Workforce Development & Strategic Partnerships Specialist

Confidential Company; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Company in Philadelphia is seeking a Workforce Development & Strategic Partnerships Specialist to build strategic relationships and develop sustainable talent pipelines supporting significant workforce expansion.

The role focuses on connecting educational institutions, training providers, and community organizations with meaningful employment opportunities while shaping the future of the skilled trades workforce. This is a confidential recruitment opportunity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 3+ years in workforce development or education partnerships.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with high schools, CTE programs, community colleges, trade schools, and workforce organizations.
• Build talent pipelines connecting students, career changers, and experienced workers with apprenticeship, training, and employment opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and educational partners to align training programs with evolving workforce needs.
• Support development of pre-apprenticeship, skills-bridging, and workforce readiness initiatives.
• Represent the organization at career fairs, school visits, advisory boards, and regional workforce events.
• Expand workforce partnerships across the region (PA, NJ, DE, MD).
• Track partnership effectiveness, program participation, referrals, and employment outcomes.
• Identify grant funding opportunities and support workforce development initiatives.

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Education, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field

Job description

A rapidly growing industrial manufacturing organization in Philadelphia is seeking a Workforce Development & Strategic Partnerships Specialist to build strategic relationships and develop sustainable talent pipelines supporting significant workforce expansion.

This role is ideal for a proactive, results-driven professional who is passionate about workforce development, education, and creating career pathways. The successful candidate will connect educational institutions, training providers, and community organizations with meaningful employment opportunities while helping shape the future of the skilled trades workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with high schools, career and technical education (CTE) programs, community colleges, trade schools, and workforce development organizations.
• Build talent pipelines connecting students, career changers, and experienced workers with apprenticeship, training, and employment opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and educational partners to align training programs with evolving workforce needs.
• Support the development of pre-apprenticeship, skills-bridging, and workforce readiness initiatives.
• Represent the organization at career fairs, school visits, advisory boards, and regional workforce development events.
• Expand workforce partnerships throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
• Track partnership effectiveness, program participation, candidate referrals, and employment outcomes.
• Identify grant funding opportunities and support workforce development initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in workforce development, educational partnerships, talent development, community engagement, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and manage external partnerships and coordinate workforce initiatives.
• Strong communication, presentation, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives independently and deliver measurable results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience tracking program outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with high schools, CTE programs, community colleges, trade schools, or workforce development agencies.
• Familiarity with manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, or apprenticeship programs.
• Experience developing workforce training pathways or grant-funded initiatives.
• Knowledge of regional workforce development resources and education-to-employment programs.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in a major workforce expansion initiative, building partnerships that connect education, training, and employment.

We're looking for someone who doesn't just build relationships but turns those relationships into real opportunities, stronger talent pipelines, and measurable workforce outcomes.

This is a confidential recruitment opportunity. Additional organizational details will be shared with qualified candidates during the selection process.