The Business Solutions Specialist is responsible for developing relationships with employers and securing employment, externship, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities for clients served through Goodwill Central Texas programs. This position serves as a primary liaison between job seekers and businesses, working to understand employers’ workforce needs, promoting Goodwill's services, and connecting qualified candidates with employment that supports long-term career success. Success in this role is measured by employer engagement, opportunities secured, sustainable job wages, and long-term retention outcomes.
Role and Responsibilities
Business Development & Outreach: Proactively identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with local employers throughout Central Texas to secure job leads, internships, externships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities for GCT clients, graduates of GCTA, and The Excel Center.
Employer Engagement: Engage with employers to learn and assess their workforce needs, hiring challenges, and desired candidate qualifications. Present tailored solutions that align employer objectives with the talent pipeline of our participants, serving as a supportive resource throughout the recruitment, interview, and retention process.
Networking & Labor Market Awareness: Build and maintain a strong network of employers and key industry contacts. Attend hiring events, job fairs, networking events, workforce forums, and employer meetings to continuously expand partnerships and maintain an acute awareness of local labor market trends.
Advocacy: Advocate on behalf of Goodwill’s target populations by educating Central Texas employers on the benefits of hiring from diverse, underrepresented groups and promoting equitable employment opportunities.
Client-Employer Matching: Assess participant skills, experience, interests, and job readiness to facilitate optimal, strategic placements that meet the specific needs of both the candidate and the employer.
Client Support & Career Coaching: Guide participants through the job search, application, and interview process. Provide resume support, interview preparation, and employment coaching to enhance success in securing and retaining employment, while monitoring progress for continued career advancement.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal programs—including Workforce Advancement, Mission Services, The Excel Center, and Goodwill Career and Technical Academy—to reach participant placement goals. Share employer feedback and hiring trends with internal teams to support program improvement.
Data Management & Performance Tracking: Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records of employers, clients, job leads, interviews, and placements within designated databases. Track and report key performance metrics, ensuring monthly placement targets, success metrics, and program reporting standards are consistently met.
Other Duties as Assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Services, Workforce Development, Communications, Marketing, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in business development, job placement, workforce development, recruiting, staffing, sales, social services, or a related field.
- Demonstrated understanding of how to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong ability to develop professional business relationships, deliver excellent customer service, and negotiate potential contracts/opportunities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database tracking systems.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage, influence, and present to external business partners and stakeholders.
- Strong time management and organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of Goodwill services, workforce development resources, and community assets, paired with solid networking skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle moderate levels of stress.
Travel & Schedule Flexibility:
- Frequent local travel is required to meet with employers, attend workforce and community events, and support business engagement activities.
- Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to attend networking events, hiring events, employer functions, client graduations, and other business-related activities.
- Valid driver’s license and proof of valid insurance are required.
Physical Requirements
- Desk & Computer Work: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Physical Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and communicating with others during community events, job fairs, and employer site visits.
- Lifting: Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
- Mental Stamina: Ability to tolerate moderate levels of stress and successfully manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Vision: Specific vision abilities required for this role include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Goodwill Central Texas is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all Team Members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Background Check Requirement:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check. This may include verification of employment history, education, criminal background, and other information relevant to the position.
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Goodwill Central Texas Austin, Texas, USA Office
1015 Norwood Park Blvd, Austin, Texas, United States, 78753 6608
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