Program Department: Louisiana - Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative

Reports To: Louisiana Regional Manager

Job Summary & Essential Functions

NextOp’s Expansion Manager is responsible for the growth and management of NextOp’s innovative training-to-career pathways employment project in Louisiana. The Manager will facilitate project planning and standardization, strategy development and implementation, corporate partner and training provider relationships, and reporting. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

Corporate Partner and Training Provider Relationship Coordination 

• Formalize relationships with regional Corporate Partners and Training Providers in targeted, growth-oriented industries and career fields
• Persuasively sell organization to regional Corporate Partners and Training Providers and those that have an influence in veteran hiring
• Assist in the development of long-term relationships with Corporate Partners interested in hiring veterans and work closely with them to train and place veterans within their organizations
• Facilitate NextOp information sessions and regular briefings for key stakeholders. 
• Adapt and grow expansion approach to other locations, regions, and industries. 

Program Development and Career Placement

• Work with regional employers to strengthen and create direct training-to-employer pathway programs for veterans and military talent in Southeast Louisiana. 
• Proactively source career leads, training opportunities, and screen potential candidates to ensure the most qualified candidate is matched with the proper opportunity. 
• Create a positive candidate and client experience through problem resolution, immediate response to client and candidate's needs, and delivery of exceptional service. 
• Assist in candidate development by providing guidance on industry training/ certification, resume building, interview skills, and networking
• Collaborates with local and regional organizations to increase awareness of all programs/training and make proper program referrals
• Tracks and reports all candidate interactions and outcomes in real-time using NextOp CRM tools and grant reporting software 
• Builds and strengthens relationships with leadership from military installations, Skillbridge programs, military transition programs, and other key stakeholders.
• Adapt and grow expansion approach to other locations, regions, and industries. 
• Supports marketing and media efforts by sharing candidate feedback with Programs Coordinator and EMP leadership  
• Possibility for direct or indirect leadership of expansion focused FTE(s)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Self-motivated, positive, outgoing, personable, and able to relate well with diverse populations and age groups
• Able to take initiative, multi-task, work well under pressure, and complete required assignments in a timely fashion
• Excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated commitment to the organization and able to timely complete required assignments
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work well under pressure
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; team player, ability to communicate with diverse personalities, tactful, mature, and flexible
• Should have excellent communication skills and ability to build rapport with service-specific programs and transitioning/separating veterans
• Experience working independently and comfortable being managed remotely

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; four (4) years relevant military work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• 3 years in sales, marketing, recruiting, or business development
• Experience in relationship-building with employers, training providers, military organizations, and other targeted constituents preferred
• Experience in organizing and coordinating events preferred
• Experience using social networking as related to veteran engagement preferred
• Experience working with military rank structure, protocols, and culture preferred

Initial goals of this project role:

• Serve a minimum of 210 veterans over the project term (3-year)
• Establish a minimum of 3 training → career pipelines optimal for veterans past experience and skills in resilient sectors (i.e. technology, healthcare, and trade/transportation/logistics)
• Expand NextOp Louisiana's total number of Corporate Partners from 40 to 70 (75% increase)

Certifications & Licensure:

• Valid United States driver’s license required