Working directly in 40 schools in the City of Richmond and Henrico’s east end, Communities In Schools of Richmond builds relationships that empower students to stay in school and achieve in life. We believe that when basic needs are met, students can concentrate on what’s important – learning. The work has evolved over a 40-year process and is validated by longitudinal research that supports the model as an evidence-based practice that both lowers drop-out rates and improves graduation rates.
About the Role
The Workforce Development Coordinator is responsible for providing workforce development and career preparation and readiness services to high school students, primarily in 11th and 12th grades. Responsibilities include delivery of planning and management of the Communities In Schools (CIS) Workforce Development Initiative at an assigned high school. The successful candidate will have a valid VA driver’s license and reliable transportation is required.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Recruit students for the program, coordinating with school stakeholders (parents, principal, school staff, site coordinators) to identify students that intend to enter the workforce after graduation.
- Deliver a model for workforce programming that includes adapting curriculum and developing lesson plans, career exploration and shadowing, one-on-one guidance, and case management. Programming is integrated across the school day and extended day.
- Recruit partner entities to support field trips, job shadowing, and career panels.
- Actively engage stakeholders to support program planning and act as an advocate for students to encourage program participation and student achievement.
- Develop a caseload of students in compliance with agency expectations who will be connected with workforce development support. Provide case management; coordinate delivery of integrated supports, engaging in best practices.
- Ensure that data is collected, entered and reported to appropriate stakeholders. Analyze data to guide ongoing program delivery and make continuous improvements.
- Follow protocol regarding confidentiality, data storage, and use of technology.
- Effectively manage resources, including program site budget, in-kind/cash donations, volunteers, partners, grants, and meeting all reporting requirements.
- Adhere to branding standards in all communication formats.
- Be an advocate/ambassador for the organization.
Essential Competencies of the Successful Candidate
- Demonstrated experience in the career readiness or workforce development space.
- Ability to develop strong relationships with students, partners and school staff.
- Ability to balance competing priorities within rapidly changing conditions.
- Ability to organize and prioritize effectively.
- An entrepreneurial spirit with willingness to build a new program.
- A Bachelor’s degree in a related area with workforce experience a plus.
- Recent experience working directly with teenage youth or young adults.
- Experience delivering curricula.
- Working effectively in a team and/or school setting.
- An entrepreneurial spirit with willingness to build a new program.