COMMUNITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST III (BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST)

Salary: $35.67 - $48.49 Hourly
Location : City of Long Beach, CA
Job Type: Unclassified - Full-Time, Permanent
Job Number: ED26-015
Department: Economic Development - (UC)
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


DESCRIPTION
The Community:

Idyllically located on the Pacific Coast just south of Los Angeles and adjacent to Orange County, Long Beach is a vibrant city of approximately 450K residents. Known for its diverse and inclusive community, Long Beach features a unique blend of urban sophistication, cultural richness, and coastal charm. The City encompasses about 51 square miles, offering an array of parks, beaches, and recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy mild climate year-round perfect for outdoor activities such as biking, running, water sports, and much more. Long Beach is home to world-class attractions including the Aquarium of the Pacific, the historic Queen Mary, and the annual IndyCar Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Long Beach will be the largest venue city for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.


Long Beach also boasts a thriving economy supported by industries such as aerospace, education, health services, manufacturing, tourism and professional services. With two advanced educational institutions, California State University Long Beach and Long Beach City College, and robust K-12 schools, the City is a hub for learning and innovation. Transportation options abound. The Long Beach and Metro transit systems along with the City's own airport provide convenient access throughout the broader Southern California region. Long Beach is recognized as one of the nation's most walkable and bike-friendly cities.

The City Government:

Long Beach operates as a charter city governed by an elected Mayor and nine City Council members elected by district. The City Manager, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, oversees the daily operations of 15 departments and an FY26 annual budget of approximately $3.7B. The City employs over 6,000 full-time and part-time staff; dedicated to providing exceptional public services with the vast majority being represented by eleven employee associations.

The City of Long Beach fosters an environment where every employee is celebrated for their individuality and unique talents they bring to their role. Reflecting the diversity of the community within the workforce is a key priority embraced at every level of the organization-from management to policy creation. City Leadership actively promotes equity and inclusion by partnering with staff and community stakeholders to advance fairness in all initiatives. Transparency remains a cornerstone of these efforts with demographic data, including workforce diversity and pay equity by race and gender, shared publicly to ensure accountability and progress.

Economic Development & Opportunity:

The Department of Economic Development & Opportunity is an innovative department that leverages Federal, State, and City resources to generate growth in property, sales, and transient occupancy taxes that pay for services citywide. The Department continuously works to implement the recommendations of the Grow Long Beach Economic Blueprint. This comprehensive plan provides policy recommendations and will further Long Beach as an innovative ecosystem that lays a foundation for entrepreneurial success from business start-up to growth.

The Department has approximately 90 employees with five bureaus: Business Development, Business Operations, Real Estate Development, Waterfront Development, and Workforce Development. The Department's mission is to create economic opportunities for workers, investors, and entrepreneurs with an annual budget of over $31 million from eight different City funds.

To learn more about the Department visit:


Position Summary:

The City of Long Beach Economic Development Department has an opening for a Community Program Specialist III (Business Engagement Specialist) in the Business Development Bureau in direct support of the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN). LBWIN connects adults, youth, and businesses to opportunities-job seekers to employment, and businesses to skilled workers.


The Business Engagement Specialist builds relationships with local employers, conducts business needs assessments, and provides workforce program assistance to local business partners. The position will report to the Business Engagement Supervisor, and works collaboratively on business engagement efforts. The position will work closely with business development staff to connect and bridge workforce and business solutions between employees and employers to assist businesses in the City's five industry sectors: Logistics and goods movement; healthcare; aerospace and aviation; education; and the creative economy (arts, tourism). This position will also work with the City's small businesses to support their workforce needs.

The position will work closely with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult and Youth Program teams to support implementation of LBWIN workforce programs. This position will support the implementation of the LBWIN's Work Experience (WEX) and On the Job Training (OJT) programs. The position will act as primary point of contact for businesses enrolling as worksites and be responsible for processing all business enrollments, conducting site visits, maintaining the database of WEX and OJT worksites, and maintaining ongoing communication with active worksite locations to address any issues and solicit feedback.


The position requires local travel throughout the organization's service area, including locations in Long Beach and Signal Hill. The position offers a hybrid schedule with one remote workday per week and the possibility for an alternate work schedule.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops relationships and partnerships with local employers in support of WIOA program goals;
• Works with chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, council district office, industry associations, and community organizations to promote program and strengthen regional workforce initiatives.
• Conducts employer needs assessments and connects employers with relevant WIOA program and business development resources;
• Supports recruitment for employers hiring workforce customers including promotional support, coordination of recruitment events (when applicable), resume screening, and other relevant services;
• Assists in planning job fairs, employer roundtables, industry panels, hiring events, and workforce workshops; coordinates logistics and employer participation.
• Collects data from employers to inform WIOA services and better connect customers with quality career opportunities;
• Curates job leads from local employers to support job placement for current customers;
• Support the recruitment of employers to job fair events and provide staff support during events;
• Support WIOA Rapid Response efforts providing services to employers facing mass layoffs as well as WIOA Layoff Aversion services Markets WIOA development services, conducts public presentations, and represents the Long Beach and LBWIN Career Center(s) at public meetings and events;
• Markets WIOA development services and conducts public presentations, and represents the Long Beach and LBWIN Career Center(s) at public meetings and events.
• Lead team efforts to recruit new and renew returning partners for WIOA, Work Experience (WEX), On the Job Training (OJT), and internship programs. Assist all worksites to sign new or renew contracts, conduct site visits, and provide supervisor orientations;
• Coordinates employer participation in training programs, including OJT contract development, reimbursement processes, and performance tracking.
• Maintain Worksite database with all approved employers including employer name, address, contact information, job descriptions, requirements, available positions, and number of requested positions, etc.;
• Maintain ongoing communications with worksites including: notification of WEX and OJT placements and regular check-ins for feedback or to address any issues;
• Maintains accurate employer engagement records in CalJOBS and internal systems; prepares reports on employer activity, placements, and outcomes.
• Uses CRM systems, workforce databases, and digital communication tools to track employer interactions and streamline service delivery.
• Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, or closely related field (experience offering specific and substantial preparation of duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis);
  AND
• Minimum of two (2) years of recent full-time professional experience offering specific and substantial preparation of duties of the position in the public or private sector. A Master's Degree in Business, Public Administration, or closely related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required professional experience (Proof Required);*
• Possess valid California driver's license;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and procedures; Maintain accurate records and files;
• Ability to work independently and/or as part of a team;
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, including employers, adult residents, dislocated workers and youth, by consistently exercising tact, good judgment and a proactive, problem-solving focused communication style.
• Ability to learn, interpret, retain, and communicate technical and complex information, terminology, policies and procedures related to grant programs and compliance;
• Ability to research and analyze data using a systematic and logical approach;
• Ability to operate office equipment including computers, printers and copiers as well as the word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, database and program specific applications;
• Ability to type and enter data accurately.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in Spanish, Khmer or Tagalog;
• Experience working in Business Engagement, Business Development, Business Support programs, or Sales or Recruiting, with employer-facing outreach experience and an understanding of business needs is highly desirable . Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, client acquisition experience, the ability to promote services to external partners, and a solid understanding of employer needs and business operations.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs services;
• Meeting team goals in a collaborative manner and with a sense of eagerness to assist job seekers and employers;
• Proactive solution-oriented mindset with positive attitude to navigate challenges;
• Excellent customer service including acute listening skills to identify business gaps and matching potential City and partners resources to gaps;
• Industry expertise, or knowledge, in one or two of the following sectors: Healthcare; Information Technology; Construction & Utilities; Hospitality & Retail; Aerospace/Aviation/Space; Transportation, Distribution and Logistics; or Advanced Manufacturing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE
This recruitment will close at 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must submit an online application, applicants must submit a cover letter that reflects the scope and level of your current/most recent positions and responsibilities, resume, and proof of education (if qualifying with a degree and applicable to position) in PDF format. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements, including submission of all required attachments, will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures. The selected candidate may be required to go through a background check and a physical examination prior to appointment. For questions regarding this recruitment, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io.


The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender.

The City 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 City 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


The City of Long Beach is committed to maintaining fairness and transparency in our hiring practices. We believe in providing equal opportunities to all applicants and ensuring that every applicant is evaluated based on their qualifications and merit. If you believe that you have been unjustly disqualified based on minimum qualifications for an unclassified job opportunity, you have the right to appeal the decision. Find out more about the Unclassified Applicant Appeal Process by visiting Applicant Appeal Process (longbeach.gov).

The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.


For technical support with your governmentjobs.com application, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Employee Benefits
The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally. As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)
• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave
• Deferred Compensation
• Credit Union Membership
• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).
01



INSTRUCTIONS: The purpose of these supplemental questions is to derive more specific information about the qualifications of applicants for this position. Applicants must clearly demonstrate their qualifying experience. These questions will serve as the basis for qualifying candidates for advancement into the selection process. Be specific and detailed in your response. Resumes should be attached but may not be substituted in lieu of the required application forms (i.e., response should NOT state "see resume"). The application, supplemental questionnaire, and attachments must be completed and received by the filing deadline. Proof of any required documents must be uploaded to the online application. Do you understand the instructions for completing and submitting the application, supplemental questionnaire, and required documents for this job that you are applying for?

• Yes
• No

02



MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Do you hold a bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university? Candidates may substitute experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

• Yes, I have a bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university, and I understand that if qualifying with a degree, I need to attach proof of degree at time of application submission.
• No, I do not possess a bachelor's degree but I have at least four (4) years of related professional experience to substitute the educational requirement.
• No, I do not possess a bachelor's degree AND I do not have the additional years of related professional experience to substitute the educational requirement.

03



Experience in Lieu of Degree Experience offering specific and substantial preparation of duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. If no degree, please describe any potentially qualifying years of post-secondary education towards a degree and any potentially qualifying experience. Please include relevant field(s) of study, job title(s), start dates, and end dates for any experience that might qualify you in lieu of a four-year degree.
04



Industry Expertise or Knowledge: Please describe in detail any experience or expertise in the sectors listed: Healthcare; Information Technology; Construction & Utilities; Hospitality & Retail; Aerospace/Aviation/Space; Transportation, Distribution and Logistics; or Advanced Manufacturing.
05


Please describe any experience working in Business Engagement, Business Development, or Business Support programs and how it has contributed to your understanding of business needs.
06


Do you have a valid California motor vehicle operator license?

• Yes
• No

07


The application process for this position requires that you attach: (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume, (3) proof of education (degrees or transcripts). Did you attach all three of these documents?

• Yes
• No

08



REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS NOTICE: I understand that required documents, such as resumes, cover letters, degrees, transcripts, certificates, or licenses, must be uploaded to my online application in PDF format at the time of filing. I also understand that any proofs submitted must contain either my name or other identifying characteristic on the form, that proof of education for academic degrees must indicate degree conferral, and that proof of education for degrees or units outside the United States must include proof of educational equivalency.

• Yes
• No

09



CERTIFICATION STATEMENT: I hereby certify that all information provided in my online application, including the Supplemental Questionnaire, is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that the department may contact my current and past employers or educators to verify the information that I have provided in my application. I understand that any falsification or omission of material facts disqualifies me from further consideration for this recruitment. To certify the above statement, please type your full name below.
Required Question