Workforce Development Advocate I/II/III (2 Positions)

This position will be filled at a grade commensurate with the knowledge, skills, and experience of the selected applicant. This position is responsible for providing support for a wide variety of analyses involving workforce development matters; assisting affiliates on their workforce development efforts; supporting the incorporation of workforce development issues during collective bargaining negotiations, organizing campaigns and other union activities, and assisting with policy recommendations around federal and state workforce development efforts. Analyses may involve efforts around registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship, youth outreach, career pathways to public service jobs, civil service systems, and funding opportunities.  

DUTIES:

• Responds to inquiries in assigned area(s) of specialization (apprenticeship, funding, career development, youth outreach, and/or public and civil service jobs), developing and maintaining extensive knowledge in the specialization(s).  Additionally, responds to a variety of other routine requests on workforce development topics.  This generally involves researching information on the topic and answering the request, sometimes adapting previous responses to similar requests.
• May provide advice during negotiations on workforce development matters, preparing and/or presenting related exhibits, arguments and counterarguments, and testimony. 
• May be asked to prepare and present testimony related to workforce development initiatives before government entities, elected officials, and the press.
• Delivers presentations in webinars, trainings, meetings, conferences, and other live events around the country. Prepares session outlines and materials and secures needed equipment.
• May serve as a panelist at conferences and meetings.
• Coordinates multi-affiliate meetings and networking events around workforce development topics and areas of interest.
• Tracks workplace issues and trends concerning specific workforce development topics, particularly within designated specialty area(s), to communicate with members and affiliate unions about activity in that field.
• Writes occasional articles, manuals, and fact sheets on special areas of concentration.
• Contributes to the Center’s toolkit and is principally responsible for the composition and currency of chapters relating to designated area(s) of specialization; incorporates new knowledge, models, and ideas over time.
• Serves as lead on applications and administration of grants for national initiatives including budgeting and preparing periodic reports.
• Serves as staff liaison to one or more advisory committees appointed by the President.
• Reviews specific issues and concerns for the committee and helps develop programs to address their specific needs. 
• Serves as a staff resource to these committees, preparing meeting agendas and materials, following up on actions recommended, and drafting resolutions and recommendations.
• Summarizes major AFSCME workforce development efforts, projects, and collaborations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with course work in workforce development, sociology, economics, labor relations, and/or political science and a minimum of three (3) years of experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Skills Requirements:

• Knowledge of labor unions and organizing.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships.
• Ability to write reports and make presentations.
• Ability to conduct sound research and make logical conclusions.
• Ability to formulate program strategies and respond to formal information requests.
• Ability to analyze, formulate plans, and develop solutions. Skills in the use of personal computers and database software.
• Ability to develop curriculum and present effective training seminars.
• Expertise in at least one of the workforce development specialty areas.

Travel & Work hours 

• Travel, extended work hours including weekends are required.