AttainmentNC Special Project Lead

The Industrial Commons AttainmentNC Special Project Lead Reports To: Director of Workforce Development and Burke County Educational Attainment Collaborative Department/Location: Workforce Development | On-Site, Burke County, NC Job Type: Full-Time Salaried Exempt About The Industrial Commons: The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC, that founds and grows interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers and manufactures hope for the people of Southern Appalachia. Our mission is to rebuild a diverse working class based on locally rooted wealth. We address root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers to build an economy for all through our four fields of Workforce Development, Community Engagement, Business Development and Network Development. TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Job Overview: This role is currently grant‑funded through participation in AttainmentNC. Funding for Employment is for 24 months, pending procurement of additional funds to extend project term. The AttainmentNC Special Project Lead serves as the primary day‑to‑day leader and operational backbone for the county’s participation in AttainmentNC, a business model developed and stewarded by myFutureNC to advance career‑ and employer‑connected learning and postsecondary attainment. This role is responsible for building on the existing collaborative work throughout Burke County, coordinating cross‑sector partners, managing creation and execution of the county’s Local Educational Attainment Plan, and ensuring consistent progress toward shared goals related to employer‑led pathways, engagement of priority and untapped talent populations, career-connected learning, and long‑term sustainability. The Project Lead must function as a neutral convener and trusted intermediary among all county-level leaders involved in the education-to-workforce continuum, exercising the authority, credibility, and judgement required to align employers, education systems, workforce organizations, and community partners around common outcomes. Essential Responsibilities & Functions ● Lead and coordinate cross-sector partnerships among education, workforce, employer, government, and community stakeholders to support local workforce and attainment goals. ● Facilitate implementation of strategic workforce and education initiatives aligned with community priorities and employer needs. ● Develop and maintain employer, community, and institutional partnerships to strengthen career pathways and workforce opportunities. ● Coordinate program activities, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative efforts to support participant success and measurable outcomes. ● Monitor program progress, maintain required documentation, and prepare reports to ensure accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement. ● Support sustainability efforts through resource development, strategic alignment, and long-term partnership cultivation. ● Represent the organization in regional and statewide meetings, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives. Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience ● 3-5 years of experience + Bachelor's degree required OR 10 years experience + Bachelor's degree preferred ● Experience in workforce development, education, economic development, public administration, or a related field preferred. ● Experience managing partnerships and collaborating across organizations, sectors, or community stakeholders. ● Strong project coordination, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively in

collaborative environments. ● Knowledge of workforce systems, career pathways, education partnerships, or employer engagement preferred. ● Familiarity with North Carolina workforce, education, or economic development systems preferred. Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to occasionally lift 15 lbs-50 lbs.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position with computer work.
• Must be able to move about various office environments to access office machinery,

products, and to communicate with staff.

• Ability to travel frequently across the region, including some overnight stays
• Ability to perceive, receive, and interpret information communicated in written, printed,

digital, and spoken formats, including in person, by phone, and through virtual settings. Salary and Benefits ● Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated range of starting between $70,000-$80,000 based on experience. ● Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays. Salary is commensurate on experience. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject line “Attainment NC Special Projects Lead”