The Workforce Development and Inclusion Specialist serves as a strategic program lead responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating enterprise workforce development and belonging and inclusion initiatives. This role independently manages complex programs, builds cross-functional relationships, and uses data to drive decision-making and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, strong collaborator, and influential partner who leads initiatives that strengthen OU Health’s workforce pipeline, support inclusive culture, and advance the organization’s goal of remaining Oklahoma’s Employer of Choice.
*** This position may also be filled at the Senior Level if Minimum Qualifications are met***
Essential Responsibilities:
Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities, with or without an accommodation, may result in disqualification from the position.
- Serve as the operational lead for key Workforce Development and Belonging & Inclusion programs, owning end-to-end program execution and continuous improvement.
- Support the Director in defining, operationalizing, and communicating the Workforce Development & Belonging and Inclusion strategy.
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives that strengthen workforce pathways and advance belonging and inclusion across the enterprise.
- Lead the daily operations and strategic execution of workforce development programs (Healthcare Career Explorers, MHA Fellows, Internships, etc.), ensuring high-quality participant experience and strong outcomes.
- Build and manage partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, schools, and industry groups to strengthen engagement and expand access to careers in healthcare.
- Provide advanced governance support for OU Health Belonging Networks, including alignment to enterprise B&I strategy, impact measurement, and leadership guidance.
- Serve as a liaison between Belonging Network leaders and executive sponsors, supporting visibility, influence, and strategic alignment.
- Promote workforce development and inclusion programs through communications, presentations, and employee engagement strategies.
- Lead data collection, analysis, and insight development to measure program effectiveness, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.
- Identify opportunities for process optimization, scalability, and enhanced efficiency within workforce and inclusion programs.
- Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and recommendations to senior leaders.
- Provide informal leadership, subject matter expertise, and guidance to Workforce Development & Inclusion Specialists, coordinators, or interns as appropriate.
- Manage complex, cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives with minimal supervision.
- Complete ad hoc and special projects based on organizational needs.
General Responsibilities:
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Experience: At least 5 years of experience in Human Resources, Talent Development, Workforce Development, Education, Community Engagement or a related field required.
License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required:
SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification at the time of hire or attainment within 12 months of hire.
Senior Level Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Experience: At least 5 years of experience in Human Resources, Talent Development, Workforce Development, Education, Community Engagement or a related field required.
License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required:
SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification at the time of hire or attainment within 12 months of hire.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- In-depth understanding of workforce development and inclusion principles, with the ability to apply them in an organizational setting.
- Ability to envision and communicate the strategic vision for the department.
- High cultural competency with the ability to navigate and appreciate different perspectives and backgrounds.
- Maintain high emotional intelligence to support employees in sensitive situations.
- Strong executive presence that inspires and drive organizational change.
- Remains current on industry trends, best practices, and emergent issues related to Workforce Development and Inclusion.
- Effective project management skills to plan and execute.
- Proficient in data analysis and interpretation to assess the impact of workforce development and inclusion initiatives.
- Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to build strong relationships and work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Exhibits follow-through and meets deadlines effectively and efficiently.
- Know how to advocate and address employee-related challenges (bias, discrimination, etc.) with solid conflict resolution skills.
- Knows how to think proactively and use critical thinking skills to develop innovative and creative solutions to overcome organizational barriers.
- Ability to develop quick turn-around, practical recommendations based on data and research to inform strategic decisions.
- Excellent and practical oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information in an approachable manner.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field
- At least 5 years of experience in Human Resources, Talent Development, Workforce Development, Education, Community Engagement, or a related field
- SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification at hire or attainment within 12 months of hire
- In-depth understanding of workforce development and inclusion principles
- Project management skills for planning and executing initiatives
- Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation
- Strong stakeholder collaboration, relationship-building, and executive communication skills
- Conflict resolution, cultural competency, emotional intelligence, and ability to address employee-related challenges
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
What We Do
OU Health is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics and centers of excellence. With 11,000 employees and more than 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, OU Health is home to Oklahoma’s largest doctor network with a complete range of specialty care. OU Health serves Oklahoma and the region with the state’s only freestanding children’s hospital, the only National Cancer Institute-Designated OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center and Oklahoma’s flagship hospital, which serves as the state’s only Level 1 trauma center. Becker’s Hospital Review named University of Oklahoma Medical Center one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America for 2020. OU Health’s oncology program at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center was named Oklahoma’s top facility for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report in its 2020-21 rankings. OU Health also was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in these specialties: Colon Surgery, COPD and Congestive Heart Failure. OU Health’s mission is to lead healthcare in patient care, education and research.
