College and Career Readiness Life Coach - Elkhart - FT

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES GROUP • Elkhart, IN

17h • $44,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Excel Center – Northern Indiana is a high-quality, free, public high school for adult learners 18 and older. We provide coursework toward completing the required credits for students to earn an Indiana Core 40 diploma (not a TASC/GED/HSE program). Our students benefit from a structured learning environment with direct/ face-to-face instruction, an accelerated format, small classes, and individualized attention that meets the unique needs of adult learners. All students are assigned a life coach providing academic and personal counseling to support students pursuing their goals. Our staff have a significant impact on the lives of students seeking a second chance to change their lives. The Excel Center also requires students to earn industry-recognized certificates and/or dual credit college courses. We are seeking a dynamic and innovative team to assist in this endeavor. Summary The College and Career Readiness Life Coach (CCR Life Coach) will develop relationships, systems, and programs to ensure that graduates of The Excel Center successfully earn dual credits, gain college acceptance, and matriculation into college or other post-secondary programs. The CCR Life Coach will provide direct advising and case management for students nearing graduation and support alumni and their families as they transition into college, apprenticeship programs, the workforce, or other post-secondary opportunities. This role will involve regular interaction with students, their families, alumni, post-secondary admission counselors, and school staff. This role demonstrates behaviors consistent with our Mission, Vision, and Values, on behalf of Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Flexible availability for daytime and evening classes.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working in secondary or higher education or career counseling.
• Strong communication, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, organizational, and strategic planning abilities.
• Highly creative with the ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, with a self-starting, energetic approach.
• Must maintain flexibility, work independently, take direction when needed, and collaborate effectively with a team.
• Proficient in Google Applications, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), student information systems, and web browsers.
• Serves as a positive role model for success and professionalism.
• Committed to the belief that all students can succeed.
• Driven to improve student outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.
• Resilient in overcoming challenges and turning them into opportunities for student growth.
• Occasional local travel and transportation of individuals required.
• Current driver’s license and adequate automobile insurance required.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with diverse, non-traditional, inner-city populations to help them achieve higher education and career goals is highly preferred.
• Experience working with community colleges is preferred.
• Familiarity and experience with the college admissions process.
• Knowledge of financial aid procedures, scholarships, and internships.

Responsibilities

• Execute recruitment strategies to attract prospective students through outreach and events.
• Support non-traditional students and their families throughout the college search, application process, and provide ongoing guidance as they transition from high school.
• Promote college and career advancement within The Excel Center.
• Provide academic advising, barrier removal, and case management to 15-50 students approaching graduation.
• Review and send transcripts to colleges, including necessary cover letters of explanation.
• Provide personalized, one-on-one guidance on college preparation, including the search, application, and transition process.
• Explain and guide students through the college admissions process.
• Collaborate and co-teach College Readiness and/or Senior Seminar classes each term to prepare students for graduation and post-secondary success.
• Oversee students enrolled in dual credit or college credit courses.
• Lead workshops on topics such as college applications, personal statements, FAFSA, scholarships, financial aid, and resume writing.
• Share information about college fairs, campus visits, scholarships, and more with current students, teachers, and alumni.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with alumni through visits, phone calls, and other programming.
• Develop and maintain outreach efforts with graduates, tracking their post-graduation progress.
• Participate in school events such as open houses, recruitment fairs, and orientations.
• Maintain a student database tracking graduates pursuing college or workforce goals.
• Identify internship, apprenticeship, scholarship, and career opportunities for students and alumni.
• Build partnerships with college admission counselors to ensure open communication and information sharing.
• Manage and maintain the college and career resource area on campus.
• Conduct graduation audits with the Lead Life Coach and School Director and assist with graduation activities.
• Collaborate with College and Career Readiness Coaches across the Excel Network to share best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees