Workforce Development Specialist

Description

Build the Future Workforce. Inspire the Next Generation. Create Career Pathways.

At Eastern Controls and Endress Hauser , we believe our greatest competitive advantage is our people. We are seeking an energetic, relationship-driven, and highly motivated Workforce Development Specialist to lead initiatives that build talent pipelines, strengthen community partnerships, and inspire students and emerging professionals to explore rewarding careers in STEM, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and process automation.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, creating innovative programs, speaking to diverse audiences, and making a lasting impact on individuals, schools, and communities. 

Position Summary

The Workforce Development Specialist serves as a strategic ambassador for Eastern Controls and Endress Hauser, connecting education, industry, and community partners to develop future talent. Working out of our newly constructed, state-of-art, northeast regional center, this individual will lead workforce development programs, apprenticeship and internship initiatives, K-12 STEM outreach, and community engagement efforts that support the organization's long-term growth strategy.

This highly visible position works closely with schools, colleges, workforce organizations, community partners, and company leadership to create awareness of career opportunities while developing sustainable talent pipelines.

Key Responsibilities

Workforce Development & Talent Pipeline Programs

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with K-12 schools, technical schools, colleges, universities, workforce boards, and community organizations. 
• Promote the process automation industry as an employer and career destination. 
• Design, coordinate, administer, and continuously improve apprenticeship, internship, co-op, and early career programs. 
• Create and execute strategies to attract emerging talent into technical and professional career paths. 
• Serve as a mentor and resource for apprentices, interns, and recent graduates. 
• Support leaders in identifying and developing internal talent for future career opportunities. 
• Represent the organizations at career fairs, workforce development events, industry associations, and educational forums. 

K-12 STEM & Career Awareness Initiatives

• Serve as the primary ambassador to local school districts, educators, students, and parents. 
• Generate excitement around STEM, skilled trades, process automation, advanced manufacturing, and career opportunities. 
• Manage and oversee the operation of the Innovation Studio, including scheduling, volunteer coordination, budgeting, maintenance, and equipment enhancements. 
• Develop engaging educational experiences, demonstrations, workshops, and learning tools aligned with school curricula and age-appropriate learning objectives. 
• Coordinate STEM outreach activities both on-site and within schools throughout the region. 

Community Engagement & Shared Services

• Lead the planning and execution of the annual Community Career Education Forum (CCEF) and other workforce development events. 
• Build collaborative relationships with industry partners, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders. 
• Develop measurement tools and reporting processes to evaluate program effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities. 
• Research and pursue federal, state, and local grant opportunities that support workforce development initiatives and educational programming. 
• Collaborate with Endress Hauser, representative partners, and workforce development networks on talent and workforce planning initiatives. 

Additional Responsibilities

• Support special projects and other duties as assigned. 
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve programs, processes, and stakeholder experiences. 

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Education, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Workforce Development, STEM Education, Business, Communications, or a related field. 

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in workforce development, education, talent development, community engagement, recruiting, human resources, sales, or a related field. 
• Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills with the ability to engage audiences ranging from students and parents to executives and community leaders. 
• Strong relationship-building and networking abilities. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, presentation software, social media platforms, and business systems. 
• Ability to travel locally to schools, community events, and partner organizations. 

Preferred

• Experience working with K-12 schools, technical schools, colleges, or workforce development organizations. 
• Experience managing apprenticeship, internship, or talent development programs. 
• Knowledge of STEM education, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, or industrial technologies. 
• Experience with grant research, grant writing, or program funding initiatives.