Lead Pathway Navigator

Yakima Valley College • Yakima, WA

12h

About The Position

The Pathway Navigator Lead at Yakima Valley College (YVC) is a pivotal role within the Guided Pathways Team, responsible for enhancing the student experience through comprehensive advocacy and support. This position leads the planning and execution of New Student Orientation and other college-wide events, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for incoming students. The Navigator will mentor a team of Pathway Navigators, providing guidance on college systems and student resources. In this role, you will serve as a dedicated advocate for students, assisting them through academic processes and case management while proactively reaching out to support timely completion of academic milestones and financial aid documentation. Participate in ongoing professional development and contribute to continuous improvement efforts within YVC’s Guided Pathways strategies. This position also involves understanding financial aid processes, implementing recruitment strategies, and ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integral to all duties, fostering an equitable and supportive learning environment for all students.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience serving as a direct advocate for students and clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Nice To Haves

• Earned master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in case management, advising, financial aid, admissions, and/or tutoring within a college or university setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred.
• Familiarity with Guided Pathways theory and practice, as well as the unique challenges faced by underserved populations in education.
• Advocate for students.
• Communicate clearly in both verbal and written formats.
• Interpret/implement established policies and procedures
• Build effective working relationships.
• Provide effective presentations through public speaking.
• Work independently and balance a variety of priorities.
• Use creative and reflective thinking skills to solve complex problems.
• Knowledge of advising principles.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Office, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of the unique challenges of underserved populations in education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and coordination of New Student Orientation programs and other college-wide events related to advising, ensuring a welcoming and informative experience for incoming students.
• Lead and mentor Pathway Navigators, providing work direction and training to new team members, particularly in navigating college systems and student support resources.
• Serve as an advocate for students guiding them through academic processes and providing tailored support to enhance their success.
• Perform targeted case management advising, proactively reaching out to students to assist with academic milestones, financial aid documentation, and other requirements.
• Maintain and monitor records of student progress and report findings to faculty advisors and the care network as necessary.
• Assist in creating and updating pathway materials, including print and electronic degree maps and brochures, under the direction of the Guided Pathways Coordinator.
• Coordinate communications with students, faculty pathway advisors, and faculty counselors, utilizing advising tools such as the Pathway Advising Tool, EAB Navigate, and ctcLink.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and contribute to the continuous improvement of advising strategies within YVC’s Guided Pathways efforts.
• Support and participate in college-wide events related to advising, including New Student Orientation, Advising Day, and retention initiatives.
• Follow pathway students through the student lifecycle: Serve as a point of contact for prospective students, class registration; assist the pathway team.
• Proactively reach out to students to support timely completion of academic milestones, financial aid documentation, and other requirements as needed.
• Appropriately refer students to internal and external resources and respond to inquiries regarding programs and certificates in the pathway.
• Contact students who are placed on academic probation to discuss their options.
• Provide pathway advising services up to 15 credits and during breaks between academic terms.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including assigned conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of advising in YVC’s Guided Pathways efforts.
• Respond to student inquiries and correspondence regarding programs and certificates in the pathway.
• Understand and maintain confidentiality of student records as appropriate.
• Maintain a current understanding of financial aid and enrollment processes to assist students in accessing necessary information and submitting required documentation.
• Engage in new initiatives aimed at improving student retention within the pathway.
• Collaborate with the Guided Pathways team to develop effective strategies and materials for recruiting students into the pathway’s programs and departments.
• Assist with implementing and training faculty on student success management software, such as Navigate.
• Ensure that equal opportunity, diversity, and cultural competence are integrated into all duties and responsibilities.
• Other duties as required.

Benefits

• The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts at time of hire.
• Candidates may be subject to a Criminal History Background Check as a condition for consideration of employment.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Yakima Valley College does not discriminate against any person based on their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation and/or gender identity, age, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other prohibited basis in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.
• Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible.
• All positions are subject to funding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level