College & Career Pathways Specialist - Adult Learners

College & Career Pathways Specialist - Adult Learners (CCPS-AL) (40 hours, Full-time) Non-Exempt

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self‑motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve.

Our Core Values
:
Empathy, Passion, Persistence, and Innovation.

The College and Career Specialist support 18‑to‑24‑year‑old adult learners in identifying and pursuing postsecondary education and career pathways. This role provides individualized counseling, delivers targeted programming, and fosters strategic partnerships to ensure students are equipped with the necessary tools, resources, and support to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

This position reports to the College and Career Pathways Manager (CCPM). The specialist works collaboratively with program managers, coordinators, and specialists, finance, development, the impact team, and the CCPM to achieve program success.?

• Identify and recruit eligible youth participants
• Maintain a library of college and job training catalogs, career guides, and scholarship materials
• Coordinate college and career‑oriented field trips and learning events (e.g., college tours, career fairs, guest speakers).
• Advocate for students through letters of recommendation and direct outreach to institutions.
• Advise clients on educational pathways, certifications, and training programs
• Develop and deliver curriculum and instructional materials focused on college readiness, workforce development, life skills, and financial literacy
• Help youth identify academic, personal, and professional strengths, interests, and values to inform goal‑setting
• Conduct one‑on‑one college and career counseling sessions to ensure youth are on track to meet postsecondary goals.
• Guide youth in college search techniques, applications, scholarship searches, financial aid forms, effective note‑taking, study habits, test‑taking strategies, navigating the academic and social aspects of college life.
• Assist youth in resume writing, cover letters, job applications, interview preparation, mock interview sessions, job search strategies, networking techniques, professionalism, time management, communication etiquette, and organizational skills.
• Facilitate workshops for youth and families on college readiness and financial aid
• Provide academic, career, and personal support to BUILD’s Scholarship Program recipients, including in‑person campus visits
• Support graduation planning and program completion ceremonies.
• Create an environment that fosters holistic youth development through exposure to cultural enrichment, mental health resources, and community engagement.
• Administer and interpret youth surveys, assessments, and pre‑/post‑tests
• Monitor youth progress in academic and workforce/training programs to meet departmental retention and graduation goals.
• Track outcomes and prepare reports for program evaluation.
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions, events, and applications
• Provide regular updates to the College and Career Pathways Manager (CCPM) and attend donor meetings to share impact and recommendations
• Partner with local businesses, colleges, CTE programs, and community‑based organizations to expand youth opportunities.
• Participate in organizational recruitment and engagement events (some evenings/weekends required)
• Support civic engagement initiatives aligned with BUILD’s mission
• Stay informed about current labor market trends, emerging industries, and college admissions and financial aid practices
• Participate in various meetings, workshops, trainings, seminars, and other activities, as directed
• Perform other duties as assigned to enhance program effectiveness and reach

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in education, human resources,…