iJAG College Success Coach, DMACC

iJAG•Ankeny, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The iJAG Career Success Coach at Des Moines Area Community College is pivotal in iJAG's mission, overseeing work-based learning placements while fostering strong partnerships with community stakeholders. This position is a vital resource for students, guiding them through career exploration and collaborating with career education specialists to chart personalized pathways toward academic and professional achievement. This model, grounded in a holistic approach to student development, prioritizes education and fosters future career opportunities in high-demand fields through educational enrichment, employer engagement, trauma-informed care, and project-based learning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, human services, counseling, education, or related fields required.
The ability to obtain an iJAG authorization within six months of hire.
Current possession of a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Supervisor Authorization or the ability to secure an authorization within the first six months of employment.
Demonstrated experience and knowledge in work-based learning, career advising, and/or job placement.
Genuine passion for student success and commitment to the iJAG mission.

Nice To Haves

Skilled Trades pathway experience or familiarity with career and technical education (CTE) programming preferred.
Prior experience working with youth and in supervisory roles is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively cultivates and maintains robust relationships with a broad spectrum of employers, securing a variety of career exploration and skill development opportunities that align with student interests and market demands.
Cultivates and mobilizes community resources, develops partnerships and collaborations that support educational experience, and opens new pathways for iJAG students.
Designs and implements comprehensive work-based learning programs that integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences, preparing students for life after high school by developing their professional skills and understanding industry expectations.
Coordinates student placements in work-based learning settings, including internships and apprenticeships, that support the students' Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) and employer needs.
Maintains consistent communication with students throughout their WBL experiences to monitor attendance, provide coaching and support, address workplace challenges, and guide students in reflecting on their learning and skill development.
Serves as the primary liaison between the school and employer to establish clear expectations, ensure student safety, and monitor student progress throughout the WBL experience.
Ensures completion of all required documentation (e.g., training agreements, work permits, evaluations), and tracks student placements, hours, and outcomes.
Upholds the highest standards of data integrity across all documentation related to work-based learning placements, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Maintains meticulous records of work-based learning placements and agreements, providing timely updates as needed.
Analyzes data, trends, and feedback from student and employer follow-up surveys to drive continuous improvement in work-based learning opportunities.
Provides individualized career coaching to students, offering guidance on career pathways and facilitating exploration of diverse career options.
Develops and delivers tailored career readiness coursework to equip students with essential employability and work-readiness skills, such as interviewing and resume writing.
Collaborates with specialist roles and internal partners as needed to provide comprehensive support tailored to each student's unique needs.
Attends meetings, workshops, and conferences related to work-based learning activities, effectively representing iJAG.
Collaborates with employer partners and students to design, monitor, evaluate, and adjust training and work plans, ensuring alignment with program goals.
Participates in iJAG and school district professional development activities to stay up to date on best practices and continuously enhance skills and knowledge.
Leverages data to inform instructional decisions and enhance student success.
Effectively engages with diverse constituents, including students, staff, business partners, and industry representatives.
Facilitates content to diverse groups and possesses exceptional written and oral communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office or Google applications, with a willingness to learn new software systems.
Performs other duties as assigned.