Workforce Development Coordinator

Under the direction of the Director and Deputy Director of Economic Development, the Workforce Development Coordinator is responsible for managing the program activity and serving as staff to the Jobs Creation and Retention Trust (“JCRT”), which oversees the creation of funding opportunities/grants for organizations offering training for Quality Jobs as defined in the Somerville Talent and Equity Playbook. In addition to managing the activities of the Trust, the Workforce Development Coordinator is responsible for implementing projects related to community workforce development initiatives as guided by senior staff and elected and appointed officials; preparing workforce development grant materials; and preparing written analyses/reports and managing data. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Serves as staff liaison and administrative support for the Jobs Creation and Retention Trust (“JCRT”) and supports the meetings of other regulatory or advisory groups which advance the work of workforce development in the City of Somerville. This includes facilitation of meetings and coordination of agendas in collaboration with the Managing Trustee(s) of the JCRT.
• Manages the development and review of Requests for Proposals (“RFP’s”) for funding rounds through the JCRT. This includes organizing review committees and preparation of evaluation materials as well as work with potential applicants and grantees throughout the RFP cycle.
• Supports the management of workforce development programs such as FabVille, Somerville’s community makerspace
•  Manages projects that advance the workforce development goals of the City and at different stages of implementation, from concept development and grant seeking to project launch and operations.
• Provides technical assistance to senior staff and elected officials regarding workforce development and employment laws applicable in Somerville.
• Supports efforts in the Division – through research and project initiatives - to develop knowledge of employers, sectors and industry trends in the workforce development sphere
• Works in close cooperation with the other divisions that comprise the Strategy & Development Department (“S&D”) – formerly known as Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) – in particular Administration & Finance
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director and Deputy Director.

Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
• Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

Strong experience in communicating with different audiences is essential as is critical thinking, analysis and project management. Bachelor’s degree and three to five (3 to 5) years’ experience, particularly as it pertains to workforce development programs and grant management, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill:

• 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA).
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
• Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
• Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• Long term disability through Sun Life
• Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
• Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
• Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
• Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
• Annual cancer screening & wellness release
• Somerville Retirement Pension System
• Tuition reimbursement
• MBTA pass program
• FREE Blue Bikes membership
• Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)