Job Boards for Economic Development Organizations
How chambers of commerce and economic development organizations can support local hiring.
Chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and regional authorities play a central role in local job markets. A job board extends that mission, connecting local employers with local talent and supporting economic growth in your region.
Why economic development organizations need job boards
Core mission alignment
Workforce development is central to economic growth:
- Business attraction: Companies consider talent availability
- Business retention: Help existing employers find workers
- Talent retention: Keep skilled workers in the region
- Economic health: Employment drives local prosperity
Unique position
Economic development organizations have advantages:
- Employer relationships: Already connected to local businesses
- Regional focus: Geographic specificity others can't match
- Trust and credibility: Established community presence
- Resource coordination: Connected to training and support programs
Member value
For chambers of commerce:
- Member benefit: Free or discounted job posting
- Recruitment tool: Attract new members
- Engagement driver: Regular touchpoint with businesses
- Value demonstration: Clear ROI for membership
Types of organizations
Chambers of commerce
Local business associations serving member companies:
- City chambers
- Regional chambers
- Industry-specific chambers
- Minority business chambers
Economic development authorities
Government and quasi-government bodies:
- County economic development
- State workforce agencies
- Regional planning commissions
- Special economic zones
Workforce development boards
Federally-mandated regional bodies:
- Business-led governance
- Coordinate training programs
- Connect job seekers with resources
- Employer-focused services
Industry associations
Sector-specific regional groups:
- Manufacturing alliances
- Tech councils
- Healthcare consortiums
- Tourism and hospitality groups
Setting up a local job board
1. Define your region
Set geographic boundaries:
- City/municipality
- County or multi-county
- Metropolitan area
- State or region
Be specific. "Austin jobs" is more valuable than "Texas jobs."
2. Establish employer access
Decide who can post:
- Members only: Exclusive benefit
- Local employers: Any company in your region
- Verified businesses: With validation process
- Tiered access: Members free, non-members paid
3. Connect to programs
Integrate with existing services:
- Workforce training programs
- Career centers and counseling
- Business support services
- Education partnerships
4. Local content
Create relevant resources:
- Local salary data
- Cost of living information
- Commuting and transportation
- Neighborhood guides
Features for local job boards
Geographic focus
Emphasize local benefits:
- Map-based job search
- Commute time filters
- Neighborhood information
- Relocation resources
Employer profiles
Showcase local businesses:
- Company descriptions and culture
- Photos and videos
- Benefits and perks
- Growth stories
Job seeker resources
Support the full journey:
- Resume building tools
- Interview preparation
- Career counseling connections
- Training program links
Employer resources
Help businesses hire effectively:
- Job description templates
- Salary benchmarking
- Hiring best practices
- Incentive program information
Member value proposition
For chamber members
Position the job board as a key benefit:
Recruitment support:
- Free job posting (or discounted)
- Access to local talent pool
- Promotion in member communications
- Featured employer opportunities
Business visibility:
- Company profile page
- Branded job listings
- Community recognition
- Networking opportunities
Membership recruitment
Use the job board to attract new members:
- Non-member posting fees
- Member upgrade prompts
- Value demonstration
- Relationship building
Partnerships and integration
Education institutions
Partner with local schools:
- Community colleges
- Universities
- Technical schools
- High school career programs
Integration ideas:
- Student job seekers
- Internship programs
- Career fair coordination
- Curriculum alignment
Workforce agencies
Connect with government programs:
- Unemployment offices
- Veteran services
- Disability employment
- Re-entry programs
Benefits:
- Additional job seeker traffic
- Grant funding opportunities
- Program referrals
- Reporting metrics
Other organizations
Collaborate with complementary groups:
- Industry associations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Professional societies
- Community groups
Funding and sustainability
Membership model
Include in chamber operations:
- Part of member dues structure
- Additional benefit for higher tiers
- No separate revenue expectation
- Focus on member value and retention
Fee-based model
Generate direct revenue:
- Non-member posting fees
- Featured listing upgrades
- Employer subscriptions
- Recruitment services
Grant funding
Many workforce initiatives are fundable:
- Federal workforce grants
- State economic development funds
- Foundation grants
- Corporate sponsorships
Hybrid approach
Combine revenue sources:
- Free for members
- Paid for non-members
- Grant-funded enhancements
- Sponsor recognition
Measuring regional impact
Track outcomes that demonstrate value:
| Metric | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Jobs posted | Employer engagement |
| Applications | Job seeker activity |
| Placements | Economic impact |
| Local hires | Talent retention |
| Member participation | Benefit utilization |
| Non-member conversions | Growth opportunity |
Economic impact reporting
Quantify value to stakeholders:
- Jobs filled locally
- Estimated payroll impact
- Business retention metrics
- Talent attraction stories
Getting started
- Create your board with regional branding
- Configure location filters for your geography
- Reach out to member employers first
- Connect with workforce development partners
- Promote through existing business communications
Best practices
Start with engaged members
Begin with employers actively hiring:
- Survey for current openings
- Offer concierge posting help
- Feature early adopters
- Build success stories
Promote consistently
Make the job board visible:
- Newsletter features
- Website prominence
- Event promotion
- Social media sharing
Measure and report
Demonstrate value regularly:
- Monthly activity reports
- Quarterly impact summaries
- Annual economic analysis
- Success story features
Iterate based on feedback
Improve continuously:
- Employer surveys
- Job seeker feedback
- Partner input
- Competitive analysis
A job board becomes a concrete demonstration of your organization's value to local businesses and the broader community, supporting economic growth while serving member needs.