Career Pathways Specialist

Compensation based on education and experience.

Director of College and Career Readiness and HRD

Professional

Opens:

Closes: 11/30/2026

12/01/2026

As required to support the program/38 hours per week.

Full-Time Staff

• Bachelor's degree in education, business, counseling, or a related field.
• Experience in adult education, workforce development, career services, higher education, or a related field.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish partnerships with employers, community organizations, and educational institutions.

• Master's degree in education, counseling, higher education, business, or a related field.
• Experience with WIOA Title II Adult Education programs.
• Experience developing or coordinating career pathways.
• Experience with employer engagement, career coaching, or workforce partnerships.

Job Description
- Summary

The Career Pathways Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing career pathways that prepare adult education students for postsecondary education, workforce training, industry-recognized credentials, pre-apprenticeships, and employment. This position serves as the primary point of contact for Integrated Education and Training ( IET ) pathways, teaches employability skills as appropriate, and collaborates with college departments, employers, workforce partners, and community organizations to improve student transitions and workforce outcomes.

The Career Pathways Specialist guides adult education students from enrollment through career attainment by connecting instruction, workforce preparation, career exploration, and employment opportunities into a seamless pathway.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the planning, implementation, and evaluation of career pathways within College & Career Readiness.
• Develop and maintain career pathway maps aligned with local workforce needs and college academic programs.
• Coordinate Integrated Education and Training ( IET ) programs by ensuring alignment of adult education, workforce preparation, and workforce training components.
• Collaborate with faculty and college departments to expand career pathway opportunities and improve student transitions.
• Assist in identifying new career pathway opportunities based on labor market demand and employer feedback.
• Teach courses that support career readiness and workforce preparation, as needed. Examples include employability skills, workplace communication, digital literacy, financial literacy, professionalism, resume development, interviewing, and career planning.
• Recruit adult education students into College & Career Readiness career pathways.
• Conduct career exploration and assist students in developing individualized education and career plans.
• Guide students through enrollment into IET pathways, occupational training, and postsecondary education.
• Assist students with admissions, registration, financial aid referrals, and navigation of college resources.
• Coordinate referrals to supportive services that promote student persistence and success.
• Monitor student progress and provide coaching throughout the educational pathway.
• Coordinate pre-apprenticeship opportunities that prepare students for Registered Apprenticeships, employment, or continued education.
• Collaborate with employers to develop work-based learning experiences, job shadowing opportunities, workplace tours, guest speakers, and career exploration activities.
• Maintain partnerships with NCWorks, PTRWDB , Apprenticeship NC, economic development organizations, and community agencies to support student success.
• Represent the College & Career Readiness program at recruitment events, employer meetings, and workforce initiatives.
• Maintain accurate student records and documentation related to career pathway participation and outcomes.
• Track student enrollment, persistence, credential attainment, postsecondary transitions, employment outcomes, and other required performance measures.
• Assist with state and federal reporting requirements, including WIOA Title II accountability measures.
• Utilize data to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend continuous improvement strategies.

For information about this position, please contact Jennifer Pardue, Director
- College and Career Readiness and HRD , at  or parduejs.