WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Full Job Description

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER)

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: $50.29 - $68.44

ABOUT US:

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship.

Credited with moving approximately $300 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center.

East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the country.

THE TEAM:

The Government Relations Division leads the charge in building powerful connections between the Port of Long Beach and key decision-makers, whether elected officials, legislative staff, agency leaders, or appointed officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

The Division also oversees the Port’s education and workforce development programming to connect students and workers with a number of training and job opportunities in the supply chain.

With a sharp focus on shaping the future, the Government Relations Division goes beyond just outreach, offering expert legislative analysis and advocacy to push the Port's initiatives forward.

Their mission? To champion the Port's vital programs and secure the funding needed to keep it thriving and ahead of the curve!

THE ROLE:

Reporting to the Manager of Workforce Development, the Workforce Development Officer plays a key role in advancing the Port’s mission by supporting innovative education and workforce initiatives that inspire and prepare the next generation of port professionals.

This dynamic role involves engaging directly with schools, labor organizations, community groups, and public agencies to help implement impactful programs that build pathways to port-related careers.

The Officer helps cultivate strategic partnerships with educational institutions, unions, and employers to develop career-focused training opportunities, including internships, pre-apprenticeships, and workforce readiness programs.

With a strong community presence and a passion for equity in economic opportunity, the Officer serves as an ambassador for the Port’s values, connecting people, programs, and purpose to help drive regional economic growth and talent development.

Requirements

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Provide guidance and day-to-day supervision, supporting task delegation, coaching, and development over the Port’s education and workforce development programs; assists the Manager with oversight of consultants, contractors, and project partners involved in education and workforce development initiatives; Work collaboratively with the Workforce Development Specialist, who also reports to the Manager of Workforce Development
• Lead the development and delivery of engaging community outreach, educational tours, and presentations that promote public awareness of Port initiatives and foster a positive community image.
• Lead and participate in meetings and activities with state and federal workforce boards as a representative of the Port, supporting alignment with regional and national workforce goals
• Assist in the development and coordination of K–12 education programs, including curriculum support, school partnerships, and student engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate district-wide school engagement efforts in collaboration with the Manager, supporting scholarship, internship, and career pathway programs.
• Participate in the scholarship program review panel, providing input during evaluation and selection processes.
• Lead and coordinate logistics and partner engagement for the Summer High School Internship Program, working closely with school districts and workforce boards to ensure successful execution.
• Assists with identifying and supporting grant opportunities, including tracking deliverables, gathering data, and contributing to proposal development in collaboration with the Manager.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, educators, and consultants to enhance the educational value and public understanding of Port operations through innovative programming and community-based learning.
• Support the Port’s participation in the Goods Movement Workforce Training Facility Planning Committee for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
• Monitor workforce-related legislation and collaborate with Government Relations staff and legislative advocates to assess potential impacts on Port initiatives.
• Help maintain strong partnerships with educational institutions, labor organizations, and training providers to support workforce pipeline development.
• Contribute to workforce development efforts, including Career Technical Education (CTE), internships, and pre-apprenticeship programs by coordinating resources and partner engagement.
• Lead and assist in planning and executing Port special events, ensuring effective community engagement and educational alignment.
• Support budget monitoring for education and workforce programs, ensuring expenditures align with approved allocations and financial tracking requirements.
• Manage, track, and report on program metrics to help evaluate the success of education and workforce initiatives and support continuous improvement.
• Contribute to developing communications materials, including flyers, videos, and strategic messaging for workforce-related campaigns and initiatives.
• Support brand consistency in workforce and education program outreach, ensuring alignment with the Port’s identity and values.
• Lead the logistics coordination for special events, workshops, and stakeholder meetings, managing invitations, materials, and follow-ups.
• Maintain organized records and prepare clear, timely, accurate reports, correspondence, and documentation to support program needs.
• Assist in analyzing administrative and program data, helping to evaluate solutions and recommend improvements to workflows or program delivery.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration across Port divisions, community groups, consultants, and partners.
• Participate in internal and external committees, working groups, and task forces as directed by the Manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business, Communications, Public Relations, Education, Marketing, Social Sciences, or a related field is required.

Experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education.

A minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in workforce development, education policy, government relations, communications, public affairs, or a closely related field is required.

At least two years of supervisory experience is required.

Direct experience in managing and grant-funded programs, as well as familiarity with grant seeking.

Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays, along with extended hours

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• Education and workforce development experience required.
• Must be able to analyze and make sound recommendations on educational, workforce development, community relations, and public affairs issues and assignments.
• Must be able to represent the Port effectively and professionally in public settings and on various issues, both in-person and in an online virtual space.
• Must be able to generate interest and convey messages through persuasive writing and speaking.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills, with expertise in business communication (spelling, grammar, punctuation).
• Experience in administrative methods, budgeting, procurement, and brand management strategies.
• Must have high-level organizational and planning skills so that workflow is managed efficiently and accurately; must be able to take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Must be comfortable speaking clearly and knowledgeably about the Port in public and to a crowd
• Ability to correspond and handle inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, representing the Port professionally in diverse situations.

DESIRABLE:

A Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Communications, Public Relations, or a closely related field is desirable.

Local government experience is highly desired.

Second language speaking ability is desirable but not required.

Knowledge of the political and community issues affecting the Port is a plus.

Additional Information

To thrive, you will need strong negotiation skills, political savvy, excellent client/customer relations skills, and exceptional public speaking/presentation skills.

You must also establish and maintain effective working relationships with various employees, vendor representatives, officials, and Port management.

If you require accommodation because of a disability to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please call (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com.

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.

You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer.

If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/.

The final filing date for this recruitment is Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume as PDFs with your application. Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.

The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications.

Individuals most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

First and second-round panel interviews are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (In-person), and final-round interviews will take place the week of April 13, 2026 (in-person).

Additionally, this position will require completion of an on-site writing assessment before the second round of interviews. Candidates should ensure they are available on both dates.

The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. An employment offer is contingent on the completion of a comprehensive background check and reference checks.

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visitinghttps://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance actorhttps://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an hourly salary range of $50.29 - $68.44 (placement depends on qualifications). An attractive package of benefits is included with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States:

• Retirement– CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with Social Security. Current member contributions are 8.00% for CalPERS and 6.2% for Social Security, paid by the employee.
• Group Health Insurance– Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.

Vacation– Vacation is accrued at the equivalent of two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service.

An employee’s vacation accrual may be adjusted upon hire to provide credit for previous full-time employment at a public service agency.

Credit for public service shall only be given for completed years of service as a full-time permanent employee. Public Service credit shall not apply to any other benefits.

• Sick Leave– Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement into cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave– After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays– 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Education Reimbursement – Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness– As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

529 college savings plan– The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union.

Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S.

college or university – or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. www.polb.com