Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking a Training & Communications Specialist with demonstrated experience designing and delivering public-sector training, outreach, and implementation guidance for compliance-driven programs. This role is critical to ensuring that M-NCPPC internal staff, vendors, and external stakeholders clearly understand and consistently apply the Local/Small Business Preference Program (Phase 1) and the MBE Preference Program (Phase 2).

The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of instructional design, stakeholder communications, and change enablement experience, particularly in environments where new policies, regulations, or program rules must be operationalized across diverse audiences. This role is not purely instructional; it directly supports program adoption, risk reduction, and implementation success by translating complex policy and regulatory requirements into accessible, accurate, and actionable training and communications materials.

This position is well suited for professionals with experience in supplier diversity programs, procurement training, workforce or compliance training, or government program rollout communications, who are comfortable working independently while coordinating closely with program leadership and subject matter experts.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Training & Communications Specialist supports Training and Materials, with direct linkage to Phase 1 program adoption and Phase 2 MBE outreach and implementation readiness. The Specialist is responsible for developing, refining, and delivering training content and communications that ensure stakeholders understand program purpose, eligibility requirements, compliance expectations, and operational impacts.

This role requires a detail-oriented, organized professional who can synthesize regulatory and program design inputs from subject matter experts and convert them into clear training curricula, workshop materials, job aids, FAQs, slide decks, and written guidance. The Specialist must be capable of tailoring content for multiple audiences, including procurement staff, internal program administrators, vendors, and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is self-directed, responsive, and comfortable working in an evolving environment where materials are refined as program decisions are finalized. The role directly supports risk mitigation by reducing misunderstanding, inconsistent application, and implementation friction during program rollout.

What this role is expected to solve/support:

• Reduces confusion and misinterpretation of new preference program requirements
• Supports consistent application of Local/Small and MBE preference rules
• Improves staff and vendor readiness prior to program launch
• Enables effective change management through structured communications
• Ensures training materials are accurate, accessible, and aligned with adopted policies

Tools and processes commonly used:

• Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel
• Virtual training platforms (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom)
• Learning support artifacts (job aids, FAQs, checklists)
• Basic accessibility and document formatting standards (e.g., Section 508–aware practices)

Position Activities (Anticipated Responsibilities)

The following activities are representative of the work performed over the duration of the role and may vary by phase and milestone:

• Develop training curricula and session outlines aligned to approved program requirements
• Translate program policies, procedures, and regulatory language into clear instructional content
• Create training materials including slide decks, facilitator guides, participant handouts, and job aids
• Prepare written communications such as FAQs, implementation guidance, and outreach summaries
• Support delivery of internal staff workshops and vendor-facing training sessions
• Coordinate with program leads to ensure materials reflect final policy and regulatory decisions
• Adapt materials based on stakeholder feedback and evolving implementation needs
• Ensure consistency of messaging across training, outreach, and written communications
• Document training sessions and materials for reuse and reference during implementation