College & Career Readiness Specialist

For those less familiar with the Excel Center, it provides a tuition-free education for adults seeking to obtain a high school diploma.  The Excel Center model was created by the Goodwill in Indianapolis in 2010, and has since grown to 47 schools across 10 states and Washington D.C.  Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois will open the first Excel Center in Illinois in Fall 2025. We are currently seeking to hire the College and Career Readiness Specialist.

The College and Career Readiness Specialist (CCR Specialist) builds relationships, systems, and programs to ensure that each student at The Excel Center graduates with a realistic career plan that is connected to post-secondary employment and education. The CCR Specialist provides direct advising and case management services for students as they near graduation and is instrumental in the implementation of a comprehensive foundational career-development program. The CCR Specialist develops and maintains an industry–based network of community and college/university/credentialing partners. The work of the CCR Specialist assures that graduates are supported in a viable pathway into a career and/or college placement, prepared with the skills, resources, and support to actualize their post-secondary plan.

The responsibilities and essential functions will include:

School Leadership

• Leads the school culture toward development and design of career pathways for targeted, industry-driven programs with sequential options, including dual-enrollment, noncredit and credit certificate programs. 
• Makes recommendations to the school director on student placement into internships and job opportunities. 
• Develops innovative, career-focused marketing and recruitment strategy for promoting career pathway opportunities to students. 
• Collaborates with other College and Career Readiness Specialists in The Excel Center Network to share best practices.
• Demonstrates a culture of innovation and responsiveness to meet the current workforce development needs of students and businesses.

Student Support, Services & Relationships

• Provides one-on-one support to students throughout the college preparation process (which includes but is not limited to college search, application, and transition process). Understands and explains the college admissions process.
• Oversees and supports students in all certification and dual-credit classes they attend.
• Provides student exposure to the world of work, including on-the-job opportunities, internships or job shadowing and other experiential learning for career pathways. 
• Provides career and academic advisement through in-class instruction and personal counseling sessions. 
• Coordinates student use of and activities related to computerized guidance information systems and career assessment instruments.
• Plans and organizes and/or teaches graduate seminars, focusing on College and Career Readiness/Senior Seminar every 8-week term, to prepare students for graduation and success in postsecondary endeavors.
• Conducts workshops on essay writing, interviewing skills, financial aid, resume writing, etc.
• Coordinates college preparation testing for all students (SAT, and/or US Constitution testing)
• Provides information on college fairs, campus visits, scholarships, etc. to current students, teachers and alumni.

Research & Tracking

• Creates and maintains outreach efforts to Excel Center alums. Stays in contact with and tracks graduates as they pursue their post-secondary options in order to maintain up-to-date employment, career and college attainment.
• Conducts, gathers and coordinates the development of research and performance measures for credential completion, educational attainment and efforts that bridge educational systems for career path employment. 
• Researches, gathers and reports current labor market and demographic information examining the current education and workforce system for gaps and alignments. 

Community Outreach

• Serves as a liaison between the school and the community. 
• Builds relationships and partners with college admissions counselors to create open lines of communication and sharing of information.
• Seeks out internship, apprenticeship, scholarships and career opportunities for students and alums.

The above-listed responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties required.  Incumbents will be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

The qualifications and basic job requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience working in a secondary or higher education setting, and/or career counseling and workforce development.
• Knowledge of career/vocational theories, career education program development, community resources and employers.
• Experience in career pathway development is highly desirable.
• Training in guidance or career/technical education is highly desirable.
• Established community network of representatives from business and industry.
• Adept at utilizing Excel and experience analyzing statistical data for informed decision making.
• Working knowledge of computer programs: Google applications (specifically Gmail), Excel, Word.       
• Previous experience with the colleges and the college admissions process.
• Knowledgeable of financial aid process and various scholarships, internships, etc.  
• Strong written communication and public speaking skills.
• Energetic self-starter, comfortable working in a busy, diverse environment.
• Valid driver’s license and up-to-date automobile insurance.

• Must be able to successfully pass a background check.
• Must be able to work year-round following the Excel Center school calendar with breaks built in. 

We look forward to receiving your resume and letter of interest regarding this position. 

Goodwill offers competitive pay and benefits along with our positive working culture and flexible work environment. The pay range for this position is $53,000 - $57,000 per year. Goodwill's Excel Center operates on a 12-month schedule with scheduled breaks. Key benefits are listed below –

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision insurance, basic and voluntary life insurance as well as short-term disability and employee assistance program.
• Financial Security: Competitive salary and retirement plans with employer discretionary match.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off and scheduled breaks.
• Professional Growth: Training programs, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement opportunities.
• Perks & Extras: Employee discounts, and a supportive, inclusive workplace.

Thank you for your interest in working at Goodwill.  We commit to providing each applicant a hiring experience that allows you to bring your authentic self to the table. If you need an alternative method to apply this for position, please contact Goodwill's Human Resource Department at SharethaH@goodwillni.org.

Salary : $53,000 - $57,000