Workforce Development Specialist

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A PORT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST (PORT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST III-IV)

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range:$ 33.42 - $ 50.84(Hourly)

ABOUT US:

The Port of Long Beach one of the worlds busiest seaports is an international gateway for the reliable efficient and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $300 billion in trade the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the country.

THE TEAM:

The Government Relations Division leads the charge in building powerful connections between the Port of Long Beach and key decision-makers whether elected officials legislative staff agency leaders or appointed officials at the local state and federal levels. The Division also oversees the Ports education and workforce development programming to connect students and workers with a number of training and job opportunities in the supply chain. With a sharp focus on shaping the future the Government Relations Division goes beyond just outreach offering expert legislative analysis and advocacy to push the Ports initiatives forward. Their mission To champion the Ports vital programs and secure the funding needed to keep it thriving and ahead of the curve!

THE ROLE:

Under the supervision of the Manager of Workforce Development and the Director of Government Relations the Port Workforce Development Specialist supports the Ports education and workforce development initiatives. Assists in promoting the Ports mission goals and objectives to external audiences and helps carry out educational and workforce development activities across various school programs public agencies labor organizations and community-based outreach efforts. Aids in building partnerships with educational institutions unions and employers to support the development and implementation of training programs.Additionally they collaborate with leadership on resource planning handle financial and procurement issues and represent the Port at public events.

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Support industry-leading educational and workforce development programs and tracking of outcomes promote a positive image of the Port build support for the Ports goals and initiatives and develop community pride in the Port.
• Support Port participation in state and federal workforce boards by attending meetings and providing input as appropriate.
• Assist in the development and coordination of K12 education programs.
• Support school engagement activities for pathway scholarship and internship programs in coordination with department staff.
• Participate in the scholarship program review panel and provide input on applicant evaluation.
• Coordinate logistics and provide administrative support for the Summer High School Internship Program; works closely with school district staff and workforce board representatives.
• Assists in identifying and supporting grant opportunities and deliverables under the guidance of senior staff.
• Collaborate with stakeholders consultants and educators to support initiatives that enhance understanding of Port operations and improve the educational experience.
• Support the Ports involvement with the Goods Movement Workforce Training Facility Planning Committee for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
• Provide assistance to Government Relations staff in tracking workforce development and labor-related legislation.
• Help maintain collaborative relationships with government and educational institutions labor organizations training providers and industry partners.
• Support workforce development and education initiatives such as Career Technical Education (CTE) pre-apprenticeships and internships under the direction of senior staff.
• Assists in the planning and coordinating of Port special events related to education and workforce development.
• Monitor program expenses and provide input for budget tracking related to education and workforce programs.
• Collect and track program metrics to support evaluation of education and workforce initiatives.
• Provide input on communication materials and strategies related to workforce and education programs ensuring alignment with Port messaging.
• Ensure consistency with the Ports brand across assigned education and workforce development activities.
• Assist in organizing special events workshops and meetings by managing logistics and coordinating with participants.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports correspondence and documentation.
• Support analysis of program information and assist in identifying and recommending potential solutions.
• Coordinate project activities with Port staff community partners vendors consultants and other stakeholders as needed.
• Participate in task forces committees and working groups as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelors Degree in Public Administration Political Science Business Communications Public Relations Education Marketing Social Sciences or a related field is required
• Two years of experience in Public Education Workforce Development or Education Policy.
• Experience in working with and developing grant-funded programs as well as familiarity with grant seeking.
• Ability to work nights weekends and holidays along with extended hours

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• A broad-based knowledge of public affairs and government relations is required.
• Excellent writing communication and interpersonal skills with expertise in business communication (spelling grammar punctuation).
• Experience in administrative methods budgeting procurement and brand management strategies.
• Must be comfortable speaking clearly and knowledgeably about the Port in public and to a crowd
• Ability to correspond and handle inquiries from internal and external stakeholders representing the Port professionally in diverse situations.

DESIRABLE:

• A Masters Degree in Public Administration Communications Public Relations or a closely related field is desirable.
• Local government experience is highly desired.
• Second language speaking ability is desirable but not required.
• Knowledge of the political and community issues affecting the Port is a plus.

To thrive you will need strong negotiation skills political savvy excellent client/customer relations skills and exceptional public speaking/presentation skills. You must also establish and maintain effective working relationships with various employees vendor representatives officials and Port management.

If you require accommodation because of a disability to participate in any phase of the application/selection process please call or email .

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting or final filing date for this recruitment is Monday July 7 2025 @ 11:59 pm PDT.

We do not discriminate based on race religion color national origin sexual orientation gender gender identity gender expression age status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.