Employer Engagement Specialist

We don’t have a mold for you to fit. We have a mission for you to join!

Most jobs want you to button up and blend in. At Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), we want the opposite. We want the unique perspectives, the diverse talents, and the personal story that makes you who you are. Why? Because the youth we serve are not one size fits all and the people who support them shouldn’t be either!

At YOU, we believe meaningful impact is built collectively, and that every role contributes to something bigger than itself. We value your ability to bring fresh ideas to the table and innovate new ways to steward and strengthen the financial systems that power our mission, working within a team that walks alongside youth every step of the way!

Build a community where youth are embraced, empowered, and thrive. Be bold. Be authentic. Be YOU

Reporting to the Manager, Youth Employment, the Employer Engagement Specialist will be responsible for cultivating relationships with businesses in London and Middlesex County, with the aim of providing youth with job placement, volunteer hours and training experience. Additionally, the role will contain elements of community engagement, project management, and administrative support. Qualified candidates have sales experience, possess strong communication and relationship management / customer service skills, works well in a fast paced and dynamic environment, and hold values that support our corporate vision of being “A community where youth are embraced and will thrive”

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop strategies with businesses to create opportunities for youth engaged in YOU programming
• Maintain an active network, as supplied by the Manager, Youth Employment, that will offer youth job placements and training opportunities
• Outreach to employers to identify opportunities in the hidden job market
• Build hiring programs with large corporate partners
• Work with industry associations, economic development organizations, and business improvement associations to promote our services
• Match youth with employment placement opportunities and allocate corresponding financial incentives for employers
• Supports recruitment efforts by attending networking events, and representing YOU through community presentations / events
• Liaise with YOU staff, community partners, and agencies
• Coordinate, host and facilitate special events or workshops for employers and community partners

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree/diploma or related work experience in Business Development or Sales
• Proven ability to work in a target driven work environment and meet deadlines
• Ability to build relationships, negotiate, manage conflict and employ youth in London and Middlesex County
• Ability to establish rapport with employers to create engagement with YOU and evoke passion for youth advancement and growth
• Strong case management and organizational skills; able to manage budgets, perform data entry tasks with accuracy
• Knowledge of London and Middlesex County local labour market
• Prior experience working with a diverse youth population, including persons from diverse cultural backgrounds, LGBTQ2S groups, youth affected by poverty, mental health, justice, addictions and homelessness an asset
• Ability to balance employer needs while handling multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 as well as other software programs are required
• Flexibility in scheduling to meet program needs including evenings and weekends
• Access to own transportation required
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check for youth population

Hours of Work

• 35 hours per week, flexible scheduling depending on programming needs
• Weekend and evening work required, including special events and networking

Location: This position is based across our London and Strathroy locations, with travel between sites as required.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion:

YOU is actively building a diverse board and workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, we promote employment equity and encourage candidates from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, women, and other people from communities facing systemic inequities. We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications. We encourage you to apply even if you feel the position would be a stretch.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited is committed to developing inclusive and barrier free selection and appointment processes as well as work environments, in support of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation 191/11. Should an applicant require accommodation at any point during the recruitment process or as an employee during subsequent employment, they are invited to communicate and discuss their requirements at hr@you.ca

We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.