Business Engagement Specialist

SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE

The Business Engagement Specialist works directly with local employers to support hiring practices that focus on skills, not just credentials. Working under the direction of the Assistant Director, Business Engagement, this role builds relationships with employer partners, helps them identify and remove unnecessary barriers in their hiring process, and manages the Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program. This position also helps employers get connected with and use Workforce Snohomish's technology tools to find qualified candidates.

This is a hands-on, relationship-driven role. Success in this position depends on being professional, organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable learning new systems and practices as Workforce Snohomish rolls out its Skills for America model.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Building Employer Relationships

• Reach out to and build ongoing relationships with assigned employer partners, following the team's outreach and follow-up schedule
• Research employers before meetings, including job openings, industry trends, and prior conversations, so every interaction is informed and useful
• Help identify and onboard new employer partners, keeping account information updated in the team's tracking system
• Build relationships with multiple contacts at each employer, HR staff, hiring managers, and operations leads
• Represent Workforce Snohomish at employer meetings, hiring events, and community events as assigned

Supporting Skills-Based Hiring

• Using tools and guidance provided by the team, work directly with employers to review job postings and hire requirements, helping them focus on the actual skills needed for a role rather than unnecessary degree or experience requirements
• Help facilitate conversations with employers about what a job really requires, using practices established by the team, and support them in adjusting screening criteria accordingly
• Document hiring changes and agreements made with each employer so this information can be shared with the team supporting candidates
• Complete required training on the Skills for America model (in-person and self-paced) and apply what is learned in everyday work with employers
• Take part in regular learning sessions with peers and program staff to build skills in this area over time

Managing the Incumbent Worker Training Program

• Serve as the main point of contact for employers participating in Incumbent Worker Training, handling enrollment paperwork and ongoing tracking
• Help employers identify training needs for current employees and help them complete the IWT application process
• Keep accurate records of training progress and program spending

Using Workforce Technology & Keeping Records

• Keep employer account information, job openings, and hiring updates current in the team's tracking system
• Help employers learn to use Workforce Compass to connect with job candidates
• Share updates and data with the Assistant Director to support team reporting
• Let the Assistant Director know right away if something isn't working — whether it's a data issue, a workflow problem, or an employer concern

CORE COMPETENCIES

Competencies may be developed through professional experience, community-based work, lived experience, self-directed learning, or formal education. This role requires demonstrated ability in the following areas:

• Professionalism — presenting yourself and Workforce Snohomish well in employer settings, including reliability, follow-through, and sound judgment in business conversations
• Relationship-building — connecting easily with a variety of people, including business owners, HR staff, and hiring managers, and earning their trust over time
• Attention to detail — accurately tracking employer information, hiring agreements, and program paperwork, especially where compliance or funding requirements apply
• Organization & time management — managing multiple employer relationships, deadlines, and tasks at once without things falling through the cracks
• Clear communication — writing and speaking professionally, whether emailing an employer, leading a conversation, or explaining a new hiring practice
• Coachability & willingness to learn — actively participating in training, applying feedback, and building new skills over the course of the job, particularly as the Skills for America model rolls out
• Problem-solving — noticing when something isn't working (a process, a data issue, an employer concern) and raising it early
• Comfort with technology — willingness to learn and consistently use CRM and tracking tools as part of daily work
• Openness to new ideas — genuine interest in skills-based hiring and helping employers rethink traditional hiring requirements
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Workforce Snohomish uses a skills-based hiring approach and recognizes that qualifications for this role can be built through multiple pathways. We value:

• 2-3 years of experience in employer engagement, account management, recruiting, customer service, program coordination, or a related field
• A background in business, human resources, workforce development, or a related field through a degree program, professional certification, bootcamp completion, or self-directed learning is valued but not required
• Experience working with CRM or tracking systems (such as Salesforce) is a plus, but not required, training will be provided

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed across multiple settings, including the Workforce Snohomish office, employer worksites, WorkSource Everett and community locations throughout Snohomish County. Regular local travel is required for employer meetings, site visits, and hiring events; occasional out-of-area travel may be required. Standard office environment with prolonged computer use; ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

TRAVEL REQUIRED
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

EEO STATEMENT

Workforce Snohomish provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Our organization is not able to offer or assume sponsorship for employment visas (including H-1B, OPT, CPT, or TN). Valid U.S. work authorization is required for employment.
• No relocation costs covered.
• Upon offer of employment successful completion of a background check will be required.