Experience Inc. Jobs

Position Overview

Para Los Nios Youth Workforce Services (YWS) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Associate Director of College and Career Pathways. The Associate Director (AD) of plays a pivotal role in guiding youth toward successful post-secondary education and career opportunities. This role involves building capacity and developing and implementing pathways to college and high-skill, high-wage careers. The AD enhances college and career readiness skills to prepare students for success in 21st-century careers. Under the supervision of the Director of Youth Workforce Services, the AD collaborates closely with district leadership, site administration, post-secondary institutions, regional industries, grant foundations, and program agencies. A deep commitment to educational equity, comprehensive knowledge of college access programs, and expertise in career development strategies are essential.

Duties

College Access, Success, and Alumni Engagement

• Oversee day-to-day operations of college access, success, and alumni engagement efforts.
• Support the College Access and Success team in developing, aligning, delivering, and continually refining the curriculum and programming for high school and college students.
• Design and implement an intentional and data-driven approach to participant engagement.
• Coaches the college access and success team, delivering individualized support and guidance to participants to help them overcome barriers and achieve their academic and career goals.
• Co-designs alumni engagement program and activities.
• Works with staff to increase parent engagement efforts.

Internships

• Oversee day-to-day operations of internship programs and initiatives.
• Support with worksite development and monitoring.
• Manage relationships with internship sites and strategic partners.
• Leads planning and implementation of cross-departmental and organization-wide paid internships.
• Co-designs innovative and impactful internship programs in partnership with strategic partners.
• Manages communication with key individuals including grant liaisons and monitors on program implementation, progress, reports, and requests.
• Monitors participant wages, stipends, and supportive services to ensure that grants are maximized.
• Ensures that grants are in full compliance and works with appropriate staff in preparation for audits and monitoring visits.
• Work with team on implementation of internship programs.

Career Guidance and Employment Services

• Leads the development and implementation of career pathways strategies and initiatives.
• Collaborates with the team to develop and coordinate experiential learning opportunities, such as career panels, industry visits, and job shadowing, to enhance student awareness and understanding.
• Lead the employment services team in coordinating career assessments, resume and cover letter preparation, portfolio development, career events, and job/internship searches and applications.
• Develops and maintains relationships with local colleges, industry, and businesses.
• Works with employment services team to recruit potential employers and create job opportunities for participants.
• Guide students in developing professional networks and mentor relationships.

Organization/Team Support

• Supports partnerships to deliver a range of career services, including work-based learning opportunities, internships, and job placement.
• Support ongoing program excellence and success across the entire program.
• Collaborate with the Director to monitor expenditures, leveraged resources, and in-kind contributions.
• Manage data gathering and analysis, reporting on key performance indicators for internships and employment.
• Assess and evaluate program effectiveness, using data to inform decisions.
• Work with the evaluation team to maintain a database system for student and partner inf rmation.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships across Para Los Nios to better connect Youth Workforce Services with the larger organization.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in quality assurance, compliance management, or program management within a youth workforce or similar environment.
• Strong understanding of workforce development programs, including federal, state, and local regulations.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with data management systems and software.
• Meticulous in reviewing documents and data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex data and identify trends or discrepancies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Proactive in identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
• Bilingual English/Spanish desirable.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with students, families, administrators, colleagues, community, and other school system staff in a non-traditional, inner-city environment.

Education and Certification Requirements

• Masters degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years in college access, career counseling, or a related field. Minimum of 2 years in a supervisory role.
• In-depth understanding of college admissions processes, financial aid options, and career development resources.
• Proven experience supervising staff and managing budgets.
• Strong dedication to educational equity and social justice.
• Passionate about helping young people explore their interests and career opportunities.
• Ability to think strategically and guide the team towards a shared vision.
• Expertise in developing programs, evaluating their efficacy, and implementing quality improvement processes.
• Skill in prioritizing projects, taking initiative, demonstrating resourcefulness, and adapting to changing demands.
• Strong ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficient in data analysis and program evaluation.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills, time management, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Professional presence with strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong understanding of academic success and college persistence, as well as socio-emotional experience of first generation, low-income, and students of color.
• Working knowledge of college admissions, higher education (certificate, 2-year, and 4-year programs) and college retention.

Physical Requirements

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.

Must be able to speak and hear well.

Good vision is imperative.

Occasionally required to stoop, kneel,