Coordinator of Student Advising - CEDAR Navigator

The Corrections Education, Development, and Re‑entry (CEDAR) Center is an externally funded program working to provide educational opportunities to incarcerated Vermonters and staff at the Department of Corrections. The Center delivers high‑quality education that empowers incarcerated learners to build meaningful careers, strengthen wellbeing, and improve quality of life in custody and beyond.

3‑year grant‑funded position. CEDAR Navigators support students through the full arc of their educational and re‑entry journey, including post‑release transition, workforce preparation, and continued enrollment in postsecondary education.

• Advising students from admissions through graduation or completion of their credential.
• Help students acclimate to university policies, expectations, and culture.
• Assist students in exploring career pathways aligned with life goals, interests, and strengths; refer to financial aid, career counseling, and learning centers.
• Select course schedules, develop education plans, conduct degree audits, and track progress toward degree/credential completion; prepare students for job searches and/or transfer.
• Work with teaching and learning coordinators to ensure student needs are met by annual course schedules.
• Maintain consistent interaction with students via face‑to‑face, phone, text, and email communications; provide real‑time interventions and proactive advising tools to support retention.
• Identify barriers to learning and persistence, recommend approaches to overcome them.
• Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with CEDAR administration, Department of Corrections officials, social services agencies, and all students affiliated with Vermont’s correction system.
• Participate in professional development activities to enhance effectiveness of student advising at CCV.
• Provide advising to incarcerated Vermonters, staff at the Department of Corrections, and other special populations (TRIO, ADA, veterans).
• Offer front‑line intervention and faculty support in situations that require immediate or special action or observation.
• Support students in post‑release planning, including educational continuation, employment readiness, and connection to community resources.
• Advise and register students into Vermont State University courses; support transfer, dual enrollment, and continuation pathways.
• Coordinate with employers, workforce partners, and community organizations to align educational pathways with job opportunities.
• Provide ongoing advising and support post‑release to ensure persistence in higher education and/or employment pathways.
• Navigate cross‑institutional systems, policies, and procedures to support enrollment and success beyond CCV.

• Master’s degree.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in education, student services, counseling, corrections, or a related field; direct experience with Vermont’s correction system highly valued.
• Travel and flexibility in work hours required; valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
• Experience supporting re‑entry, workforce development, or cross‑institutional higher education pathways preferred.
• Expert communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively and cooperatively with diverse constituents.
• Effective listening and analytical skills to assess needs and develop solutions to complex problems.
• Knowledge of higher education policies and procedures, including familiarity with student development theory.
• Strong planning, prioritizing, and project management skills; attention to detail; ability to meet deadlines.
• Technological proficiency.
• Ability to manage high volume during peak periods.
• Sensitivity to diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds; prior experience with justice‑impacted people preferred.

Light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties due to repetitive motion and/or long periods of standing or sitting; light to moderate (up to 25lb) handling of materials.

General office environment with frequent distractions such as noise and interruptions; frequent visits to correctional facilities across the state; work schedule may vary during high‑volume periods.

As assigned.