Welcome To Support Ontario Youth - Applying For The Employer Engagement Specialist Position

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Relations, the Employer Engagement Specialist is responsible for driving measurable growth in employer participation in our programs and apprenticeship services.

This employer-facing role combines outbound sales with strategic relationship development to expand SOY’s employer network across targeted sectors and geographic regions, positioning our skilled trades programs as practical workforce solutions.

We are seeking a confident and results-oriented relationship builder who is comfortable initiating conversations with business owners and industry leaders and motivated by converting employer interest into active participation. The Specialist balances new employer acquisition with ongoing relationship development, ensuring strong, sustained employer engagement over time and keeping SOY top of mind as a skilled trades workforce resource. Success in this role is defined by employer growth, effective conversion, and continued participation.

Must be a commutable distance to our Etobicoke Head Office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Outbound Sales & Employer Recruitment

Proactively recruit new employer partners through a variety of platforms
Book and conduct employer meetings (virtual and in-person).
Present program benefits confidently and persuasively.
Identify employer workforce needs and position our apprenticeship services as solutions.
Move prospects through the sales cycle and confidently close partnership agreements.
Track and manage a sales pipeline with clear performance targets.

Brand Ambassador & Industry Presence

Represent the organization at industry events, trade shows, job fairs, networking events, and community engagements.
Initiate conversations and build visibility in Construction, Industrial, and Motive Power sectors.
Deliver compelling presentations to employers and stakeholders.
Actively expand referral networks with associations, business groups, and community partners.
Maintain a strong professional presence both in-person and online.

Relationship Management & Growth

Maintain consistent, value-driven communication with employer partners ensuring SOY remains a trusted workforce resource regardless of hiring cycles.
Collaborate with internal teams to align employer hiring needs with participant readiness and program supports.
Document engagement history, hiring outcomes and testimonials, and partnership success stories to support program growth.

Strategic Growth & Accountability

Actively explore sectors and regions showing strong employer traction and provide insight and recommendations to support strategic growth.
Maintain accurate employer outreach and pipeline records, including CRM management and initial partnership setup prior to handoff.
Meet or exceed employer engagement and recruitment targets.

Education & Experience

Post-secondary education in Business, Marketing, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience.
3–5 years of experience in Business development, B2B sales, Employer recruitment, management and Workforce development outreach
Demonstrated success in outbound sales and closing.
Experience in skilled trades or apprenticeship pathways is an asset but not required.
Experience in not-for-profit environments is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Confident and professional communicator, comfortable initiating outreach to business owners and industry leaders.
Demonstrated experience in outbound sales, employer engagement, or business development.
Results-oriented and accountable for meeting defined employer growth targets.
Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to establish credibility across diverse industry sectors.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to track employer outreach and engagement effectively.
Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams.
Professional, adaptable, and solutions-focused in a dynamic environment.
Knowledge of skilled trades and Ontario Apprenticeship programs is an asset.
Intermediate level skills with technology (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint), adapts well to new technologies (i.e., databases, learning management systems, etc.).

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant Ontario legislation and regulations.
Ability to accommodate occasional evening commitments related to employer or apprentice engagement.
Valid G Driver’s licence, reliable vehicle and valid insurance.
Ability to travel within Ontario, including occasional overnight stays.
Ability to lift and carry equipment and supplies up to 20 lbs independently.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Full-time, Monday to Friday schedule with flexibility in daily start and end times.
Hybrid work model with expected travel to the Etobicoke head office, and travel across Ontario for events, meetings if required.
Occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight stays may be required.

Salary: $70,200

How to apply:

Attach a detailed cover letter and resume to be considered for this role.
Assessment must be completed to be considered for this role. Please copy and paste this link: https://jbtmz.me/s/?e=3Roqb4Fd

We will ONLY be in touch with candidates who qualify for the position and complete the assessment. We wish all applicants the best of luck.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible workplace. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all stages of the hiring process.

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