Senior Workforce Development Specialist

The Senior Workforce Development Specialist will advance the public power People strategy by providing strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and oversight of programs that attract, develop, and retain talent within the energy industry, with a focus on public power. This role works collaboratively with Electri Cities members, industry partners, educational institutions, government agencies, and internal stakeholders to identify workforce challenges and opportunities and to develop coordinated, sustainable solutions that strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline.

• Lead collaboration with members, internal teams, key stakeholders, and industry partners to assess current and future public power workforce needs, identify skill gaps, and shape public power workforce development strategies.
• Collaborate with internal teams to define, evolve, and oversee a portfolio of workforce-related services and partnerships for members (e.g., workforce planning, compensation strategy, talent pipeline development).
• Develop and provide strategic direction for programs that increase awareness of public power and energy careers among youth, young adults, veterans, and other underrepresented populations, ensuring alignment with public power workforce needs.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with education and workforce organizations, including K‑12 institutions, colleges and universities, Apprenticeship NC, Workforce Development Boards, and community‑based organizations, to strengthen talent pipelines.
• Represent and serve as a subject matter expert for public power workforce interests in state, regional, and national workforce development initiatives within the energy industry.
• Identify, evaluate, and guide the pursuit of grants, scholarships, sponsor ships, and philanthropic funding to expand and sustain workforce development initiatives.
• Partner with the Strategic Communications team to promote workforce initiatives across digital, web, print, and event channels, including alignment with the Electri Cities corporate website and member communications.
• Collaborate with Educational Programs and Talent Development teams to support the design and delivery of workforce-focused programs, tools, and conference content for members.
• Oversee existing pre‑apprenticeship, internship, and scholarship initiatives, including the Electri Cities Lineworker Scholarship program, and evaluate opportunities for strategic expansion.
• Collect, analyze, and report workforce data and industry trends to measure impact and guide continuous improvement.
• Develop budget recommendations to support workforce development priorities and ensure sustainable program delivery.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with internal peers, members, and external partners to foster alignment and collaboration.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Workforce Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in workforce development, training, consulting, or a related field; experience within the energy industry is preferred. Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and/or administering workforce programs or initiatives is strongly preferred.
• In‑depth knowledge of the energy industry, including workforce trends, metrics, challenges, and evolving skill requirements, is highly desired.
• Strong project and/or program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities effectively.
• Excellent verbal communication and public speaking skills, including experience presenting to large and diverse audiences.
• Exceptional relationship‑building and networking skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Microsoft SharePoint.
• Demonstrated experience leading and/or collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams.