Workforce Development Advocate II

This position is responsible for providing a wide variety of analyses involving workforce development matters; assisting affiliates on their workforce development efforts; advising on the incorporation of workforce development issues during collective bargaining negotiations, organizing campaigns and other union activities, and assisting with policy recommendations around federal and state workforce development efforts. Analyses may involve efforts around registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship, youth outreach, career pathways to public service jobs, civil service systems, and funding opportunities. Areas of workforce development specialties include apprenticeship, funding, career development & youth outreach and public and civil service jobs.  

DUTIES:

• Supports affiliates in their workforce development efforts which may include developing registered apprenticeship programs, youth outreach and pre-apprenticeship, identifying and applying for supportive funding, and creating opportunities for entry, retention and career advancement in public service work while addressing structural barriers to hiring and promotion.   
• Responds to inquiries in areas of specialization by analyzing the issues and making recommendations.  Additionally, responds to a variety of other routine requests on workforce development topics.   
• Provides technical assistance on affiliate workforce development efforts which may involve researching topics and documenting the activities and approaches of other affiliates, unions, and organizations.   
• Advises affiliates concerning strategies to accomplish workforce development objectives and document recommendations. 
• Participates in the development of federal, state, and local workforce development strategies that further the interests of AFSCME members.   
• Advises senior Center and Department policy staff on workforce development regulatory and related priorities which promote the interests of AFSCME members.  Assists these staff with preparing comments for submission in response to proposed workforce development regulations and related federal agency solicitations impacting AFSCME members. 
• May provide advice during negotiations on workforce development matters, preparing and/or presenting related exhibits, arguments and counterarguments, and testimony.   
• May be asked to prepare and present testimony related to workforce development initiatives before government entities, elected officials, and the press. 
• Delivers presentations in webinars, trainings, meetings, conferences and other live events around the country.  Prepares session outlines and materials and secures needed equipment. May serve as a panelist at conferences and meetings.  
• Coordinates multi-affiliate meetings and networking events around workforce development topics and areas of interest. 
• Writes occasional articles, manuals, and fact sheets on special areas of concentration. Contributes to the Center’s toolkit and is principally responsible for the composition and currency of chapters relating to designated area(s) of specialization; incorporates new knowledge, models, and ideas over time. 
• Tracks workplace issues and trends concerning specific workforce development topics, particularly within designated specialty area(s), to communicate with members and affiliate unions about activity in that field. 
• Collects and analyzes workforce development efforts of affiliates to assess replicability and effectiveness. Documents analysis and recommendations. 
• May serve as the Union's workforce development expert in meetings with employer representatives, government agencies, and workforce intermediaries. 
• May contribute to application for and administration of grants for national initiatives including budgeting and preparing periodic reports.  
• Summarizes major AFSCME workforce development efforts, projects, and collaborations. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, advanced degree desirable with course work in, depending on specific duties, workforce development, economics, employee training and education, labor relations, or related area of study.

Skills Requirements:

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:  
• Thorough knowledge of labor unions and organizing. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships. 
• Ability to write reports and make presentations. 
• Ability to conduct sound research and make logical conclusions. 
• Ability to formulate program strategies and respond to formal information requests. 
• Ability to analyze, formulate plans, and develop solutions. 
• Advanced skills in the use of personal computers and database software.  
• Expertise in at least one of the workforce development specialty areas. 

Travel & Work hours 

• Travel, extended work hours including weekends are required.