MANAGER OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Job Description:

MANAGER OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A MANAGER OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: 157,128.46 - 219,980.68

ABOUT US

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $200 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the entire country.

THE TEAM

The primary objective of the Government Relations Division is to advance the Port's mission by strategically fostering education and workforce development initiatives that serve both the local community and broader industry needs. The team works to develop and promote programs that cultivate the next generation of port workers through partnerships with schools, community organizations, labor groups, and employers. This involves coordinating educational programs, internships, scholarships, and career technical education (CTE) initiatives, alongside ensuring the Port’s educational outreach aligns with workforce development goals. The team also works to advocate for workforce development policies, build strategic relationships with external stakeholders, and secure funding to support these programs. Through these efforts, the team enhances the Port’s community engagement and supports the development of a highly skilled workforce.

THE ROLE

Under the supervision of the Director of Government Relations, the Manager of Workforce Development is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Port’s education and workforce development efforts. This includes promoting the Port’s mission, goals, and objectives to external audiences while directing staff in implementing educational and workforce development programs across schools, public offices, labor groups, and community-based organizations. The Manager plays a key role in establishing partnerships with educational institutions, unions, and employers to develop training programs. The role also involves overseeing K-12 and post-secondary education programs, pursuing grant opportunities, and co-managing the port’s internship and scholarship programs. The Manager leads workforce development efforts, including Career Technical Education (CTE), pre-apprenticeships, and internships, while advising on special events and monitoring program success. Additionally, the position supervises staff, manages contractors, and ensures the Port’s brand is maintained throughout all related activities.

CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION)

To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual inf ormation session on Monday, March 24, 2025, @ 5:00 pm PDT via MS Teams. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice! Candidates are not required to be on camera. To join audio only, call +1 323-451-1087, Phone Conference ID: 576 965 321# Click here to join the meeting .

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Manage the Port’s education and workforce development programs, including the K-12 and post-secondary education programs Port sponsored high school pathways, and comanage the Port’s internship and scholarship programs.
• Direct and supervise a team of staff responsible for implementing educational programs, seeking and managing grants, and developing workforce development initiatives.
• Collaborate with government agencies, educational institutions, labor groups, and businesses to build partnerships for workforce development training programs.
• Advise on the planning and executing of Port special events related to education and workforce development activities.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate workforce development programs, such as Career Technical Education (CTE), pre-apprenticeships, and internships.
• Analyze complex program information, evaluate alternative solutions, and recommend improving workforce development efforts.
• Coordinate with internal teams, external stakeholders, and consultants to enhance the understanding of Port operations among students and the community.
• Oversee and track the progress of workforce development programs, ensuring objectives are met and providing input on key communications materials, strategies, and campaigns.
• Participate in state and federal workforce boards and engage with external agencies to promote workforce development policies.
• Manage the Port’s education and workforce development budget and ensure alignment with departmental objectives.
• Represent the Port at external community events and meetings related to workforce development, education, and labor relations.
• Train, coach, and mentor staff to ensure effective implementation of educational and workforce development initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams to allocate resources and plan activities that support workforce development goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Substantial relevant experience may be substituted for the educational requirements.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in workforce development, education policy, or public affairs is required.
• At least two years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and labor organizations.
• Experience managing education and workforce development programs, including internships, pre-apprenticeships, and training initiatives.
• Familiarity with grant management and securing funding for educational and workforce initiatives is highly desirable.
• Understanding of public affairs, government relations, and the political landscape affecting workforce development is a plus.
• Ability to travel for work-related events, meetings, and conferences.
• Ability to work extended hours, including weekends and after-hours.

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• Ability to analyze and make sound recommendations on workforce development and education-related tasks and issues.
• Expertise in developing and implementing communication strategies that support educational and workforce development objectives.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other related software applications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage budgets, contracts, and schedules.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on complex tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Must have a valid California driver’s license for work-related duties.

DESIRABLE:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field (Public Administration, Education, Communications) is desirable.
• Local government experience is a plus.
• Bilingual abilities are a plus but not required.
• A history of working effectively in a leadership capacity within a complex organization is preferred.
• Knowledge of the political and community issues affecting the Port is beneficial.

You will need strong negotiation skills, political savvy, excellent client/customer relation skills, and exceptional public speaking/presentation skills to thrive. You must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various employees, vendor representatives, officials, and Port management.
If you require accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com .

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/.

The final filing date for this recruitment is Monday, March 31, 2025, @ 4:30 pm PDT.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume with your application in PDF format. Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.

Individuals who are most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related assessment to evaluate candidate qualifications further. interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2024 (in-person). Candidates should ensure availability on both dates. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check.

The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications. Those individuals determined to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of 157,128.46 - 219,980.68

(placement depends on qualifications) An attractive package of executive-level benefits is included with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States:

.

• Auto Allowance - $550.00 per month
• Executive Leave - 40 hours per year.
• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security. Current member contribution is 8.00% for CalPERS, and 6.2% for social security, paid by the employee.
• Pay for Performance - Pay for Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through the achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.
• Deferred Compensation - The City matches a percentage of base salary for qualified members contributing to the 457(b) plan.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Life Insurance - City-paid life insurance policy of $20,000 plus executive insurance benefit equal to three times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance - City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation - Vacation is accrued at the equivalent of two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service. An employee’s vacation accrual may be adjusted upon hire to provide credit for previous full-time employment at a public service agency. Credit for public service shall only be given for completed years of service as a full-time permanent employee. Public Service credit shall not apply to any other benefits.
• Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and /or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Annual Physical - Eligible to receive an annual physical examination at the city's expense through the city-provided program.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness - As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan - The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university - or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

www.polb.com

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:
•Medical and Dental Insurance
•Life Insurance
•Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)
•Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave
• Deferred Compensation
•Credit Union Membership
•Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)
•Flexible Spending Accounts
•Free Employee Parking
• Paid ParentalLeave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 3/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$157,128.46 - $219,980.68 Annually