Next Steps Coach

The Next Steps Coach at Birmingham Promise will play a vital role in supporting the career development and success of Birmingham Promise's college graduates, as well as students who have paused their college education. This position is designed to help participants build strong professional profiles, develop essential job-seeking skills, and successfully transition from education to meaningful employment. The Next Steps Coach will also assist students who have stopped out of college, helping them re-engage with their educational journey and facilitating their path to career readiness. Additionally, this role will coordinate the College Internship Program to ensure students gain practical work experience and valuable connections to employers in the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Career Coaching and Job Readiness:
  • Provide one-on-one coaching to college graduates and students who have paused their education, helping them define career goals and develop actionable plans to secure employment.
  • Assist in building and refining resumes, cover letters, and professional portfolios.
  • Offer mock interviews, career assessments, and other resources to prepare participants for job applications and interviews.
  • Connect graduates and students with job opportunities, leveraging local and regional employer partnerships.
  • Support participants in identifying career paths that align with their strengths, passions, and academic backgrounds
• Support for Stopped-Out Students:
  • Identify and reach out to students who have paused their college education and work with them to re-engage with their studies or identify alternative pathways to career success.
  • Provide academic, emotional, and logistical support to help students overcome barriers to returning to college or pursuing workforce development opportunities.
  • Collaborate with academic advisors, financial aid officers, and other key stakeholders to ensure students have the resources they need to resume their studies or transition to employment.
• College Internship Program Coordination:
  • Develop and manage relationships with local employers to secure internship opportunities for college students in the Birmingham area.
  • Create a simple yet effective internship program that leverages employers' resources while making it easy for companies to recruit Birmingham Promise students.
  • Monitor internship placements and track student outcomes to assess program success and make improvements as needed.
• Workforce Development Initiatives:
  • Organize and facilitate workshops, job fairs, networking events, and other initiatives to connect students and graduates with potential employers.
  • Provide guidance on professional development topics such as workplace etiquette, communication skills, networking, and goal-setting.
  • Work with local businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions to develop new opportunities for workforce development and career readiness.
• Data Tracking and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate records of student progress, internship placements, job searches, and employment outcomes.
  • Prepare regular reports for program evaluation, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
  • Work with the Birmingham Promise team to assess program impact and refine strategies for student success.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Human Resources, or a related field.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in career coaching, workforce development, or higher education support services.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by first-generation college students, underrepresented groups, and students who have paused their education.
• Experience in building relationships with employers, coordinating internships, and connecting students to job opportunities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Passion for helping students succeed and a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with data management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Birmingham job market and local employers.
• Knowledge of career assessment tools and job search platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake).
• Experience with program evaluation and outcome tracking.