience
• Bachelor’s or higher degree with three or more years of experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications)

• Experience developing and creating Minnesota-registered apprenticeship programs
• Professional work experience at the Metropolitan Council and understanding of its operating divisions
• Experience working with Minnesota State College and University institutions creating customized training program curriculum
• Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

Knowledge of:

• Training programs.

Skilled in:

• Presenting complex pathway programs to the public and prospective participants.
• Creating program operation documents, such as schedules, forms, and surveys.
• Effective interpersonal communication with participants, including correcting behaviors, collecting sensitive information, and instilling confidence and trust in others.
• Effectively managing individual participant’s questions, personalities, and actions.

Ability to:

• Coach WFD Coordinators to be their most impactful when working with participants.
• Prioritize work to ensure multiple goals can be achieved.
• Lead WFD Coordinators by modeling professional behavior, tactics, and strategies.
• Create tools to manage participant recruitment, progress, and participation in programs.
• Use a variety of virtual meeting platforms, such as Webex, Zoom, and Teams.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on‑site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Additional information

Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade G
FLSA Status:
Non-exempt
Safety Sensitive:
No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites and includes some non‑traditional work hours.

What…