Employment and Partnership Manager - Kansas City

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

JOB SUMMARY:

As part of an exciting statewide expansion, Saint Louis University's Transformative Workforce Academy (SLU TWA) is establishing a footprint in the Columbia, Kansas City, and Springfield metropolitan areas with services collocated at a partner agency. Under the guidance of SLU TWA's Program Director, the Employment and Partnership Manager will play a pivotal role in fostering relationships with job seekers, employers, and community stakeholders to increase employment and retention rates for justice-involved individuals in the assigned metro area. This position requires a proactive approach with a focus on autonomy in generating leads and cultivating partnerships to build a large pool of second chance employers with positions for SLU TWA candidates. The Employment and Partnership Manager will also work one-on-one with justice-involved jobseekers with vocational and case management services. This role requires a large degree of independence, a passion for social impact, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate various industries to establish partnerships. This is a full-time position based in the particular Metropolitan area in Missouri, that requires a mix of in-person, local travel, and remote work.

JOB DUTIES:

• Research and identify prospective businesses and industries by conducting independent market research in the assigned metro area.

• Initiate and nurture relationships with key employer stakeholders, including HR professionals, hiring managers, and business owners through networking events, job fairs, industry conferences, and individual meetings.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for a caseload of jobseekers referred to TWA, providing trauma-informed vocational and case management services including intake interviews, employment preparation, written and video resume assistance, interview preparation, and job search counseling.

• Determine potential employment matches for each jobseeker and liaise with employer partners to connect and advocate for jobseekers.

• Conduct regular check-ins with participants once employed, troubleshooting any job-related challenges and providing referrals to other community organizations as necessary.

• Identify and engage with community agencies to establish relationships and formalize mutual referral pipelines.

• Maintain accurate electronic records of outreach activities, partnerships, jobseeker progress, and outcomes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Must have significant experience in business engagement or development, which may include sales and/or recruitment, including demonstrated success in lead generation and relationship building.

• Proven ability to work autonomously, take initiative, and manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including presentation and training skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively and network with a broad range of internal and external partners with a focus on corporate relationships.

• Ability to work patiently and compassionately with individuals facing many challenges concurrently.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and Google Workspace.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and one year of experience OR five years of relevant work experience.

• Must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation throughout employment with the ability to regularly travel throughout the assigned Metropolitan Area (Kansas City, MO) as well as travel to St. Louis once per quarter (mileage is reimbursed).

• Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable volunteer credentials at local jails and prisons throughout employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience serving individuals in reentry or correctional settings such as prisons, jails, or transitional living facilities.

• Experience working with justice-involved individuals in a workforce development context, providing resume assistance and guidance on interviewing and job search skills.

• Experience working directly with persons who have mental health challenges, substance use, cognitive disabilities, or a dual diagnosis.

• Ability to function as a remote member of a team while integrating with the collocation partner agency.

• Qualified justice-involved individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

In-Person/Remote/Work Schedule Expectations:

This is a full-time position based in the particular Metropolitan area of Kansas City, Missouri, that requires a mix of in-person, local travel (Kansas City), and remote work.

Office Location:

This full-time St. Louis University staff position is eligible for SLU's full-time employee benefits package. Please note that the office for this position is located at a partner agency in Kansas City, MO 64109.

This position is being funded by a grant and/or designated source and therefore continuation in the position is contingent upon funding availability.

Function

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.