Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Job Development Officer

🎯 Role Definition

At its core, the Job Development Officer is a vital connector and advocate, serving as the primary bridge between individuals seeking employment and the business community. This role is dedicated to creating and nurturing a robust network of employer partners while simultaneously coaching and preparing job seekers for success in the workforce. The Job Development Officer's impact is measured by their ability to facilitate sustainable employment placements, understand the dynamic needs of the local labor market, and empower clients to achieve their career aspirations. It's a multifaceted position that blends sales, marketing, case management, and career coaching into a single, high-impact function.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recruiter / Talent Acquisition Coordinator
Social Worker / Case Manager
Career Services Advisor
Community Outreach Specialist

Advancement To:

Senior Job Development Officer / Team Lead
Employer Relations Manager
Workforce Development Program Manager
Director of Career Services

Lateral Moves:

Corporate Recruiter
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
B2B Account Manager
Community Partnership Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Cultivate, expand, and maintain a robust portfolio of relationships with local and regional employers through proactive outreach, cold calling, networking, and attending industry events.
Conduct in-depth needs assessments with employers to understand their hiring requirements, company culture, and specific job vacancies to ensure high-quality candidate matching.
Actively market the organization's services and the skills of program participants to potential employers, effectively advocating for their potential and securing job interviews and placement opportunities.
Perform comprehensive intake and assessment of job seekers to identify their skills, interests, employment history, and potential barriers to employment.
Develop and manage Individualized Employment Plans (IEPs) for each client, setting clear, achievable goals and outlining the steps needed to secure and retain employment.
Provide intensive, one-on-one job coaching and career counseling, covering topics such as career exploration, labor market research, and long-term professional development.
Deliver engaging group workshops and training sessions on critical job readiness topics, including advanced resume and cover letter writing, effective interviewing techniques, and professional workplace etiquette.
Meticulously screen and match qualified candidates from a caseload to specific job openings, presenting their qualifications persuasively to hiring managers.
Coordinate and schedule interviews between candidates and employers, ensuring both parties are well-prepared for a successful interaction.
Provide post-placement support and follow-up services to both the employee and employer for a set period (e.g., 30, 60, 90 days) to address challenges, ensure job retention, and foster a positive long-term relationship.
Systematically track all client and employer interactions, job leads, placements, and retention data using a CRM or case management database (e.g., Salesforce, ETO).
Generate detailed weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on key performance indicators, such as number of employer contacts, job placements, retention rates, and wages.
Stay consistently informed about current labor market trends, in-demand industries, and regional economic development to strategically guide job seekers and outreach efforts.
Collaborate closely with internal case managers, counselors, and other team members to provide holistic, wraparound support for clients.
Represent the organization professionally at job fairs, chamber of commerce meetings, and other community or business networking functions to enhance program visibility.
Negotiate employment terms, including wages and accommodations, on behalf of clients when appropriate, acting as a dedicated advocate.
Develop and maintain a "job bank" or a centralized database of available positions, continuously updating it with new and relevant opportunities.
Conduct site visits to employer locations to better understand work environments and build stronger, more personal connections with hiring managers.
Solicit feedback from employers regarding candidate quality and performance to continuously improve the screening, matching, and preparation processes.
Assist clients in navigating and overcoming barriers to employment, such as transportation, childcare, or a lack of professional attire, by connecting them with appropriate community resources.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests from leadership to inform program strategy and grant reporting.
Contribute to the organization's broader community outreach and partnership strategy.
Assist in the creation and refinement of marketing materials targeted at both job seekers and potential employer partners.
Participate in regular case conferencing and team meetings to discuss client progress and strategize on challenging cases.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

CRM & Case Management Software: Proficiency in using systems like Salesforce, ETO, or similar databases for tracking client and employer data.
MS Office Suite Mastery: Advanced skills in Word (resume formatting), Excel (data tracking/reporting), and PowerPoint (workshop presentations).
Labor Market Information (LMI) Analysis: Ability to research, interpret, and apply data on industry trends, wage information, and in-demand occupations.
Professional Resume & Cover Letter Writing: Expertise in crafting compelling, modern, and effective application documents tailored to specific roles.
LinkedIn & Digital Networking: Skill in leveraging LinkedIn and other online platforms for networking, sourcing job leads, and building a professional brand.
Presentation & Facilitation: Ability to lead engaging and informative workshops and training sessions for diverse audiences.
Sales & Lead Generation Techniques: Knowledge of prospecting, cold-calling, and building a sales pipeline, applied to employer outreach.

Soft Skills

Relationship Building & Networking: An innate ability to build rapport and establish genuine, long-term professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Persuasive Communication & Advocacy: The capacity to articulate a compelling case for a candidate or a program, influencing decisions and creating opportunities.
Empathy & High Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand and connect with the experiences of job seekers, offering support with patience and professionalism.
Resilience & Tenacity: The drive to persist through rejection and overcome obstacles in a target-driven environment.
Creative Problem-Solving: The skill to think on your feet and develop innovative solutions for both client barriers and employer needs.
Negotiation & Influence: Confidence in negotiating terms and advocating for clients' best interests with employers.
Exceptional Time Management & Organization: The ability to manage a large caseload of clients and a portfolio of employer accounts simultaneously and effectively.

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 highly valued.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Human Services
Social Work
Psychology / Sociology
Human Resources
Business Administration / Marketing
Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of relevant professional experience.

Preferred: We look for professionals with a proven track record in roles that require strong relationship management and goal attainment. Direct experience in workforce development, B2B sales/account management, talent acquisition/recruiting, or career counseling is highly desirable. Experience working with and advocating for diverse populations, including individuals with significant barriers to employment, is considered a major asset.