Job Developer & Retention Specialist at Springfield Urban League

The Job Developer & Retention Specialist plays a critical role in connecting participants to meaningful employment opportunities and ensuring long-term career success. This dual-focus position balances job development through employer engagement with retention strategies that sustain employment outcomes. The specialist serves as a bridge between local businesses, industry partners, and job seekers, ensuring participants have the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in the workforce while advancing equitable hiring and career advancement practices.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Employer Engagement & Job Development

• Cultivate and maintain strong, strategic partnerships with employers, industry associations, and training providers across industries to expand placement and advancement opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison between Springfield Urban League (SUL) and employer partners, promoting collaborative solutions and long-term engagement.
• Advocate for equitable hiring practices, particularly for underrepresented and inexperienced workers, and support employers in developing culturally responsive recruitment and retention strategies.
• Conduct labor market research and analyze industry trends to inform placement pathways that align with local workforce needs.
• Maintain an employer database, track job orders, and ensure employer satisfaction through consistent communication and follow-up.

Participant Support & Job Placement

• Assist participants in identifying employment opportunities aligned with their skills, experience, and career goals.
• Provide job readiness coaching, including résumé building, interview preparation, and application assistance.
• Match qualified candidates with job openings and coordinate introductions with employers.
• Serve as an advocate for the placement of inexperienced workers, ensuring employers understand the value of building talent pipelines.
• Monitor participant progress and maintain regular communication post-placement.

Retention & Career Advancement

• Develop and implement retention plans to support participants during the first year of employment.
• Collaborate with employers to resolve workplace challenges and promote positive employee relations.
• Identify and address barriers to sustained employment by connecting participants with supportive services (e.g., transportation, childcare, mental health resources).
• Support participants in developing career pathways that prioritize long-term growth and economic mobility.
• Track retention outcomes and participant satisfaction, using data to improve support strategies and employer partnerships.

Program Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain accurate case notes, placement data, and documentation in designated systems (e.g., Apricot, Kairos, ETO, Salesforce, Smartsheet).
• Meet or exceed performance benchmarks for job placement and retention.
• Prepare and submit timely reports for internal review and external funders as required.
• Use data-driven insights to inform continuous improvement in both job development and retention practices.

Success Metrics

• Employer Engagement: Establish and sustain a minimum of 20 new employer partnerships annually, with measurable increases in placement opportunities.
• Job Placement: Achieve placement benchmarks set by funders and the organization, with a focus on aligning candidates to career-track positions.
• Retention: Maintain 85% retention rate of participants at 90 days, 6 months, and 12 months post-hire.
• Participant Satisfaction: Secure 85% participant satisfaction rating in post-placement surveys.
• Equity Impact: Demonstrate increased placement of underrepresented or inexperienced workers in sustainable employment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Social Services, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in workforce development, job placement, employer engagement, or related area.
• Strong knowledge of local labor market trends and employer expectations.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with workforce case management systems preferred.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

Core Competencies: 

• Relationship Management
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
• Cultural Competency and Sensitivity
• Goal-Oriented and Results-Driven
• Confidentiality and Professionalism

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Standard office environment with occasional travel to job sites, partner organizations, and community events.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required to meet client needs and attend recruitment events.

Springfield Urban League is an equal opportunity employer.