CAREER PATHWAYS NAVIGATOR (GRANT FUNDED)
Highland Community College seeks a Career Pathways Navigator to join our Enrollment and Records team. This grant-funded professional position supports the implementation of the Room to Grow grant in partnership with Northern Illinois University (NIU) and Regional Office of Education #8. The Career Pathways Navigator will play a key role in advancing college and career readiness initiatives, strengthening regional career pathways, and helping students successfully transition from high school to postsecondary education and workforce opportunities. If you are passionate about student success, community engagement, and building meaningful career pathways for learners, we encourage you to apply.
Please note: This position is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding. Currently, the grant expires at the end of December 2027.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with the implementation of the Room to Grow grant and support initiatives that increase student participation and success in priority career pathways.
- Serve as a liaison between regional high schools and Highland Community College to strengthen College and Career Pathway Endorsements and support student transitions into associate degree programs.
- Design and deliver resources for high school students that support college and career exploration, workforce readiness, and navigation of the Illinois Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (IL PWR) Act and Illinois College and Career Pathway Endorsement (IL CCPE) Framework.
- Develop resources and support materials for educators and school leaders to improve collaboration and student access to college and career opportunities.
- Recruit, educate, and engage community and industry partners to support worksite visits, job shadowing experiences, work-based learning opportunities, and other career development activities.
- Organize, develop, and facilitate meetings and events for the Highland Region Pathways to Success Leadership Community.
- Collaborate with grant leadership and the Accounting Department to coordinate grant funding allocation and disbursement activities.
- Support the successful transition of students from Highland Community College to Northern Illinois University and promote transfer opportunities.
- Maintain and promote a regional calendar of college and career-focused events and activities.
- Assist with grant reporting, budget revisions, data collection, and other compliance requirements required by Highland Community College, NIU, and federal grant agencies.
- Support annual Career Fair planning, promotion, employer engagement, and student preparation activities.
- Track, monitor, and analyze program participation and outcome data to evaluate effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with Institutional Research and Enrollment and Records personnel to establish data collection processes, report student outcomes, and identify prospective students for career pathway programming.
- Provide administrative support for transitional English and mathematics programs offered in partnership with regional high schools.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in counseling, education, sociology, or a closely related field.
- One (1) year of experience working with low-income students, first-generation students, underserved populations, career readiness programs, educational outreach initiatives, or related services; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Experience in higher education, student services, college and career readiness programming, workforce development, grant-funded initiatives, or community engagement is preferred.
Job Requirements:
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check is required.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
- Knowledge of college and career readiness programming, academic advising principles, financial aid resources, and economic literacy initiatives.
- Knowledge of challenges and barriers faced by first-generation, low-income, underserved, and diverse student populations.
- Knowledge of academic support services, student resources, and community-based resources.
- Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations.
- Knowledge of federal and state privacy laws related to student records and information.
- Knowledge of data collection, reporting, assessment, and the use of data to inform decision-making.
- Knowledge of computer operations and common software applications.
- Skill in assessing student interests, strengths, abilities, and educational goals.
- Skill in career, academic, personal, and financial aid advising or counseling.
- Skill in developing and delivering presentations, workshops, and training sessions.
- Skill in working independently and managing multiple priorities.
- Skill in professional verbal and written communication.
- Skill in providing responsive, effective, and professional customer service.
- Skill in operating computers and software applications.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, educators, employers, community partners, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and support student success initiatives.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive student information.
Why Join Highland Community College?
- Make a meaningful impact by helping students navigate educational and career pathways that lead to long-term success.
- Build partnerships with regional schools, employers, higher education institutions, and community leaders.
- Join a college community committed to integrity, compassion, respect, lifelong learning, and student success.
Salary & Benefits:
How to Apply:
Interested applicants can apply online at www.highland.edu/employment. Applications are not complete until the following materials are submitted:
- Online application
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Unofficial transcripts
- Contact information for three professional references
For alternative application methods or questions, contact Human Resources at 815-599-3426. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Highland Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from veterans, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and other diverse groups are strongly encouraged.