The workforce is changing, do you want to help?
Do you love problem solving when faced with a challenge? Are you looking to be part of an inspired team striving to change the lives of those in our community? If you answered yes to these questions – keep reading because the WDBSCW’s Business Services Specialist position might be a great fit for you.
The Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW)
Our small team does BIG work!
The WDBSCW is a nonprofit organization that serves as a connector between the U.S. Department of Labor and local American Job Centers to support the needs of workers and businesses throughout South Central Wisconsin. We are committed to helping people and businesses achieve their goals, whether that's earning degrees or certifications, planning careers, finding or training employees.
Our goal is to make South Central Wisconsin a better place to live and work by ensuring workers have the skills needed to succeed in their career, young adults are prepared to enter the workforce or educational institutions, and employers have the skilled talent needed to remain competitive.
Position Description
As a Business Services Specialist, you will use expansive knowledge and access to workforce networks to help employers find and maximize workforce talent to grow their businesses. This position requires one to have the ability, knowledge, and experience to provide individualized services, working closely with local/regional employers to provide: recruitment strategies, transferable skills assessment, career pathway mapping, talent retention strategies, recruiting and facilitating industry partnership initiatives, and providing layoff or business closure support.
This position includes team and independent work, problem-solving, policy analysis, data presentation/visualization, outreach, and program coordination. Effective listening, communication, facilitation and evaluation skills will be essential to the project and organizational success.
The WDBSCW provides services in a six-county region of Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Marquette, and Sauk. Regional travel is required for this position but is project-based and therefore the travel schedule will shift, as it is based on need - mileage reimbursement provided.
Some of the responsibilities of this position include:
● Be the “go to” person in the WDBSCW region for resources and solutions to address employers’ workforce challenges
● Maintain comprehensive knowledge or the workforce ecosystem by providing focused services to employers within the WDBSCW region via business-to-business visits
● Coordinate with local and/or regional economic development organizations to assist employers in attracting and retaining talent
● Establish relationships with businesses and industry by conducting research and developing leads, making customer calls, attending networking events and asking for referrals
● Conduct and document activities focused on employer penetration rates, retention rates, and repeat business
● Develop relationships with business and industry, working together to create solutions, anticipating needs, and providing strategic value through programs such as Apprenticeship, among others
● Determine needs of employer customers through comprehensive fact-finding, asking questions that reveal core issues, actively listening, conducting research on trends, and building knowledge of labor market issues
● Offer an array of workforce services tools and strategies from multiple sources and partners to assist employers in addressing their workforce needs by having a deep knowledge of available tools and customized strategies such as on-the-job trainings, work-based learning, recruitment tactics, etc.
● Work collaboratively with team members to access appropriate talent and relevant training services
● Coordinate events and tours to introduce youth, teachers, and parents to available career paths by offering a behind the scenes look into in-demand businesses; facilitate activities that create the talent pipeline
● Forecast employment and training needs for specific employer customers, based on growth or layoff projections and initiate hiring events, Rapid Response, Dislocated Worker programs and other grant activities
● Work with others to develop and maintain career awareness activities, job fairs, talent tours and other Workforce Services aligned outreach, activities, and events
Minimum Qualifications
● Excellent human relations (customer service), organizational and communication skills
● At least a Bachelor’s Degree, plus work experience preferred
● Experience in Workforce Development, Human or Social Services a plus
● Must have access to a vehicle and valid driver’s license (travel will be required)
● Ability to pass background check due to engagement with youth
● Proficient computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite and related tools
● Ability to maintain data security and confidentiality
● Ability to self-manage, problem-solve, initiate, motivate and be a team player
● Ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines
● Thrives in a team where mutual respect is highly valued
We offer
● Full time position – $46,000 -$48,000
● Typical schedule is Monday to Friday
● Primary worksite is located in Madison - Regional travel as needed
● Excellent benefits package - Medical/Dental/Life/Medical Reimbursement
● Paid time off + Holidays
● 401K – Employer Contribution & Matching
● Team oriented - we actually like each other!
Application Instructions
Submit a current résumé and cover letter by email or direct mail to the address below:
Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin
3513 Anderson Street, Suite 104
Madison, WI 53704-2607
(608) 249-9001
Website: https://wdbscw.org/
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act the WDBSCW will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
WDBSCW is an equal opportunity employer.
