Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce

Director of Apprenticeships

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce

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Job Summary

This position has day-to-day responsibility for the development and implementation of a regional initiative to expand apprenticeships to help more employers meet their talent needs and more Middle Tennesseans achieve economic mobility. This includes developing a deep understanding of the apprenticeship landscape, building direct pipelines of employers to apprenticeship initiatives such as Apprenticeship U, and identifying opportunities to remove barriers to scaling existing programs or opening new apprenticeships. This position’s primary responsibilities include the development and leadership of a new apprenticeship initiative and the facilitation of stakeholder input into a long-term structure to support continued apprenticeship growth.

Grant-Funded Position: This position is grant-funded. The grant that supports this position expires in June 2026. This position will be assessed upon completion of the grant investment.

Job Responsibilities

  • Leads the development of a regional apprenticeship initiative that increases the availability of talent for local employers and moves Middle Tennesseans to greater economic mobility.
  • Develops deep expertise on the regional apprenticeship ecosystem and creates resources and relational networks that expand knowledge of apprenticeship opportunities in the region.
  • Builds and strengthens employer pipelines to support expanded apprenticeship programs in alignment with Chamber initiatives and resources.
  • Facilitates regional engagement and consensus-building that moves Nashville toward a sustainable apprenticeship model for our unique context.
  • Implements expanded apprenticeship programs, including piloting at least one new initiative or expansion of an existing project such as Apprenticeship U by June 2025.
  • Leverages existing state and local funding sources such as those that currently support Apprenticeship U.
  • Seeks funding opportunities, writes grants for specified projects, and completes grant reporting requirements as requested.
  • Supports the initiatives of the Talent Development Team, Nashville Talent Hub, Nashville Reconnect, and Chamber as requested.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor’s degree required, social science, education, HR/employee development, policy or business preferred; master’s degree a plus
  • Three years of demonstrated experience working with employers, workforce programs, postsecondary educational institutions, and other key stakeholders. Familiarity with apprenticeship programs or initiatives that increase the attainment of degrees or credentials linked to economic mobility is a plus.
  • Proficient in PC functions and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Demonstrated ability to share work with funders and other key stakeholders; experience writing and reporting on grants tracking budgets and reporting outcomes desired but not required.
  • Fiscal responsibilities include managing budgets or funds designed to support an apprenticeship initiative.
  • This position is focused on critical core responsibilities for the department as opposed to project assignments

SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Strategic thinker able to assess a challenge and propose innovative solutions
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to differentiate messages for different stakeholders.
  • Goal-oriented, strong on implementation, ability to take a concept or idea and put it into action.
  • Has decision-making responsibilities within the scope of work

ABILITIES REQUIRED (work characteristics, behaviors, leadership abilities, etc.):

  • Ability to take in and synthesize nuanced and complex information and systems and explain them in ways that are easily understood.
  • Ability to develop relationships and trust with key stakeholders.
  • Ability to champion and build enthusiasm for apprenticeship programs.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work with little supervision

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS:

  • Typically sitting at a desk or table
  • Occasional lifting of light objects (less than 24 pounds)
  • Intermittently walking, standing, bending, and carrying
  • Requires use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations
  • Manual dexterity, visual and auditory acuity needed
  • Some repetitive motion is involved

Additional Information

Benefits

Chamber benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off (PTO policy replaces traditional vacation and sick leave), and 10 paid holidays.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to employment@nashvillechamber.com. 

Details

  • Date Posted: August 28, 2024
  • Type: Full-Time
  • Job Function: Administrative
  • Service Area: Community Development
  • Start Date: 09/30/2024
  • Working Hours: 40 hours per week; M-F 8:00am-5:00pm. This position is in office.