Position Summary:
IRMA seeks a Workforce Development Coordinator to lead its efforts to bring the Retail Leaders Apprenticeship program to Illinois as well as build out other apprenticeship opportunities. The Coordinator is passionate about education and seeks to empower the next generation of retail employees. The Coordinator is responsible for integration of retail apprenticeship programs into the State of Illinois’ education systems and for outreach and coordination of IRMA’s workforce development efforts with students, teachers and retailers.
Position Responsibilities:
Coordinate with the State of Illinois to add the retail apprenticeship program to the list of approved apprenticeship programs recognized by the State. This includes but may not be limited to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois Department of Labor, Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Board of Higher Education, and Illinois Community College Board. Other possible contacts may include the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Lt. Governor, and City Colleges of Chicago.
Connect with Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers throughout Illinois.
Recruit Illinois employers to participate in the apprenticeship program and to agree to offer successful retail apprenticeship graduates employment or, at the very least an interview, upon completion of the program.
Recruit students –of all ages and experience level—to participate in the retail apprenticeship program. Students may come from high schools, community colleges, colleges, or may be adults or citizens re-entering society.
Coordinate with the apprenticeship program intermediary (KRI) for each apprentice enrolled in the program.
Research, identify and coordinate with existing Illinois workforce development programs.
Other duties as assigned.
Education and Competencies:
Bachelor’s degree and three years of workforce development work required, five years of experience preferred.
Experience working with the public workforce system, a plus.
Experience working or being in community with populations that are wrestling with chronic issues around economic mobility preferred.
Clear understanding about the challenges present in the workforce system and the importance of workforce development and the opportunity it provides.
Robust project management skills, including the capacity to manage and coordinate several projects simultaneously and prioritize among multiple tasks.
Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to adapt materials to various audiences with ease.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge and experience using Google Suite, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Proven ability to work independently and productively.
Willingness to be flexible and to adapt to shifting circumstances.
Open and honest communicator.
About Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships now are recognized as a valuable and accepted post-secondary option for students, proving to be a seamless career pathway leading to gainful employment with little to no student debt. They also reinforce employability skills. The Retail Leaders Apprenticeship is a nationally recognized and approved program by the U.S. Department of Labor. IRMA aims to implement the Retail Leaders Apprenticeship program in Illinois as an approved apprenticeship program. Another avenue for retail credentials is a certificate program such as the National Retail Federation’s RiseUP program.
Organization Overview:
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) benefits Illinois retail through effective engagement with retailers, the public, policymakers, and the media regarding the impact legislative and regulatory proposals will have on the success of retail operations. IRMA closely monitors legislative and regulatory activity, voicing opposition to anti-business proposals and supporting business-friendly initiatives.
Illinois’ retail industry is the second largest source of revenue for the state and the largest for units of local government, making it the single most significant economic engine in Illinois. Additionally, retail employs one out of every four Illinoisans and accounts for 16 percent of the state’s labor income, cementing it as a driving force of the state’s economy. Since 1957, IRMA has been the voice of retail in Illinois. IRMA’s government affairs team is on the front lines of issues that directly affect retailers’ bottom line. IRMA is well-positioned to serve members with a single operation, those that represent a national chain, and everyone in between.
The IRMA Foundation falls under the IRMA umbrella of operations and advances knowledge and awareness of the Illinois retail sector, including the impact of retail, threats and opportunities to retail viability, and workforce development and opportunities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Location:
Work Location: Remote
