Job Title: Regional Employer Coordinator

Organization: Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR)

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Eastern KY

Reports To: EKY Talent Network Manager

The Regional Employer Coordinator will serve as a key connector between employers and career-ready talent across Eastern Kentucky. The position is funded through the EDA Recompete Grant and plays a critical role in advancing SOAR's mission to build a stronger Eastern Kentucky.

This role will lead employer outreach efforts within the EKY Talent Network, working directly with companies to identify workforce needs and align them with qualified talent. This role is highly relationship-driven and field-based, requiring consistent in-person engagement with employers, partners, and communities across the region.

The Regional Employer Coordinator will not only connect employers to talent, but also serve as a bridge to training providers, workforce partners, and capacity-building programs, ensuring that both current and future workforce needs are met.

This is an in-office position reporting to one of SOAR's main or satellite offices within the region. Significant travel throughout Eastern Kentucky is required.

Responsibilities:

Employer Outreach + Relationship Development:

• 
  Lead proactive outreach to employers across the region to identify job opportunities and workforce needs
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with companies, serving as a strategic workforce partner
• Maintain a consistent field presence, engaging with employers and conducting in-person visits regularly
• Represent SOAR professional in all external engagements

Talent Alignment + Workforce Strategy:

• Identify and document current and future hiring needs to align with the EKY Talent Network pipeline
• Match employer needs with career-ready talent within the Talent Network
• Collaborate with internal SOAR team members to ensure talent is prepared and aligned with employer expectations

Partnership + Ecosystem Coordination:

• Collaborate with SOAR team members to connect employers to training programs and workforce initiatives
• Serve as a connection point between employers and regional partners, including training providers and workforce organizations
• Support broader workforce ecosystem efforts that strengthen employer capacity and talent pipelines

Field Intelligence + Opportunity Identification:

• Research employment trends, job openings, and industry needs across the region
• Identify emerging opportunities for job creation and workforce development
• Provide insights to inform outreach strategy and program alignment

Data Management + Reporting:

• Utilize HubSpot (CRM) to track employer engagement, opportunities, and outcomes
• Maintain accurate and timely records of employer interactions and job opportunities
• Support reporting requirements tied to the EDA Recompete Grant and internal performance metrics

Community Presence + Engagement:

• Maintain high visibility in the community through events, meetings, and on-the-ground engagement
• Build relationships that extend beyond transactions to long-term partnership development
• Serve as a visible and trusted representative of SOAR in the region

Expectations + Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong ability to build trust and rapport
• Demonstrated ability to identify and engage marginalized populations
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail
• Passion for connecting people to meaningful employment
• Natural curiosity and drive to uncover new opportunities
  
• Comfortable with extensive travel within the project service territory
• Experience with CRM systems (HubSpot preferred) and data reporting
• Strong interest in increasing prosperity in Eastern Kentucky communities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Regular and reliable attendance required
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Must be able to handle prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or standing at an event
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time when necessary

Culture and Core Values:

SOAR’s mission is simple: empower every Eastern Kentuckian to economic self-sufficiency through meaningful employment.

Our team culture is anchored by putting the interest of Eastern Kentucky first in all that we do. We believe treating others the way we want to be treated is always within our control. Our core values include faith, grit, selflessness, integrity, and empathy. We do our best to exemplify these daily in our interactions with others and with external partners.

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SOAR is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.