AttainmentNC Special Project Lead Industrial Commons

Location & Position

Morganton, NC
Attainment NC Special Project Lead

Reports To:

Director of Workforce Development and Burke County Educational Attainment Collaborative
Department/

Location:

Workforce Development | On-Site, Burke County, NC
Job Type: Full-Time Salaried Exempt

The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC that founds and grows interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers and manufactures hope for the people of Southern Appalachia. Our mission is to rebuild a diverse working class based on locally rooted wealth. We address root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers to build an economy for all through our four fields of Workforce Development, Community Engagement, Business Development and Network Development.

TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This role is currently grant-funded through participation in Attainment NC. Funding for Employment is for 24 months, pending procurement of additional funds to extend project term. The Attainment NC Special Project Lead serves as the primary day-to-day leader and operational backbone for the county’s participation in Attainment NC, a business model developed and stewarded by myFutureNC to advance career- and employer-connected learning and postsecondary attainment.

This role is responsible for building on the existing collaborative work throughout Burke County, coordinating cross-sector partners, managing creation and execution of the county’s Local Educational Attainment Plan, and ensuring consistent progress toward shared goals related to employer-led pathways, engagement of priority and untapped talent populations, career-connected learning, and long-term sustainability. The Project Lead must function as a neutral convener and trusted intermediary among all county-level leaders involved in the education-to-workforce continuum, exercising the authority, credibility, and judgement required to align employers, education systems, workforce organizations, and community partners around common outcomes.

• Lead and coordinate cross-sector partnerships among education, workforce, employer, government, and community stakeholders to support local workforce and attainment goals.
• Facilitate implementation of strategic workforce and education initiatives aligned with community priorities and employer needs.
• Develop and maintain employer, community, and institutional partnerships to strengthen career pathways and workforce opportunities.
• Coordinate program activities, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative efforts to support participant success and measurable outcomes.
• Monitor program progress, maintain required documentation, and prepare reports to ensure accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Support sustainability efforts through resource development, strategic alignment, and long-term partnership cultivation.
• Represent the organization in regional and statewide meetings, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives.

• 3-5 years of experience + Bachelor’s degree required OR 10 years experience + Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in workforce development, education, economic development, public administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience managing partnerships and collaborating across organizations, sectors, or community stakeholders.
• Strong project coordination, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively in collaborative environments.
• Knowledge of workforce systems, career pathways, education partnerships, or employer engagement preferred.
• Familiarity with North Carolina workforce, education,…