Talent & Workforce Development Manager
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Why SKILLED US - Skilled US
The Opportunity:
At Skilled US, every training pathway we offer is designed with one goal: to lead to meaningful employment. The Talent & Workforce Development Manager is critical in making that vision a reality. This is not a passive relationship management role—it’s an active, high-energy, sales-driven position for someone who thrives on connecting with people, closing partnerships, and creating real job outcomes.
You will be the community connector and career closer, responsible for engaging directly with employers across all sectors—Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, Business/IT, Logistics, CDL, HVAC, and more—to build sustainable talent pipelines for every program we run. Simultaneously, you will walk with students from classroom to career, supporting them as they transition from certification to job placement.
This role is perfect for someone who believes that employment changes lives and is energized by both sales strategy and student impact.
Position Summary: Turning Pathways into Careers
Key Responsibilities
Employer Relationship Building & Sales
- Identify, pursue, and maintain strong partnerships with local and regional employers aligned to each Skilled US training pathway.
- “Sell” Skilled US talent by promoting student skills, credentials, and readiness to meet employer workforce needs.
- Conduct outreach to new employers weekly and maintain an active presence in the business community.
- Create and maintain a database of employer contacts, job openings, and hiring timelines.
Student Job Placement & Advising
- Work with each student nearing certification to prepare for job placement in their field of training.
- Provide 1:1 support with job applications, interview preparation, and onboarding needs.
- Ensure students understand career options, workplace expectations, and industry standards before placement.
- Track and follow up with students post-placement to support retention and advancement.
Program Alignment & Community Presence
- Attend local business forums, chamber meetings, job fairs, and community events to represent Skilled US and identify hiring trends.
- Collaborate with instructional staff to ensure employer feedback is integrated into curriculum and training design.
- Coordinate employer involvement in student engagement activities (guest speaking, facility tours, mock interviews, etc.).
- Serve as the primary point of contact between employers and Skilled US, providing updates, coordinating interviews, and addressing hiring needs.
Workforce Events & Talent Showcasing
- Plan and host hiring events, job fairs, and career connection days that are directly tied to program completions.
- Match students with live job openings across multiple pathways and track employment outcomes.
Required Qualifications
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s degree in business, workforce development, human resources, social work, or a related field.
- Workforce development or employer engagement certification is a plus.
Experience
- At least 2 years of experience in business development, staffing, career services, or job placement.
- Proven track record in sales, outreach, or employer relationship management.
- Experience working with adult learners, justice-involved individuals, or opportunity youth preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Highly skilled in relationship-building, cold outreach, and partnership follow-through.
- Deep understanding of workforce trends and employment barriers.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- Proficient in CRM and data tools (Salesforce, HubSpot, Excel).
- Excellent communication, cultural humility, and motivational skills.
- Ability to build trust with both employers and students from diverse backgrounds.
Work Schedule & Availability
- This full-time role requires regular in-person engagement with students, employers, and community partners.
- Must be available for evening hours and occasional weekends for events or student support.
- Local travel within the Indianapolis region is expected.
You’ll Succeed in This Role If You...
- Are energized by building relationships and closing deals that make a difference.
- Love connecting people to opportunities and watching them thrive.
- Can move seamlessly between boardrooms and classrooms, speaking the language of both.
- See job placement not just as a number, but as a life changed.
Ready to make a lasting impact?
Join us in breaking cycles, building futures, and proving that it’s never too late to succeed.
Organization Overview:
Skilled US is a free workforce development program that supports adults striving to learn and earn more. We believe that every student is unique, and our approach begins with understanding each student’s motivations. Join us at Skilled US and become part of a community that celebrates your success every step of the way. We are more than a training provider; we are a family committed to your growth and success.
Compensation and benefits:
- A base salary that is competitively aligned with the market.
- Monthly professional development opportunities
- Incentive and bonus opportunities
PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Please read carefully.
Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.
By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.
You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.