Associate Director, Career Pathways

The Opportunity

The Associate Director of Career Pathways is responsible for overseeing programming for the Financial Services & Business (FSB) pathway. The role collaborates with partners and key stakeholders to conceive, identify, and implement innovative initiatives aimed at empowering students to develop the necessary acumen and competencies to succeed in the FSB pathway including: financial awareness, business fundamentals, communication skills, critical thinking, and digital literacy. 

You’ll help us achieve:

• The development and build out of the FSB pathway, focusing on the five key pathway components: curriculum, career advising, experiential programming, internship, and partnerships
• Student preparation for high quality postsecondary and employment opportunities leading them towards life sustaining wages

What You’ll Do

• Leverage school visits, community events and targeted marketing to recruit and maintain a robust, and diverse pipeline of students with an interest in financial services and business. 
• Developing and organizing experiential learning opportunities including career panels, industry visits and job shadowing to enhance student awareness and understanding of the financial services and business industries.
• Designing and implementing workshops that support the development of high school and college students' business acumen and skill development.
• Providing group and individual coaching and advising to high school and college students to deepen and strengthen their connection and preparation for roles in the financial services and business pathway.
• Managing and organizing internship opportunities for high school and college students, including identifying potential internship sites, coordinating with employers, matching students with appropriate placements, facilitating the application process, and providing ongoing support and monitoring to ensure a valuable and educational experience for both students and host organizations.
• Conducting regular meetings with high school coordinators at partner high schools with embedded pathway programming to review and update program plans, collaborate and strategize for upcoming activities and events, and work through any programmatic roadblocks or challenges.
• Conducting bi-monthly meetings with the FSB advisory council to gain feedback on program development and strategize towards program improvements.
• Communicating regularly with pathway partners to connect students with relevant career development opportunities, share program progress, and solicit participation in pathway and organizational events.
• Collaborating with the dual enrollment team to help more FSB students gain access to advanced educational opportunities, college credits, and a smoother transition to higher education.
• Consulting with the career team Managing Director to work through any programming challenges and ensure programming implementation alignment with established organizational priorities and team metrics.
• Participating in ongoing professional development to stay informed about trends and best practices in career development, workforce training, and educational equity, incorporating new knowledge into program design and implementation.
• Collecting and analyzing data to drive program evaluation, enhance quality, and inform development initiatives, ensuring evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Assisting with the preparation and submission of reports on program activities, outcomes, and impact to the leadership team, stakeholders, and funders.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Five years of work experience, with a minimum of 2 years in related role.
• Relevant experience in the financial services or business sector, with a moderate understanding of business practices.
• Experience in program management, career services, or a related field.
• Proven track record of developing and managing career readiness and internship programs, particularly for high school and first-generation college students.
• Experience working with marginalized communities and a deep understanding of the challenges they face in accessing career opportunities.

In addition to your experience, expertise and strengths, you must meet PA State background check requirements [PA Criminal, PA Child Abuse and FBI Fingerprint Check] at hire and every five years thereafter. You’ll also need to adhere to COVID safety guidelines as required by the Department of Human Services and/or the School District of Philadelphia.

Work Arrangements

Heights Philadelphia currently maintains a hybrid work environment where staff work from home, in our Center City office, and on-site with school partners, as determined by the staff member's or team’s responsibilities. We also prioritize time together as an organization - living in our value of succeeding together.  All office-based Heights employees spend Wednesdays in-office in Center City, building community at our monthly staff professional development days and via our virtual staff meetings.