VSC Fire & Security in Richmond, Virginia is seeking candidates for the position of Workforce Development Specialist.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary based on experience (overtime eligible).
- Monday - Friday (occasional evening, weekend, and out-of-town work).
- Options for Medical, Dental and Vision insurance for you and your family.
- A 401K plan with a company match.
- PTO and Paid Holidays.
- Opportunities for training and advancement.
- Relevant educational and licensure reimbursement for qualified candidates.
- Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Life Insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Referral Bonuses.
What you need:
- 1-3 years of experience in outreach, recruiting, education, community engagement, or a similar field.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to speak confidently to large and small groups.
- Passion for workforce development, technical careers, and helping young adults discover vocational opportunities.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, problem-solving skills, organized, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a dynamic, mobile role.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic data tracking tools.
- Ability to lift and transport event materials (up to 25 pounds).
- Strong understanding of industry workforce needs, labor market trends, and career and technical education (CTE) programs, ideally with an extensive network and knowledge base in fire protection.
- Proven ability to develop and maintain partnerships with industry, government, and educational institutions.
- Excellent communication with internal/external parties to promote VSC and its initiatives to expand the fire protection industry workforce.
- Knowledge on how to manage advisory boards high school and college level.
- Ability to travel up to 50%.
- Desirable (but not required):
- Fluent in Spanish.
- Knowledge of the fire protection industry.
- Experience working with both secondary and post-secondary workforce training initiatives.
- Knowledge of industry credentialing, apprenticeships, and skills-based training models.
- NICET or Apprenticeship program or similar.
- Demonstrated success in program assessment and quality improvement initiatives.
What you will do:
- Play a key role in promoting VSC Fire & Security's technical career opportunities and increasing awareness of the fire protection industry with continuing learning programs.
- Responsible for expanding technical training opportunities, ensuring alignment with VSC needs, and enhancing workforce readiness for students and professionals.
- Develop relationships with high schools, technical schools, and colleges through participation in career fairs, classroom presentations, and school outreach initiatives.
- Support VSC's mission to grow the next generation of fire protection professionals by identifying talent, promoting career pathways, and building strong partnerships with educators, students, and local communities.