College & Career Pathways Specialist - Adult Learners

College & Career Pathways Specialist - Adult Learners (CCPS-AL) (40 hours, Full-time) Non-Exempt   

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago's West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city's most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve.    

Our Core Values: Empathy, Passion, Persistence, and Innovation.   

The College and Career Specialist support 18- to 24-year-old adult learners in identifying and pursuing postsecondary education and career pathways. This role provides individualized counseling, delivers targeted programming, and fosters strategic partnerships to ensure students are equipped with the necessary tools, resources, and support to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.  

This position reports to the College and Career Pathways Manager (CCPM). The specialist works collaboratively with program managers, coordinators, and specialists, finance, development, the impact team, and the CCPM to achieve program success.?

Responsibilities are but not limited to:

• Identify and recruit eligible youth participants 
• Maintain a library of college and job training catalogs, career guides, and scholarship materials 
• Coordinate college and career-oriented field trips and learning events (e.g., college tours, career fairs, guest speakers). 
• Advocate for students through letters of recommendation and direct outreach to institutions. 
• Advise clients on educational pathways, certifications, and training programs 
• Develop and deliver curriculum and instructional materials focused on college readiness, workforce development, life skills, and financial literacy 
• Help youth identify academic, personal, and professional strengths, interests, and values to inform goal-setting 
• Conduct one-on-one college and career counseling sessions to ensure youth are on track to meet postsecondary goals. 
• Guide youth in college search techniques, applications, scholarship searches, financial aid forms, effective note-taking, study habits, test-taking strategies, navigating the academic and social aspects of college life.
• Assist youth in resume writing, cover letters, job applications, Interview preparation, mock interview sessions, Job search strategies, networking techniques, professionalism, time management, communication etiquette, and organizational skills. 
• Facilitate workshops for youth and families on college readiness and financial aid 
• Provide academic, career, and personal support to BUILD's Scholarship Program recipients, including in-person campus visits 
• Support graduation planning and program completion ceremonies. 
• Create an environment that fosters holistic youth development through exposure to cultural enrichment, mental health resources, and community engagement. 
• Administer and interpret youth surveys, assessments, and pre-/post-tests 
• Monitor youth progress in academic and workforce/training programs to meet departmental retention and graduation goals. 
• Track outcomes and prepare reports for program evaluation. 
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions, events, and applications 
• Provide regular updates to the College and Career Pathways Manager (CCPM) and attend donor meetings to share impact and recommendations 
• Partner with local businesses, colleges, CTE programs, and community-based organizations to expand youth opportunities. 
• Participate in organizational recruitment and engagement events (some evenings/weekends required) 
• Support civic engagement initiatives aligned with BUILD's mission 
• Stay informed about current labor market trends, emerging industries, and college admissions and financial aid practices 
• Participate in various meetings, workshops, trainings, seminars, and other activities, as directed  
• Perform other duties as assigned to enhance program effectiveness and reach 

• Associate or bachelor's degree in education, human resources, social services, or a related field preferred; alternatively, a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience will be considered. 
• Availability for overnight travel for campus visits and in-person college student mentoring   
• Minimum 2 years of experience in adult education or career pathway coordination with a degree 
• Additional certifications in youth development, college access, or workforce development are a plus 
• Ability to navigate education and workforce systems and advocate for youth access and success is a plus 
• Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and social justice 
• Ability to adapt to changing needs, crises, and competing priorities 

 Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.  
• As of October 15, 2021, all BUILD employees are required to submit proof of full vaccination status. 

Benefits:

• 401(k) + 2% match
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Wellness Days
• Flexible Spending Account

BUILD, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc., considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.