Associate Director of College and Career Pathways

$85,222 - $117,181/Yr

Para Los Ninos - Los Angeles, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Los Angeles, CA

Social Assistance

About the position

Para Los Niños Youth Workforce Services (YWS) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Associate Director of College and Career Pathways. The Associate Director (AD) 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Coach 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-design alumni engagement program and activities.
• Work with staff to increase parent engagement efforts.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of internship programs and initiatives.
• Support with worksite development and monitoring.
• Manage relationships with internship sites and strategic partners.
• Lead planning and implementation of cross-departmental and organization-wide paid internships.
• Co-design innovative and impactful internship programs in partnership with strategic partners.
• Manage communication with key individuals including grant liaisons and monitors on program implementation, progress, reports, and requests.
• Monitor participant wages, stipends, and supportive services to ensure that grants are maximized.
• Ensure that grants are in full compliance and work with appropriate staff in preparation for audits and monitoring visits.
• Lead the development and implementation of career pathways strategies and initiatives.
• Collaborate 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.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local colleges, industry, and businesses.
• Work with employment services team to recruit potential employers and create job opportunities for participants.
• Guide students in developing professional networks and mentor relationships.
• Support 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 information.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships across Para Los Niños to better connect Youth Workforce Services with the larger organization.

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.
• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's 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.

Benefits

• 401k
• 401k_matching
• dental_insurance
• health_insurance
• life_insurance
• paid_holidays
• tuition_reimbursement
• professional_development