Lead Pathway Navigator

Description

Essential Tasks

• Lead the planning and coordination of New Student Orientation programs and other college-wide events related to advising, ensuring a welcoming and informative experience for incoming students.
• Lead and mentor Pathway Navigators, providing work direction and training to new team members, particularly in navigating college systems and student support resources.
• Serve as an advocate for students guiding them through academic processes and providing tailored support to enhance their success.
• Perform targeted case management advising, proactively reaching out to students to assist with academic milestones, financial aid documentation, and other requirements.
• Maintain and monitor records of student progress and report findings to faculty advisors and the care network as necessary.
• Assist in creating and updating pathway materials, including print and electronic degree maps and brochures, under the direction of the Guided Pathways Coordinator.
• Coordinate communications with students, faculty pathway advisors, and faculty counselors, utilizing advising tools such as the Pathway Advising Tool, EAB Navigate, and ctcLink.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and contribute to the continuous improvement of advising strategies within YVC’s Guided Pathways efforts.
• Support and participate in college-wide events related to advising, including New Student Orientation, Advising Day, and retention initiatives.
• Follow pathway students through the student lifecycle: Serve as a point of contact for prospective students, class registration; assist the pathway team.
• Proactively reach out to students to support timely completion of academic milestones, financial aid documentation, and other requirements as needed.
• Appropriately refer students to internal and external resources and respond to inquiries regarding programs and certificates in the pathway.
• Contact students who are placed on academic probation to discuss their options.
• Provide pathway advising services up to 15 credits and during breaks between academic terms.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including assigned conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of advising in YVC’s Guided Pathways efforts.
• Respond to student inquiries and correspondence regarding programs and certificates in the pathway.
• Understand and maintain confidentiality of student records as appropriate.
• Maintain a current understanding of financial aid and enrollment processes to assist students in accessing necessary information and submitting required documentation.
• Engage in new initiatives aimed at improving student retention within the pathway.
• Collaborate with the Guided Pathways team to develop effective strategies and materials for recruiting students into the pathway’s programs and departments.
• Assist with implementing and training faculty on student success management software, such as Navigate.
• Ensure that equal opportunity, diversity, and cultural competence are integrated into all duties and responsibilities.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience serving as a direct advocate for students and clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

• Earned master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in case management, advising, financial aid, admissions, and/or tutoring within a college or university setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred.
• Familiarity with Guided Pathways theory and practice, as well as the unique challenges faced by underserved populations in education.

• Advocate for students.
• Communicate clearly in both verbal and written formats.
• Interpret/implement established policies and procedures
• Build effective working relationships.
• Provide effective presentations through public speaking.
• Work independently and balance a variety of priorities.
• Use creative and reflective thinking skills to solve complex problems.

• Advising principles.
• Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Office, Excel, and Outlook.
• The unique challenges of underserved populations in education.

Supplemental Information

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (a generic cover letter will not be accepted)
• A current resume (a resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the online application)
• Three (3) professional references (personal references do not count as professional)
• Unofficial transcripts for confirmation of degree (if minimum qualifications require a degree). The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts at time of hire.
• Certifications/Credentials as required for fulfillment of the minimum qualifications.