Strategic Employer Engagement Manager

The Leading Niche; Peoria (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

AOE International is seeking a Manager of Employer Relations to build and maintain employer partnerships that convert training into jobs. You will secure signed MOUs, convene an employer advisory group, and collaborate with regional apprenticeship and union programs to place graduates.

You will coordinate work-based learning placements, track job openings, and report progress monthly to leadership. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, with strong negotiation and presentation skills essential for

Qualifications

• Four or more years of experience in business development, employer services, apprenticeship coordination or the construction/energy industry.
• Experience securing hiring commitments or partnerships with employers.
• Knowledge of the region's electrical and solar contractors and building trades unions.
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent industry experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Secure 8 to 12 signed employer MOUs or partnership agreements in Year 1.
• Convene the employer advisory group each quarter.
• Build relationships with union apprenticeship programs and contractor associations.
• Bring employers into the program with guest speakers, site visits, mock interviews.
• Arrange work-based learning placements in Kankakee and Champaign with host agreements.
• Track openings and tell leadership when demand shifts; report monthly.

Skills

Business development

Employer relations

Negotiation

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

AOE International is seeking a Manager of Employer Relations to build and maintain employer partnerships that convert training into jobs. You will secure signed MOUs, convene an employer advisory group, and collaborate with regional apprenticeship and union programs to place graduates.

You will coordinate work-based learning placements, track job openings, and report progress monthly to leadership. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, with strong negotiation and presentation skills essential for