Strategic Employer Relations Manager

The Leading Niche; Champaign (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AOE International is a non-profit organization focused on community support and development, with emphasis on workforce development and education. The Manager builds and sustains employer relationships to turn training into jobs, securing signed employer MOUs and convening the Hub's employer advisory group.

The role collaborates with local unions and apprenticeship programs, coordinates with contracting associations, and brings employers to participate in program activities like guest talks,

Qualifications

• Four or more years of experience in business development, employer services, apprenticeship coordination or the construction or energy industry.
• Experience securing hiring commitments or partnership agreements from 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 that name the hiring, interviewing or hosting each employer commits to.
• Convene the employer advisory group each quarter to review the curriculum, graduate performance and hiring forecasts.
• Build working relationships with the union apprenticeship programs, contractor associations and Equity Eligible Contractors in the region.
• Bring employers into the program: guest speakers, job site visits, mock interviews and an interview day for each graduating cohort.
• In Kankakee and Champaign, arrange a work-based learning placement for every cohort with a written host agreement covering safety, supervision and insurance.
• Track job openings and project timelines in solar, electrical and charging work, and tell the Training Manager and Navigator when demand shifts.
• Coordinate employer contact with the Navigator and AOE International's other CEJA programs so each employer is approached once.
• Record employer commitments, placements and feedback, and report them to the Director each month.

Skills

Presentation skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Employer relations

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent industry experience may be considered

Job description

AOE International is a non-profit organization focused on community support and development, with emphasis on workforce development and education. The Manager builds and sustains employer relationships to turn training into jobs, securing signed employer MOUs and convening the Hub's employer advisory group.

The role collaborates with local unions and apprenticeship programs, coordinates with contracting associations, and brings employers to participate in program activities like guest talks,