Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program Navigator

Chemeketa Community College•Salem Campus. Salem, OR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Academic Program Navigator serves as an embedded member of CTE trades programs and provides coordinated support for students across the full college journey, including recruitment, onboarding, advising, retention, and completion. This position develops expertise in the assigned academic program, including curriculum pathways, course sequencing, transfer opportunities, career outcomes, and related college resources. Working closely with faculty, the program dean, and student service areas, the Navigator combines direct student advising with program coordination responsibilities, supporting communication, outreach, events, materials, lab and learning environment readiness, identifying funding and service resources, and program activities. The position serves as a bridge between instruction and student services by helping students navigate academic systems while also contributing to the daily operations and vitality of the program. Chemeketa is a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution that aspires to be an inclusive environment where we honor and value the unique contributions of our diverse students, employees, and community. We seek to foster cultural competence and pursue equitable solutions that support all students in achieving their educational goals. If you are interested in joining the work of the college to pursue a supportive and inclusive culture, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Two (2) years of full-time work experience that reflects the knowledge, skills and experience to perform the essential functions listed above.
An Associate’s Degree or two (2) years of full-time work experience which reflects the knowledge, skills and experience to perform the essential functions listed above.
A valid driver's license or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of hire
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Knowledge of community college systems and philosophy
Recognize when client/student referral is appropriate/necessary
Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population of student/clients
Work independently and as a team member
Knowledge and skill in the use of technology and student communication and information systems
Bicultural/multicultural skills sufficient to select appropriate behaviors, values and attitudes within different cultures during interactions with others.

Nice To Haves

Two years of student support experience
Coursework in Social Sciences, Human Services, Human Development or related field
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution
Similarity in background to that of project participants
Experience providing support to at-risk students in a post-secondary setting

Responsibilities

Serves as a primary point of contact for prospective, new, and continuing students within the CTE Trades or Health Sciences programs
Advises students regarding program requirements, educational pathways, registration, graduation planning, transfer options, and related college processes
Assists students in understanding placement, prerequisites, scheduling options, and progression through the program
Provides onboarding support including intake, orientation, early connection to program expectations, and transition into coursework
Maintains regular communication with students to encourage persistence and timely completion
Identifies students who need additional support and connects them with appropriate college resources
Maintains advising records, student contact notes, and intervention tracking using college systems
Supports retention efforts through proactive outreach and follow-up
Assists with program recruitment efforts including outreach events, information sessions, community engagement, and school visits
Responds to inquiries from prospective students and families regarding program opportunities
Helps students understand career pathways connected to the academic discipline
Collaborates in developing pathway materials and communications that support informed student decision-making
Participates in college recruitment initiatives representing the assigned program
Actively develops relationships with employers and supports CWE and practicum placement
Develops working expertise in assigned curriculum, degree requirements, course sequencing, and program outcomes
Works closely with faculty to support student engagement, communication, and program continuity
Assists with program events including orientations, advisory meetings, guest speakers, showcases, and special initiatives
Supports faculty communication with students related to scheduling, deadlines, and program opportunities
Assists in maintaining program materials including website content, informational guides, newsletters, and student resources
Participates in program meetings and contributes to planning related to student success
Plans and manages calendars for program events, workshops, orientations, advisory committee meetings, and special activities
Assists in preparing, organizing, and maintaining instructional and promotional materials used by the program
Supports ordering, organizing, tracking, and maintaining program supplies, materials, and equipment
Assists with preparation and maintenance of labs, learning spaces, and program environments to support instruction
Confirms lab access, usage communication, and readiness in collaboration with faculty and college service departments
Helps ensure program materials remain current, accessible, and aligned with program needs
Supports setup and follow-up for guest speakers, demonstrations, showcases, and community-facing activities
Maintains program-related records and prepares reports as needed
Tracks student participation, engagement, and progress indicators
Supports communication between instructional departments and student service units
Assists with scheduling-related coordination and program logistics
Supports grant activities or special initiatives connected to the academic area when applicable
Responds to students and other guests as part of the building reception team
Participates in college committees, staff development, and institutional initiatives as assigned
Performs related duties in support of student success, program vitality, and division goals
Performs all other job-related duties as assigned
Embraces diversity and actively collaborates effectively with a variety of students, staff and the public from diverse cultural, social, economic and educational backgrounds
Participates in recruitment and retention of students at an individual and institutional level in promotion of student success
Embraces, understands and uses appropriate technology tools to accomplish job functions
Provides high quality, effective service to internal and external customers through continuous improvement and adoption of lean office practices