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Career Navigator (Chicago IL)

Summer Search

Job Location:

Chicago, IL - USA

Hourly Salary: $ 38 - 40

Posted: 7 August 2026 (2 days ago)

Application Deadline: 4 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

CAREER NAVIGATOR

SUMMER SEARCH NATIONAL (CHICAGO IL)

At Summer Search we believe in No Ceilings and envision a world in which young people regardless of circumstances can chart their own the United States students from underserved communities disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation face systemic inequities in school in the workforce and in life. Nevertheless these young people possess unique strengths resilience and limitless potential.

Since 1990 Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities professional mentoring and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers break new ground for their families and communities and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Summer Search Business Development team partners with client organizations to support the implementation of their mentorship and apprenticeship programs. Summer Search has partnered with Aon since 2021 providing professional support to their apprentices. The Career Navigator will provide individualized coaching and mentoring to apprentices and guidance to managers supervising early-career employees in partnership with program leadership at Aon and a robust team of part- and full-time colleagues at Summer Search.

Reporting to the Lead Business Development Associate the Career Navigator ensures consistent high-quality support for apprentices and their managers at Aon.

WHAT YOULL DO

Specifically the Career Navigator will:

Apprentice Support & Coaching (40%)

Conduct initial one-on-one intake assessments with apprentices and their managers to understand career and academic goals employment background and support needs.
Meet regularly with apprentices (weekly or biweekly) to support their workplace readiness foundational skill development and professional growth.
Provide coaching and referrals for apprentices facing barriers such as childcare transportation housing or other personal needs impacting participation.
Maintain consistent communication with apprentices to track academic standing work-based learning and overall well-being.
Track apprentice engagement attendance and case notes using tracking tools and templates provided.
In collaboration with apprentices managers Summer Search and the Aon Program Team develop individualized Success Agreement Plans or intervention plans when required.

Manager Engagement (20%)

Connect with apprentice managers monthly via email Teams or through in-person meetings to discuss progress share feedback and provide guidance on supporting apprentices.
Encourage and facilitate balanced feedback between managers and apprentices emphasizing positive reinforcement alongside constructive guidance using Summer Search and Aon frameworks.
Remind managers to complete required Apprentice Status Reports and competency check-ins.

Program Monitoring & Communication (15%)

Partner with the Aon Program Team to support all apprentices in meeting graduation requirements within the two-year program.
Proactively raise and document any high-risk or concerning situations (academic personal or professional) through established reporting channels.

Professional Development Program (20%)

Plan coordinate and facilitate monthly in-person professional development sessions in collaboration with the Summer Search team.
Coordinate event logistics including scheduling and on-site arrangements such as booking rooms and sending invites to apprentices.
Track apprentice participation in professional development sessions to support progress documentation.

Other Duties (5%)

Provide occasional support for recruiting and engagement activities for Apprentice program including career fairs open houses final round apprentice interviews graduation celebrations or other local program needs.

WHO YOU ARE

The Career Navigator position calls for a strong relationship builder who is consistent and reliable in their communication and project management. Specifically this hire will bring:

EXPERIENCE: 3-5 years of experience in workforce development or career advising preferably working with early career individuals.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Holds self and others responsible for process decisions actions and commitments to results and to drive high-quality outcomes for students is responsive to needs of stakeholders (students donors community partners staff members alumni volunteers).
TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION: Inspires and fosters commitment connection enthusiasm and trust facilitates cooperation and motivates people to accomplish goals manages and resolves conflicts and handles interpersonal issues constructively.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Strong organizational and project management skills including the ability to juggle multiple workflows and easily adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience leading project teams and managing external partners/vendors.
CRITICAL CONCIOUSNESS: Recognizes sociopolitical barriers and understands the systems of oppression that operate in day-to-day lives of stakeholders e.g. students/participants staff members community partners and alumni. Applies critical thinking and takes action against the oppressive aspects of reality
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS: Basic proficiency with Microsoft Suite.

In additionall Summer Search staff bring a commitment to our mission of unleashing students potential through mentoring and transformative experiences as well as the ability to thrive in an environment that values excellence gratitude well-being diversity authenticity and collaboration.

LOCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

This position will work in-person out of the Aon office in Chicago addition regular travel 10%-20% of the time may be required to support Aon in regional offices in Bannockburn IL. Summer Search will cover the cost of travel per-diem and accommodations (if necessary) for all work-related travel.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Competitive and transparent salaries. This is a non-exempt position with an hourly rate ranging from $38.97- $40.51 per hour ($76000 - $79000 annually). Summer Search is committed to transparent equitable compensation practices. Salaries are benchmarked using current market data and salary bands are created to demonstrate the growth potential within the band. Typically offers are made at the starting place of the salary band. The Hiring Manager partners with the Talent Team to ensure offers are appropriate competitive and maintain internal equity.

Well-being flexibility and ongoing learning and development are pillars of our culture. We value our staff and are committed to creating an environment where every individual feels seen heard and valued. Investments in our staff include:

Medical insurance with up to 90% employer contribution
Dental vision FSAlifeand disability insurance plans
401 (K) and Employer Match up to $2000 annually
Generous time off including 15 vacation days 10 sick days and 18 holidays (2 floating holidays of your choice a birthday day-off 10 company-wide holidays and a 1-week December closure).
Refresh Fridays a paid day off the first Friday of every month!
A comprehensive Employee Recognition Program (years of service awards spot awards and professional development funding).
A four-week paid sabbatical after five years of continuous employment.
Individual localregionaland national training
A commitment to developing leaders from within theorganization.
An organizational culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care/community care
Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities weserve.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and racial justice we believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization with critical consciousnessin order toimpact how we work with students as well as how we work together as a team. We hope you will join us as we continue to build a justice-centered organization that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.

TO APPLY

The application deadline is August 19th.

SUMMER SEARCH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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