Associate Director of College and Career Pathways

About PLN

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños provides education and wraparound support, serving over 10,000 children, youth, and families annually in some of the most underserved areas in Los Angeles. PLN fosters pathways to success by striving for excellence in education, family support, and comprehensive social-emotional, and community-based services.

Through early education, TK-8th grade education, youth workforce services, and family and community services Para Los Niño’s’ model provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to break the cycle of poverty and help children and youth thrive.

Position Overview   

Para Los Niños Youth Workforce Services (YWS) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented  Associate Director of College and Career Pathways. The Associate Director (AD) of plays a pivotal role in guiding youth toward successful post-secondary education and career opportunities. This role involves building capacity and developing and implementing pathways to college and high-skill, high-wage careers. The AD enhances college and career readiness skills to prepare students for success in 21st-century careers. Under the supervision of the Director of Youth Workforce Services, the AD collaborates closely with district leadership, site administration, post-secondary institutions, regional industries, grant foundations, and program agencies. A deep commitment to educational equity, comprehensive knowledge of college access programs, and expertise in career development strategies are essential.

Duties  

 College Access, Success, and Alumni Engagement

• Oversee day-to-day operations of college access, success, and alumni engagement efforts.
• Support the College Access and Success team in developing, aligning, delivering, and continually refining the curriculum and programming for high school and college students.
• Design and implement an intentional and data-driven approach to participant engagement.
• Coaches the college access and success team, delivering individualized support and guidance to participants to help them overcome barriers and achieve their academic and career goals.
• Co-designs alumni engagement program and activities.
• Works with staff to increase parent engagement efforts.

Internships

• Oversee day-to-day operations of internship programs and initiatives.
• Support with worksite development and monitoring.
• Manage relationships with internship sites and strategic partners.
• Leads planning and implementation of cross-departmental and organization-wide paid internships.
• Co-designs innovative and impactful internship programs in partnership with strategic partners.
• Manages communication with key individuals including grant liaisons and monitors on program implementation, progress, reports, and requests.
• Monitors participant wages, stipends, and supportive services to ensure that grants are maximized.
• Ensures that grants are in full compliance and works with appropriate staff in preparation for audits and monitoring visits.
• Work with team on implementation of internship programs.

Career Guidance and Employment Services 

• Leads the development and implementation of career pathways strategies and initiatives.
• Collaborates with the team to develop and coordinate experiential learning opportunities, such as career panels, industry visits, and job shadowing, to enhance student awareness and understanding.
• Lead the employment services team in coordinating career assessments, resume and cover letter preparation, portfolio development, career events, and job/internship searches and applications.
• Develops and maintains relationships with local colleges, industry, and businesses.
• Works with employment services team to recruit potential employers and create job opportunities for participants.
• Guide students in developing professional networks and mentor relationships.

Organization/Team Support

• Supports partnerships to deliver a range of career services, including work-based learning opportunities, internships, and job placement.
• Support ongoing program excellence and success across the entire program.
• Collaborate with the Director to monitor expenditures, leveraged resources, and in-kind contributions.
• Manage data gathering and analysis, reporting on key performance indicators for internships and employment.
• Assess and evaluate program effectiveness, using data to inform decisions.
• Work with the evaluation team to maintain a database system for student and partner information.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships across Para Los Niños to better connect Youth Workforce Services with the larger organization.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements  

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in quality assurance, compliance management, or program management within a youth workforce or similar environment.
• Strong understanding of workforce development programs, including federal, state, and local regulations.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with data management systems and software.
• Meticulous in reviewing documents and data to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex data and identify trends or discrepancies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Proactive in identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
• Bilingual English/Spanish desirable.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with students, families, administrators, colleagues, community, and other school system staff in a non-traditional, inner-city environment.

Education and Certification Requirements  

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years in college access, career counseling, or a related field. Minimum of 2 years in a supervisory role.
• In-depth understanding of college admissions processes, financial aid options, and career development resources.
• Proven experience supervising staff and managing budgets.
• Strong dedication to educational equity and social justice.
• Passionate about helping young people explore their interests and career opportunities.
• Ability to think strategically and guide the team towards a shared vision.
• Expertise in developing programs, evaluating their efficacy, and implementing quality improvement processes.
• Skill in prioritizing projects, taking initiative, demonstrating resourcefulness, and adapting to changing demands.
• Strong ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficient in data analysis and program evaluation.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills, time management, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Professional presence with strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong understanding of academic success and college persistence, as well as socio-emotional experience of first generation, low-income, and students of color.
• Working knowledge of college admissions, higher education (certificate, 2-year, and 4-year programs) and college retention.

Physical Requirements  

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.   

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.    

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.  
• Must be able to speak and hear well.    
• Good vision is imperative.    
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.    
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.  

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff   

Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:  

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.  
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.  
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.  
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.  
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.  
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.  
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.  
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.  
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.  
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.  

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer    

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.