Workforce Development Lead

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Human Resources works with all divisions of the Metropolitan Council to provide proactive solutions for the Council's workforce needs in the areas of recruitment, labor relations, benefits, training, organizational development, occupational health, and wellness.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Workforce Development Lead coordinates program administration efforts with minimal oversight, ensures program objectives are met, and provides work direction to Workforce Development (WFD) Coordinators.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. All Workforce Development team staff are required to work approximately 50 weekday nights per year both in person and virtually.

• Lead or oversee all WFD program efforts to ensure programs follow operational plans, proactively respond to challenges, and achieve objectives.
• Provide training and coaching for WFD coordinators so that programs are delivered at a high standard.
• Ensure appropriate department program and measurement tools are working as designed so the department can deliver and report on program performance.
• Serve as lead coordinator for WFD outreach efforts to ensure program opportunities reach intended applicant pools.
• Provide low level determinations and action steps for situations involving WFD program participants.

Any of the following combinations of completed education (in human resources, human services, communication, training, education, or a related field) and experience (delivering multi-step and long-term training programs and working with frontline technical career development positions and programs):

• High school diploma/GED with seven or more years of experience
• Associate degree with five or more years of experience
• Bachelor's or higher degree with three or more years of experience

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience developing and creating Minnesota-registered apprenticeship programs
• Professional work experience at the Metropolitan Council and understanding of its operating divisions
• Experience working with Minnesota State College and University institutions creating customized training program curriculum
• Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees

• Training programs.

• Presenting complex pathway programs to the public and prospective participants.
• Creating program operation documents, such as schedules, forms, and surveys.
• Effective interpersonal communication with participants, including correcting behaviors, collecting sensitive information, and instilling confidence and trust in others.
• Effectively managing individual participant's questions, personalities, and actions.

• Coach WFD Coordinators to be their most impactful when working with participants.
• Prioritize work to ensure multiple goals can be achieved.
• Lead WFD Coordinators by modeling professional behavior, tactics, and strategies.
• Create tools to manage participant recruitment, progress, and participation in programs.
• Use a variety of virtual meeting platforms, such as Webex, Zoom, and Teams.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: AFSCME/Grade G
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites and includes some non-traditional work hours.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only) and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.