Principal Industry Liaison

About Houston-Galveston Area Council 

The Houston-Galveston Area Council is one of the largest regional planning commissions in the country with a diverse service area of 13 counties and more than 7 million people. We are the pulse of our region addressing issues that cross city limits and county lines every single day.  

We make decisions that affect our transportation system, ensure the safety and well-being of our seniors, connect people to jobs, help families recover from natural disasters, preserve water quality for our children, and so much more. We work to make the region a great place to live, work, and thrive. 

What will I be doing?

The Principal Industry Liaison serves as a senior strategic advisor within the workforce development framework, working closely with small business owners and leadership teams to identify and address critical workforce challenges. This position is responsible for cultivating and nurturing high-level partnerships between small enterprises, and workforce development entities, ensuring that small businesses gain access to the resources, talent pipelines, and educational programs necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive economy.

This role is also responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with employers, apprenticeship sponsors, and industry partners to expand opportunities that strengthen the regional workforce. Acting as both a subject matter expert and convener, the Principal Industry Liaison will guide employers through the Registered Apprenticeship process, promote innovative workforce solutions, and represent the Board in regional and statewide initiatives.

Key Qualifications

ü Strategic Industry Engagement: Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with key stakeholders, including small business owners, executives, local chambers of commerce, and industry leaders, to understand and proactively address workforce needs.

ü Workforce Solutions Development: Lead the design and implementation of tailored workforce development initiatives that address the specific challenges faced by small businesses. Provide high-touch consulting services to business owners and HR leaders to enhance workforce productivity, talent acquisition, and employee retention strategies.

ü Partnership Development and Advocacy: Forge and sustain strategic partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and community-based organizations to create a comprehensive ecosystem of workforce solutions that support small businesses. Act as a key advocate for small business needs within the broader workforce development landscape.

ü Registered Apprenticeship programs: Serve as the Board’s subject matter expert on Pre Apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeship Programs by engaging and supporting apprenticeship sponsors to expand and strengthen programs in the region.

ü Technical assistance and guidance: Organize and facilitate apprenticeship-related roundtables, summits, and convenings to connect stakeholders and share best practices and assist employers interested in developing new Registered Apprenticeship programs.

ü Program Management and Oversight: Oversee the implementation of workforce development programs, ensuring that initiatives align with the evolving needs of small businesses. Provide ongoing analysis of program effectiveness, delivering regular reports and insights to senior leadership.

ü Market Research: Conduct thorough market analysis to stay ahead of emerging trends and best practices in small business workforce development. Provide thought leadership and recommendations to guide organizational strategy and policy.

ü Event Leadership and Facilitation: Lead the planning, execution, and facilitation of high-level networking events, seminars, workshops, and forums that bring together small business leaders, workforce development professionals, and other key stakeholders. Attend seminars, conduct industry roundtables and workshops.

ü Data-Driven Decision Making: Lead the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to small business workforce needs, program outcomes, and economic impact. Use data insights to drive continuous improvement and ensure the alignment of initiatives with business goals.

Do you have… 

ü Bachelor’s degree in an applicable academic discipli