Career Launch Specialist

ReadyCT•New London, CT

4d•$60,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

For the career launch specialist role, we’re seeking a dynamic coach and connector who excels at building relationships and guiding youth toward meaningful career paths. In this role, you’ll engage students through workshops and personalized support, while also cultivating partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, and training providers. From securing internships to expanding external networks, you’ll play a key role in bridging education and opportunity across Connecticut. Location note: There are currently three openings for the career launch specialist position. These positions will be in support of a project aligned with General Dynamics Electric Boat, a key manufacturing employer in the state. The career launch specialists will work primarily in southeastern or south-central Connecticut (the Norwich/New London and New Haven areas). This position will also report to ReadyCT’s office located in Hartford on a semi-monthly basis.

Requirements

A passion for education and developing the potential of ALL students.
The willingness to work irregular hours to meet student needs.
A proven ability to build and manage relationships across a diverse array of stakeholders.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Exceptional organizational skills and a track record of delivering results on time.
Basic knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; comfortable learning new technology systems.
An ability to multitask, while remaining detail-oriented and flexible.
The capability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Skills in active listening and group facilitation.
Must be able to travel independently across the state of Connecticut, often driving long distances to schools, worksites, and partner events.
Frequent standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, and crouching required during events and program activities.
Consistent operation of computers, office equipment, and presentation technology (e.g., projector, copy machine, printer).

Nice To Haves

Experience mentoring or counseling high school youth and supporting their postsecondary and career planning; backgrounds reflecting mentees’ experiences (e.g., first-generation college student, English learner, CT Alliance District graduate) preferred.
A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Build relationships with school personnel and conduct regular check-ins with the school’s point of contact.
Meet with the ReadyCT project team regularly to review caseload and strategy for engagement.
Collaborate with colleagues, informing the overall design, strategy, and scale-up of the program across Connecticut.
Support ongoing data collection, reporting, analysis, and program evaluation to inform continuous improvement.
Develop systems to maintain a streamlined process for program participants and employer partners.
Recruit and enroll students through strategic outreach efforts, including a regular presence at the schools within your portfolio and marketing materials.
Facilitate career readiness workshops and maintain weekly communication with participants.
Support students in developing post-high school plans, including training enrollment, career exploration, and resume/LinkedIn development.
Curate and share high-quality learning experiences and workforce/educational opportunities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with General Dynamics Electric Boat and other partner employers, as appropriate, to ensure clear understanding of the employers’ needs and processes, in coordination with ReadyCT’s program lead.
Support employer recruitment efforts to identify and prepare quality candidates.
Build and maintain relationships with key partners, including workforce agencies, training providers, and business leaders.
Collaborate with state entities, including the Office of Workforce Strategy, workforce development boards, CT State Department of Education, and CT State Colleges & Universities (CSCU), when needed.
Establish strong referral partnerships with sector-based training and credentialing programs.
Represent the organization at CBIA & Affiliates meetings and events to strengthen external engagement.