Workforce Engagement & Inclusion Specialist (Independent Contractor 1099)

Workforce Engagement & Inclusion Specialist

Independent Contractor (1099) | Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce

Position Overview

Position Type: Independent Contractor (1099)

Term of Contract: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. This agreement may be extended by mutual written agreement of both parties through June 30, 2028, contingent upon continued grant funding availability.

Compensation: Up to $50,000 annually, based on project, retainer, or deliverables.

Time Commitment: Flexible schedule, based on Chamber schedule, program needs, events, and reporting cycles.

Contract Oversight & Point of Contact: The contractor’s primary point of contact for this engagement is the Director of Membership Development & DEI, who oversees the Drive for 5 grant. The President of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce holds overall organizational accountability for the contract.

Position Summary

The Workforce Engagement & Inclusion Specialist will support the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce's Drive for 5 Job Placement Services program by advancing employer engagement, supporting inclusive workforce strategies, and leading data tracking and evaluation efforts. This role will serve as a key connector between employers, workforce partners, and program participants, while helping ensure equitable access to opportunities and strong program outcomes.

Drive for 5 prioritizes training for populations that face the largest disparities in employment: people of color, people with disabilities, people who lack stable housing, and other people who face barriers to family-sustaining employment. The ideal candidate would have experience working with the aforementioned populations.

Scope of Work / Key Responsibilities

1. Employer Engagement & Workforce Alignment

• Conduct outreach to Chamber member employers to identify workforce needs and hiring opportunities

• Build and maintain relationships with employers participating in Drive for 5 initiatives

• Support connections between employers and Drive for 5 training graduates in coordination with Duluth Workforce Development

• Track and document employer engagement activities and outcomes

• Attend Equity Committee meetings hosted by Duluth Workforce Development to share updates

2. Equity Change Certificate – Program Implementation & Data Tracking

• Lead tracking and administration of the Chamber's Equity Change Certificate program

• Maintain a comprehensive system to track all certificate participants, including enrollment, engagement, progress, and completion status

• Monitor participant progress and ensure timely follow-up on requirements

• Maintain accurate and organized data systems (e.g., spreadsheets or dashboards)

• Monitor participation trends and completion rates

• Collect, verify, and maintain attendance records for all certificate-related trainings and events

• Review, evaluate, and approve eligible non-Chamber trainings and external learning experiences for certificate credit, ensuring alignment with established program criteria

• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and integrity in certificate requirements and documentation

• Provide quarterly summaries of participant data, completion rates, and key insights

3. Program Implementation & Event Support

Support coordination and execution of Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce workforce and DEI-related programming, including:

• Commitment to Change workshops and trainings

• Inclusion Summit

• Women in Leadership Conference

• Assist with participant tracking, registration, and follow-up activities

4. Reporting & Documentation

Maintain accurate records of:

• Employer engagement

• Program participation

• Workforce connections and outcomes

• Provide regular (monthly or quarterly) updates to Chamber staff

• Support data collection and documentation required for DEED grant reporting

5. Coordination & Administrative Expectations

• Incorporate CRM and email list data clean-up into regular workflows to ensure accurate and up-to-date records that best support engagement tracking

• The Chamber will provide the contractor with a dedicated workspace, access to Chamber server, and CRM for use during the term of this engagement. This is provided solely to facilitate grant-related program work and does not alter the independent contractor status of this engagement

• Track and submit hours worked using the QuickBooks Time app for grant reporting purposes

• Participate in periodic coordination check-ins with Chamber staff to provide program updates and maintain alignment on deliverables

• The scope of work described herein is subject to modification by mutual written agreement of both parties; additional work outside this scope may be engaged by separate agreement

Deliverables

• Maintain accurate tracking of 100% of Equity Change Certificate participants, including enrollment, attendance, and completion outcomes

• Produce quarterly data reports summarizing participation, outcomes, and trends

• Maintain up-to-date tracking systems for all program activities

• Document employer engagement and workforce-related outcomes for reporting purposes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in workforce development, employer engagement, or community outreach

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional or community settings

• Experience working with or supporting historically underrepresented or underserved communities

• Strong organizational and data tracking skills, with experience managing spreadsheets or reporting systems

• Ability to build relationships across diverse communities and with business leaders

• Strong communication and facilitation skills

Independent Contractor Status

This is an independent contractor engagement. The selected individual will be engaged as a 1099 contractor and will not be considered an employee of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce for any purpose. The contractor is responsible for payment of all applicable federal, state, and local taxes on compensation received under this agreement, including self-employment taxes. The contractor will not be entitled to any employee benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, or workers’ compensation coverage provided to Chamber employees.

The contractor retains the right to perform services for other clients during the term of this agreement, provided such work does not create a conflict of interest with the scope of services described herein. A formal Independent Contractor Agreement will be executed prior to the commencement of services and will govern the full terms of this engagement, including confidentiality, intellectual property, and termination provisions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to equal opportunity in all contractor engagements and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

To Apply:

Please send both a resume and cover letter to inquiry@duluthchamber.com. This position will be posted until filled.