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 Chicagos West Side. Since 1969 BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the citys 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 BUILDs 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 BUILDs 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 bachelors 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

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.