The Future Center Navigator serves as a direct service provider and catalyst for collaboration, working with school administration, school counselors, and teachers to deliver an integrated set of college, career, and financial aid services to students and families. The role of the Future Center Navigator is a dynamic one, requiring direct service to students and families while also supporting and complementing the work of school counselors. Future Center Navigators are expected to seek out and share best practices and evaluate their effectiveness and efficiency in serving RPS school communities. Future Center Navigators assist in providing direct service to specialty high schools on a rotating basis while being based at specific comprehensive high schools.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Manages the daily operation of designated Future Center
Develops and maintains positive working relationships with principals, school counselors, teachers, admissions representatives, pre-collegiate partners, and other service providers
Delivers college and career access services and programs to all students (grades 9-12)
Supports the annual update of student Academic and Career Plans
Performs outreach to feeder middle and elementary schools, including college/career awareness sessions for students, families, and school staff
Liaises with Early College Academy (ECA) coaches to support student academic advancement and maintain school to home communication
Assists 12th grade students with the development of a comprehensive post-secondary plan and manages enrollment, enlistment, or employment decisions for 12th graders
Manages the college search/college fit and match and application process for seniors and their families
Conducts one-on-one, small group, and classroom advising sessions about college and career opportunities
Assists students with completion and submission of college, financial aid, and scholarship applications
Plans and/or coordinates entrance exam preparation courses (SAT, ACT, ASVAB, COMPASS, VPT), personal statement and resume writing workshops, financial aid and scholarship workshops, and college visits, all of which may occasionally occur after school hours
Manages career planning for students choosing to enter the workforce following high school
Plans and/or coordinates on-site or virtual college and career information sessions with local colleges, universities, the military, vocational and trade schools, and serves as a liaison with their representatives throughout the year
Collaborates with other college and career access programs to coordinate services
Plans, coordinates, and chaperones in-person and/or virtual college and industry tours for students
Manages Future Center and RPS data tracking tools and uploads accurate data to include college application data, job placement and post high school outcomes tracking
Drafts and presents reports on student post-secondary choices and outcomes over time
Participates in and promotes various community events that align with Future Center’s mission
Assists Specialist with organizing prospective donor visits to Future Centers, as requested
Assists with external communications, including press releases and media inquiries, as requested
Assists with recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers
Manages social media platforms for individual centers
Supervises Future Center volunteer(s) and interns
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred
Three years of experience in college access and/or career training, higher education, financial aid or a related field
Knowledge of college application process, student financial aid, and career readiness
Experience in providing ongoing academic and career guidance to students
Bilingual skills to include Spanish preferred
Ability to exercise tact, good judgment and demonstrate initiative in the completion of assignments
Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse groups including students, parents, school staff, and community partners, particularly in urban settings, and be adaptable to changing priorities
Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate with sensitivity to students, parents, and community members
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced environment while remaining organized
Ability to work independently, as well as to cooperate as a team player
Effectively use a variety of technology tools including social media platforms, various software and internet tools
Passion for the mission of RVA Future Centers and determination to make the initiative successful
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries
Education Administration Programs
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