College & Career Navigator/Alumni Coordinator

College & Career Navigator/Alumni Coordinator

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers' educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Why Work at GCCS

Students & Families: Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers' historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy: GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Coaching & Development: Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Summary

The College and Career Navigator is responsible for designing, coordinating, and monitoring college and career readiness systems for students in grades 9–12. This role ensures equitable access to high-quality career experiences and Market Value Assets (MVAs), including internships, dual credit, and industry exposure. The Navigator builds partnerships, tracks student participation and outcomes, and supports alumni during the first two years after graduation to strengthen postsecondary persistence and success.

Reports To: High School Principal

Duties/Responsibilities

College & Career Readiness (9–12)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, grade-level aligned college and career readiness plan for all students (9–12).
• Coordinate and expand access to high-quality career experiences, including internships, job shadowing, college visits, career fairs, and guest speakers.
• Build and manage partnerships with business, industry, and postsecondary institutions to support career pathways (e.g., healthcare, business, and other emerging fields).
• Ensure equitable access to all opportunities by developing clear systems for student recruitment, selection, and participation.
• Collaborate with counselors, teachers, and leadership to align college and career experiences with academic pathways and graduation requirements.
• Develop systems to remove barriers to participation (e.g., transportation, scheduling, communication).

Data, Systems & Accountability

• Track and monitor student participation in all college and career experiences, including MVAs.
• Establish baseline data and set measurable goals for student access, participation, and outcomes.
• Analyze data to inform program improvements and report progress to school and district leadership.
• Maintain accurate records of partnerships, student placements, and program effectiveness.

Alumni Support & Postsecondary Success

• Develop and implement a structured alumni support plan focused on the first two years after graduation.
• Maintain and update an alumni database to track postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and career outcomes.
• Conduct regular outreach to alumni (minimum three times per year) to provide guidance, resources, and support.
• Support graduating seniors with transition planning, including college enrollment, financial aid, course registration, and orientation.
• Collaborate with internal staff (e.g., Avanzando Coordinator, counseling team) to coordinate outreach and avoid duplication of efforts.
• Connect alumni to resources that support persistence, including academic advising, financial aid, and campus engagement opportunities.

Family & Community Engagement

• Plan and facilitate events that support college and career readiness, such as FAFSA nights, career exploration workshops, and networking events.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, alumni, and partners regarding opportunities and expectations.
• Promote awareness of college and career pathways and available supports.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as a school leader in advancing college and career readiness initiatives.
• Monitor the quality and impact of all programs and partnerships.
• Participate in professional learning and stay current on best practices in college and career readiness.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of college and career readiness pathways, including MVAs and postsecondary options.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with external organizations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze data and use it to drive decision-making and improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with students, families, and staff.
• Commitment to equity and increasing access for underserved student populations.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred.
• Experience working with high school students in college and career readiness, counseling, or related field (2–4 years preferred).
• Experience in an urban school setting preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Ability to travel between school sites, partner locations, and community events.

Application Process:

Please complete an online application at Attach your resume, cover letter, transcripts, and certification (if applicable).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forward complaints or participate in investigations of discrimination.