Job Title: Talent and Workforce Development Manager
Reports To: Director of Talent and Workforce
Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt
 
Grow Cedar Valley is the regional economic and community development organization, working to bring business and community together to grow opportunities for the Cedar Valley.
 
At Grow Cedar Valley, we’re all about making our community a great place to live and work. We’re dedicated to driving economic and community growth in the Cedar Valley region, and our values of innovation, strategic thinking, integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity guide everything we do. We believe in leading by example, creating a supportive and dynamic work culture. Join us in our mission to build a thriving, welcoming, and sustainable community where businesses and people can succeed together.
 
Position Summary
The Talent and Workforce Development Manager is responsible for designing and delivering initiatives that support talent attraction, retention, and development across the Cedar Valley. A primary focus of this role is serving as the lead staff liaison for Cedar Valley Young Professionals (CVYP)—supporting networking, professional development, and community engagement efforts that strengthen the region’s ability to retain and connect emerging talent.
 
The Manager also supports workforce pipeline strategies by fostering partnerships between employers, educators, and community organizations. This includes working with the Cedar Valley Manufacturer's Association (CVMA) to align efforts around building awareness of and pathways into manufacturing careers. The Manager works closely with the Director of Talent and Workforce to ensure initiatives are coordinated, responsive, and strategically aligned.
 
Key Responsibilities
Program Development and Management

• Design, implement, and manage workforce development programs that support business talent needs and regional workforce goals, based on regular employer input and alignment with K–12 and postsecondary programs.
• Identify and launch leadership and talent development training opportunities that improve workforce engagement and retention.
• Collaborate with manufacturing employers and Career and Technical Education (CTE) providers through CVMA to develop programs that build awareness of and pathways into manufacturing careers.

 
Talent Pipeline Development

• Strengthen partnerships with high schools, colleges, and training programs to create clear pathways from education to employment.
• Develop or support programs that connect students and emerging professionals with local employers through internships, apprenticeships, mentorships, and job-shadowing.
• Work with employers to increase their engagement with students and young professionals, supporting a robust pipeline of skilled talent.

 
Employer and Community Engagement

• Manage all aspects of CVYP in partnership with the advisory board. Plan and implement monthly events, support membership growth, and help cultivate the next generation of community leaders and engaged professionals.

• Serve as the staff liaison for CVMA, assisting with the execution of workforce-related initiatives and helping facilitate strategic planning conversations with the Director of Talent and Workforce. Ensure CVMA efforts align with employer needs and regional workforce goals.

• Lead implementation of CVMA initiatives that support workforce and talent pipeline development.
• Collaborate with the Director of Talent and Workforce to support Intern Connect programming and participant recruitment.

 
Event Planning and Execution

• Working with the Advisory Council, plan and execute CVYP programming and events to engage young professionals and foster leadership within the community.
• Coordinate with the Director of Events and Engagement and Director of Talent and Workforce to develop workshops, job fairs, networking events, programming and talent development initiatives that provide direct interaction between employers and potential employees.
• Collaborate with the Director of Talent and Workforce and Director of Events and Engagement to coordinate the annual Intern Connect event.

 
Data and Reporting

• Track and analyze workforce and leadership program outcomes to inform decision-making and program enhancements.
• Communicate program impact internally and to stakeholders.

 

Desired Attributes for Success

• Positively represents department, and entire organization with partners, investors of the GCV community and with the public.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage employers, educators, and young professionals.
• Ability to develop partnerships and create connections between businesses, educational institutions, and workforce resources.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Passion for strengthening the regional workforce and talent pipeline.

 
Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business, education, workforce development, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in workforce development, talent management, leadership programming, or economic development is desirable.
• Experience working with youth and young professionals on career readiness and leadership development.
• Knowledge of talent attraction and retention best practices.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to develop and execute leadership and professional development programming.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and workforce data management tools.

 
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Generous benefits including:

• Health, dental, vision
• 401k with company matching
• LTD, EAP, and life insurance package at no charge
• 2 weeks PTO first year, summer hours and paid time off for volunteering
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work schedule, occasional extended hours based on event needs

 
Annual Salary: $65,000-$75,000 based on experience.
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your experience and why you are passionate about this role and contact information for three professional references to sandi@growcedarvalley.com by May 30, 2025.