Independent Contractor — Employer Outreach & Partnership Development

TalentBase LLC is seeking an independent contractor to support employer outreach partnership development and community engagement for the Veterans CareerBridge Program. This program connects veterans transitioning service members spouses and dependents with employers across Kern County and prepares them for meaningful employment opportunities.

This is a 1099 contractor role funded through a public workforce development grant. The contractor determines their own schedule tools and outreach methods while meeting defined employer engagement and partnership development targets.

Requirements

Employer Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct outreach to Kern County employers through warm calls email LinkedIn messaging and in-person visits

• Maintain a weekly goal of 57 employer conversations about hiring SkillBridge or internship opportunities

• Build and maintain an active roster of employers interested in participating in Veterans CareerBridge

• Track employer interest follow-up needs and partnership readiness

Partnership Development

• Convert employer conversations into formal commitments letters of support hiring interest or engagement agreements

• Secure 12 employer commitments per month depending on employer readiness and market conditions

• Attend approved community workforce and industry events to promote program awareness and strengthen relationships

• Serve as a program representative during employer site visits orientations or discovery conversations

Information Sessions

• Co-facilitate 12 virtual employer information sessions per month with the Program Director

• Manage employer invitations attendance tracking and follow-up actions

• Capture questions concerns and opportunities raised during sessions

Reporting Insights and Customer Feedback

• Provide weekly activity reports outlining employer conversations outcomes risks and partnership status

• Summarize key employer insights needs and suggestions

• Provide recommendations and solutions to improve employer experience and satisfaction

• Identify employer challenges early and propose corrective strategies

• Maintain a pipeline with an appropriate over-engagement buffer to ensure employer availability for placements and training opportunities

Procurement Instructions Required

Because this contract is funded through a public workforce development grant all applicants must submit:

• A monthly rate quote

• A resume or summary of qualifications

• Confirmation of availability (Dec 2025 Sept 2026)

Applications missing a rate quote cannot be considered. Requirements

• Experience in business development employer engagement outreach or workforce partnerships

• Strong communication skills and comfort engaging with hiring managers and HR leaders

• Ability to co-host employer information sessions and follow up effectively

• Highly organized and able to track outreach metrics activities and outcomes
  

• Familiarity with Kern County industries and workforce needs (preferred)

• Must operate as a 1099 independent contractor

• Must be able to self-manage schedule tools and workflow
  

Benefits

• Independent contractor role (1099)

• Flexible schedule and autonomy to manage workflow

• Full control over outreach methods and relationship development

• Opportunity to support employers and veterans across Kern County

• Ability to contribute strategically to a high-impact community workforce initiative

Required Skills:

Experience in employer outreach business development talent acquisition or workforce engagement Ability to independently manage time relationships and deliverables Strong communication and interpersonal skills; comfort engaging with HR leaders and employers Familiarity with Kern County industries and workforce needs (preferred) Understanding of veteran populations and community-based programs (preferred) Must operate as an independent contractor (1099) not an employee Reliable transportation for employer visits networking events and community meetings Must be able to track and report outreach activities weekly Ability to meet established outreach and engagement goals