Project Specialist

Project Specialist – Workforce Development
Location: Collinsville, IL  and surrounding southern area.

Position Summary:

The Project Specialist is responsible for providing support to various ongoing initiatives and team members on the Workforce Development Program. The Project Specialist reports to the Program Manager and is responsible for seeing various delegated project initiatives to completion. They are expected to work independently and in collaboration with other program staff. This position will be required to travel approximately 25% of the time- however, travel is mostly non-overnight travel to attend program events.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Support and Follow-Up:

• Job Seeker Outreach: The Project Specialist will coordinate with the Program Manager and Energy Careers Lead to conduct relevant outreach activities to job seekers. Examples of this include attending job fairs, 1-on-1 meetings, and handling leads relayed to them.
• Proactive Follow-up: The project specialist is responsible for being a self-starter, and moving assigned projects forward independently. The Project Specialist is expected to report back on progress made proactively during group and individual check-ins.
• Career Pathways: Help job seekers understand and navigate career pathways in energy-related fields, assisting them in identifying transferable skills, educational needs, and certifications required for success in the energy industry.
• Job Seeker Intake: Serve as one of the points of contact for job seekers during their participation on the various workforce development offerings.

1. Recruitment:

• Job Recruitment & Job Fairs: Assist the program by attending all job fairs, recruitment events, and networking opportunities for energy-sector employers and job seekers to connect. Represent the organization at energy-specific career fairs, conferences, and industry events, and work with other team members in instances where support is needed.

1. Retention & Advocacy:

• Advocacy: Advocate for job seekers by raising awareness about energy careers and promoting policies that support clean energy jobs and workforce development in the sector.

1. Data Collection & Reporting:

• Data Tracking: Track and monitor job seeker progress, and keep program databases and trackers updated. It is the responsibility of the Program Specialist to ensure that data related to their active projects is accurately reflected in the corresponding tracker.
• Performance Metrics: Collect data on job placement rates, retention, industry-specific certifications earned, and other key metrics to evaluate program success. Provide regular reports to leadership on program impact and areas for improvement.

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues to share information, best practices, and insights on energy sector trends and job seeker needs.
• Other duties as assigned