Workforce Development Coordinator

Organization: The Mississippi Forestry Association (MFA) is a not-for-profit association that serves over 3,000 forest landowners, professional foresters, wood suppliers and timber harvesting contractors, forest industry companies, vendors and suppliers, and others interested in Mississippi’s forestry community. In addition, MFA serves as a statewide sponsor for a network of sixty-five county forestry association affiliates in more than seventy counties representing over 10,000 local members.

Position: Workforce Development Coordinator

MFA Management Structure: The Workforce Development Coordinator (coordinator) reports to MFA’s executive director, who is the chief staff officer of the association. All MFA policies and procedures are established by MFA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, which are elected by the membership.

Professional Skills and Abilities Required: Applicants should be self-motivated, with the ability to multi-task, organize, and drive efforts. Applicants should have a passion for Workforce Development and skills in presenting to groups of varying sizes. Highly effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey messages clearly is essential, as is the ability to think strategically to ensure short- and long-term success of the organization.

General Responsibilities: Under the direction of MFA’s executive director, the coordinator will be expected to develop and foster relationships with career coaches, teachers, and other youth educators; he or she will provide Workforce Development tools that will educate students and their mentors about the variety of jobs available in the forest industry. The coordinator will assist MFA team members with existing and ongoing education and outreach programs as needed.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Location: This position will report to and be officed in MFA’s office in Jackson, Mississippi.

Benefits: Standard MFA benefits package.

Minimum Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in education (any level), marketing, communications, or a conservation-related field.

Preferred Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, agriculture education, education or five years experience in a related field. Grant procurement/management and budget experience and skills are a plus.

Starting Date: Position available. As soon as possible after an offer of employment.

Closing Date: Letters of application and resumes accepted until position is filled.

MFA is an equal opportunity employer. MFA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Management

Act as the designated industry contact for statewide Workforce Development operations, and seek and develop partnerships related to workforce recruitment and retention. Oversee all day-to-day tasks associated with Workforce Development including attending events such as job and career fairs around the state to increase interest in and understanding of forest industry related jobs in Mississippi. Work externally with career coaches and counselors to provide education and materials related to secondary forestry education and forest industry jobs to students throughout Mississippi. Work internally to market ForestryWorks resources to forest industry employees. Research and implement creative ways to expand workforce recruitment efforts to diverse groups of potential employees (i.e. women, minorities, long-haul truck drivers, formerly incarcerated individuals, etc.)

2. ForestryWorks Liaison

Serve as MFA’s ForestryWorks liaison and maintain working relationships and communications with ForestryWorks headquarters team, including providing yearly reports and attending planning meetings as needed. Coordinate ForestryWorks efforts among partners in Mississippi.

3. Financial

In coordination with other MFA staff, seek additional funding sources for new and existing Workforce Development programs.

4. Outreach

Work with MFA director of communications to design Mississippi-specific branded content for use in marketing, recruitment, and informational campaigns. Coordinate ForestryWorks marketing and public relations efforts. Recruit and manage industry contacts to conduct presentations in schools around the state. Work with high schools and community colleges to develop training programs that meet the needs of the forest industry, and develop additional training opportunities for students. Organize, plan, and attend statewide career fairs, forestry field days, educator trainings, workshops, and other outreach events, including necessary logistics.

5. Membership Recruitment

All MFA team members work cooperatively to recruit and retain members representing the entire value chain of forestry. The coordinator will be expected to contribute to member recruitment goals.

6. MFA Publications

Assist MFA’s communications coordinator by contributing content to monthly e-newsletters and Tools for Teachers, quarterly Tree Talk, and annual reports.

7. Other duties as assigned

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Jackson, MS 39211: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person