Melissa Skardoutos

• Supervise and lead the Business Service Team in various initiatives, including employer events, job matching, and building new employer connections to meet diverse job seeker needs
• Attend key events, join relevant associations, and attend networking events at local employers and community partners
• Offer monthly educational webinars for employers focusing on training grant opportunities and reimbursement programs to fund incumbent and new hire training
• Conduct monthly performance strategy sessions with leadership and the Director of Operations to discuss program goals and update strategies
• Collect and analyze labor market information and data trends to develop recruitment strategies for employers and job seekers
• Provide monthly employer success stories for the local newsletter and quarterly progress reports to our funding source
• Outreach and support for special project activities
• Develop career information and educational pathways to support the skill needs of the regional economy
• Attend Industry Partnership, Chamber of Commerce meetings, and economic development planning sessions
• Collaborate with strategic partners to implement workforce solutions and address community workforce challenges
• Serve as the direct contact for WIOA partners working with job seekers.
• Maintain all duties of the Coordinator role

Attend recruitment and networking events to expand professional connections and opportunities.

• Organize and facilitate fact-finding sessions with local businesses to assess needs, present resources, tools, and potential funding available.
• Partner with community groups, business organizations, chambers of commerce, and educational institutions to facilitate valuable outcomes for employers and the community.
• Collaborate with local economic development partners at MEDC to maintain rapport and establish leads for mutual benefit.
• Engage in grant writing, analysis, and maintenance to secure funding and support program initiatives.
• Actively recruit and nurture relationships with businesses to showcase how SEMCA Michigan Works! can address talent and workforce development needs.
• Maintain a portfolio of at least 840 unique contacts annually through various communication channels.
• Monitor and evaluate contractual measures and outcomes, aligning personal goals with organizational objectives.
• Organize and lead monthly meetings to set expectations, address challenges, and develop strategies for continuous improvement.
• Supervise and provide weekly job leads scorecards, highlighting opportunities tailored to individual program participants and job seekers.
• Facilitate direct communication between SEMCA Michigan Works!, key economic development organizations, businesses, and educational institutions.
• Collaborate with program managers within the American Job Center to ensure cohesive communication and service delivery.
• Develop and refine internal processes to optimize contributions across departments, benefiting job seekers and funding sources.
• Lead negotiations, drafting, and implementation of various wage reimbursement programs and community service contracts to support workforce development initiatives.

• Researched, identified, and established relationships with local business organizations to support workforce development initiatives
• Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to design and implement effective employment and training programs
• Managed project budgets, monitored financial performance, and provided regular reports to stakeholders
• Utilized Salesforce database to maintain accurate records and track progress towards departmental goals
• Supervised talent recruitment efforts and facilitated job fairs to connect job seekers with employment opportunities.

• Established and maintained a strong customer base through proactive outreach and effective sales strategies
• Educated customers on products and services, demonstrating strong product knowledge and sales expertise
• Negotiated sales transactions and followed up with customers to ensure satisfaction and build long-term relationships
• Managed multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets.