Economic Development Manager Jobs in Vermont (NOW HIRING)

Description

G.S. Precision manufactures critical components for the Aerospace and Defense industries. With 700 employees across four integrated locations totaling 230,000 sq. ft., we draw on 60+ years of experience and cutting-edge technology to deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Our Mission & Values: To provide a proud, caring, and safe environment that allows our team to thrive in delivering value to our customers. We encourage creative thinking and problem solving. We grow our company through open communication, strong leadership, and continuous improvement that benefits our customers, employees, their families, and our communities.

Our Vision: To be the most trusted global partner in precision manufacturing and assembly of highly engineered mission critical products, recognized for our commitment to innovation, quality, and ability to enable our customers success.

                                                                                  Generate Sustained Profitability 

We offer a competitive benefits package, which includes but not limited to:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Care Coverage (Starting the Next Full Month After Hire)
• Paid Holidays starting on Day ONE
• Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability
• 401 (k) Matching Retirement Plan
• Employer Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Dependent Care Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Educational Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Safety Shoe Allowance
• Prescription Safety Glasses Program
• Shift Differentials for 2nd and 3rd Shifts
• Bereavement Leave 

Job Summary:

The Workforce Development Leader is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing initiatives that build a skilled and resilient workforce aligned with organizational or community economic goals. This role involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including educational institutions, industry partners, workforce boards, and government agencies to ensure talent pipelines meet current and future needs. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator, and passionate advocate for career development and lifelong learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead workforce development strategies that align with organizational and regional economic development goals.
• Identify workforce skill gaps and develop targeted training programs, apprenticeships, internships, and upskilling initiatives.
• Partner with community colleges, universities, vocational schools, and training providers to create customized training pathways.
• Collaborate with local workforce development boards, chambers of commerce, and government agencies to secure funding and support for programs.
• Lead employer engagement efforts to ensure workforce programs are demand-driven and reflective of industry needs.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness through metrics such as placement rates, retention, and ROI.
• Stay informed on labor market trends, policy changes, and emerging technologies that impact workforce planning.
• Supervise and mentor a team of workforce specialists, program managers, or training coordinators, as applicable.
• Prepare and present reports, grant applications, and proposals for workforce development funding or partnerships.
• Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion across all workforce development initiatives. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, Education, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in workforce development, training & development, economic development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-sector partnerships or workforce programs.
• Strong understanding of labor market dynamics and workforce development strategies.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments to align workforce development initiatives with organizational priorities and ensure seamless program implementation.
• Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to pivot quickly to support Human Resources (HR) and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) departments as needed, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and compliance standards.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in grant writing and management (e.g., WIOA, DOL, etc.).
• Knowledge of workforce data platforms (e.g., EMSI, Burning Glass, BLS).

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Program Development & Management
• Cultural Competence & Equity Leadership
• Communication & Facilitation Skills

Work Environment:

This position may require travel to partner sites, workforce events, educational institutions, and conferences. Hybrid or remote work options may be available depending on the organization.

We are looking for people who are highly motivated with the ability to work in a fast paced environment. Must be a professional with strong work ethic and comfortable working as part of a team that includes all levels of the organization. 

Come join our team!

G.S. Precision is committed to Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and to be in compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, natural origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic disposition, disability or veteran's status or any other classification protected by State/Federal laws.