Career Connected Pathway Specialist, ECCE

Job Summary Reporting to the Manager of Career Connected Pathways, the Career Connected Pathway Specialist implements strategies to prepare students for postsecondary career options and provides direct services to high schools to advance a universal understanding of career readiness. The role includes procuring and coordinating work‑based learning opportunities, ensuring access to advanced coursework and certification in CTE fields, and building operational capacity at the school for high‑quality CTE and other career‑connected learning. Responsibilities Represent ECCE as the school point‑person for CTE programs and other career‑connected learning school‑based staff to the central office, area teams, and community partners. Develop and implement the school‑specific strategy for marketing and student recruiting, leveraging central office resources and working with school‑based staff as needed. Collaborate with ECCE, OCCS, and school staff to provide direct student support for the implementation, improvement, and evaluation of OCCS activities, including Work‑based Learning, Career and Technical Education programs, and Early College coursework. Support the design and execution of capstones, college & career fairs, and other career pathway events at the school. Support program performance and improvement through strategic operational support that aligns with the indicators of high‑quality CTE and other ECCE programming, CPS vision, including the collection and analysis of data and student outcomes. Support annual budgeting and expenditure efforts, working with school‑based staff to monitor purchase orders and ensure funds are used in a timely and appropriate manner to support the delivery of CTE instruction and other ECCE programs. Identify and coordinate with the central office to address teacher needs, such as proposing professional development topics, supporting CTE and Early College teacher recruitment efforts, and disseminating CPS policies and procedures. Other duties as assigned. Education Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience Minimum of three (3) years of related youth development and/or career programming experience, including facilitating collaboration within and among businesses, post‑secondary institutions, schools, and community‑based organizations. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in college and career‑related work, outreach, recruitment, and engagement. Experience in a supervisory role is preferred. Experience with program evaluation and improvement, working in school environments, and/or leading and executing large‑scale projects and programs is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Understanding the dynamics and challenges of collaborating with different entities, including businesses, post‑secondary institutions, schools, and community‑based organizations. Familiarity with organizational structures and hierarchies to effectively navigate and engage stakeholders. Ability to work directly with students to support them in accessing and completing early college, work‑based learning, and career coursework. Ability to identify opportunities for collaboration and foster mutual benefit among different organizations. Knowledge of college and career pathways, including educational requirements, career options, and industry trends. Understanding of effective outreach, recruitment, and engagement strategies to connect with diverse populations, including students, principals, counselors, parents, and community members. Ability to develop and implement plans to promote college and career‑related opportunities. Knowledge of available resources and programs for college and career planning and development. Ability to build partnerships and collaborate with educational institutions, employers, and community organizations to enhance college and career opportunities. Knowledge of basic program evaluation methodologies, data collection techniques, and data analysis. Ability to assess program effectiveness, identify improvement areas, and develop enhancement strategies. Analytical skills to inform decision‑making and program improvement efforts. Conditions of Employment Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency: Employees must live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions; all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois. Health & Wellness: CPS provides comprehensive health coverage to employees and eligible dependents, with options including medical plans, pharmacy coverage, vision, behavioral health & EAP, employee wellness programs, financial security plans, and supplemental retirement plans. Work‑Life Balance: CPS offers competitive paid time‑off policies to support employees’ personal and professional lives. #J-18808-Ljbffr