Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Job Developer Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

Think of the Job Developer Coordinator as the ultimate connector—a vital bridge between talented individuals seeking meaningful work and the employers who need them. This role isn't just about finding a job; it's about architecting career pathways. You are a strategist, a coach, a negotiator, and a champion for your clients, actively shaping the local workforce landscape. You'll spend your days building authentic relationships with businesses to understand their needs, and then working closely with job seekers to prepare them for success, ensuring a perfect match. This is a dynamic, results-driven position for someone who is passionate about empowering others and making a tangible impact on the community.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Case Manager
Recruiter or Recruiting Coordinator
Program Assistant (in a non-profit or social services setting)

Advancement To:

Manager of Career Services / Workforce Development
Director of Employer Relations
Senior Job Developer or Lead Employment Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Corporate Recruiter
Community Outreach Manager
Partnership Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Proactively identify and cultivate a diverse portfolio of new employment opportunities for program participants by researching local labor market trends and building a robust pipeline of potential employer partners.
Establish, nurture, and maintain long-term, positive relationships with hiring managers, HR professionals, and business owners to create a sustainable network of committed employer partners.
Conduct thorough needs assessments with employers to gain a deep understanding of their company culture, hiring requirements, and specific job vacancies to ensure high-quality candidate matching.
Market the skills, qualifications, and strengths of program participants to potential employers, acting as an advocate and effectively articulating the value proposition of hiring from your talent pool.
Develop and lead workshops for job seekers on essential career readiness topics, including advanced resume writing, cover letter customization, effective interview techniques, and professional networking strategies.
Provide intensive one-on-one coaching and case management to a caseload of job seekers, helping them set realistic career goals, develop job search plans, and overcome personal and professional barriers to employment.
Diligently track and document all participant and employer interactions, job placements, retention data, and progress notes in a CRM or case management database with a high degree of accuracy.
Plan, coordinate, and execute hiring events, job fairs, employer panels, and on-site recruitment sessions to facilitate direct connections between job seekers and hiring managers.
Collaborate with internal case managers, instructors, and support staff to ensure a holistic, team-based approach to participant service delivery and to stay informed on client progress and challenges.
Negotiate employment terms, such as wages and start dates, on behalf of clients when appropriate, and provide guidance on understanding job offers and benefits packages.
Monitor and analyze job placement and retention outcomes, preparing detailed weekly and monthly reports for program management and funding sources to demonstrate program effectiveness.
Actively follow up with both the employee and the employer for at least 90-180 days post-hire to provide retention support, troubleshoot any workplace issues, and ensure long-term success.
Research and stay current on industry-specific hiring trends, regional economic development, and in-demand occupations to provide relevant and timely advice to job seekers.
Screen and assess job seekers' skills, work experience, and career interests through interviews and formal assessments to determine their readiness for specific employment opportunities.
Assist clients in navigating and utilizing online job application systems, professional networking sites like LinkedIn, and other digital tools essential for a modern job search.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive resource library of job leads, employer contacts, and community resources to support the job search process.
Represent the organization professionally at community meetings, business association events, and industry conferences to build brand awareness and expand your network.
Create compelling marketing materials, including success stories and employer testimonials, to promote the program to potential business partners and community stakeholders.
Mediate potential conflicts or issues that may arise between the newly placed employee and the employer, providing support and resources to find a positive resolution.
Continually evaluate the effectiveness of job development strategies and implement innovative approaches to improve placement rates, wage levels, and job retention.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify trends in employment and participant outcomes.
Contribute to the organization's strategic planning and goal-setting processes related to workforce development.
Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to highlight program successes and share client stories.
Participate in grant writing and reporting processes by providing key data and narratives related to employment services and outcomes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

CRM & Database Management: Proficiency in using CRM software (like Salesforce, ETO, or Apricot) for tracking client data, employer interactions, and outcomes.
Labor Market Information (LMI) Research: Ability to find, interpret, and apply data on local labor trends, in-demand jobs, and prevailing wages.
Reporting & Data Analysis: Competency in compiling data, generating reports (using Excel, Google Sheets), and presenting outcomes to stakeholders.
MS Office & Google Workspace: Advanced skills in Word/Docs for resume building, Excel/Sheets for tracking, and PowerPoint/Slides for presentations.
LinkedIn & Social Media Savvy: Knowledge of using professional networking platforms for outreach, candidate promotion, and brand building.

Soft Skills

Relationship Building & Networking: An innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life, building trust and rapport with both clients and business leaders.
Persuasive Communication & Sales Acumen: The skill to compellingly advocate for clients and "sell" their potential to employers, as well as articulate the program's value.
Empathy & Resilience: The capacity to understand and support clients through their challenges combined with the tenacity to handle rejection and persist toward goals.
Negotiation & Influence: Confidence and skill in discussing terms and advocating for the best possible outcomes for your clients.
Exceptional Organization & Time Management: The ability to juggle a high volume of tasks, manage a diverse caseload, and meet multiple deadlines without sacrificing quality.
Problem-Solving & Resourcefulness: A creative and proactive approach to overcoming barriers to employment and finding solutions in complex situations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

A Master’s degree in a relevant field is a strong asset.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Human Resources
Social Work or Sociology
Business Administration or Marketing
Public Administration
Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of professional experience in a related role.

Preferred:

Direct experience in workforce development, recruiting, staffing, career counseling, or B2B sales is highly preferred. A demonstrated track record of meeting and exceeding placement or sales goals is a significant advantage. Experience working with diverse populations or individuals with barriers to employment is also highly valued.