RPED Career Coach

The RPED Career Coach is time-limited, grant-funded by RPED for four years. Career Coaches are community college counselors embedded in high schools to help students acquire awareness and explore career and technical education postsecondary program options. This position is responsible for organizing career planning activities, developing academic/career goals modules, and providing group and individual career coaching for high school students. This will work with Ayden-Grifton and D.H. Conley high schools. Time-Limited, RPED (Rural Postsecondary & Economic Development) Grant-Funded July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2027 Provide individualized and group career guidance to high school students, helping them explore career interests, pathways, and educational opportunities. Plan, design, and deliver career development workshops, sessions, and activities, including topics such as assessments, apprenticeships, internships, financial aid, and CCP courses. Coordinate day-to-day Career Coach operations, including scheduling, programming, guest speakers, and partnerships with schools and community organizations. Develop and maintain accessible resources such as an online occupational library with information on career clusters, employment trends, and education/training requirements. Facilitate experiential learning opportunities including job shadowing, mentoring, business/industry visits, and career awareness activities. Track student career interests, maintain accurate records of services provided, and prepare required reports for grant and institutional accountability. Promote student participation in outreach programs such as college nights, parent nights, and scholarship/financial aid workshops. Build and maintain partnerships with business, industry, military, government agencies, and other workforce stakeholders to support student career exploration. Provide targeted support for underrepresented and first-generation students by connecting them to academic enrichment and support resources. Stay current with workforce needs, career trends, and technical education updates through required training, meetings, and professional development.

Our Values:

At Pitt Community College, our culture is built on excellence, collaboration, innovation, accountability and a student-centered focus. We expect our employees to embrace the following cultural statements: Every role contributes to student success. We treat one another with respect and work together as one team. We embrace creativity, adaptability, and new ideas to stay relevant. We act with integrity, accountability, and responsible stewardship. We put students first, designing programs and services that help them thrive in college, career and life. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Education, Communication or a related field; at least two (2) years of experience advising and counseling experience in a community college, university or similar educational setting Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Counselor Education or related field; experience working with students from diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

Work Environment:

Embedded in local high schools and works collaboratively with students, parents, school administrators, counselors, teachers, and PCC staff. The position operates in both professional office settings and school-based environments, with frequent travel between Ayden-Grifton High School, D.H. Conley High School, and Pitt Community College. Work requires balancing administrative responsibilities with active student engagement in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that involves frequent interaction, presentations, and partnership building.

Physical Demands:

Primarily sedentary, involving extended periods of sitting, computer use, and student advising sessions. Frequent walking around school campuses, classrooms, and event venues is required, as well as transporting materials such as career resources, program guides, and workshop/event supplies up to 20 pounds. Strong verbal communication and presentation skills are essential, as the position frequently addresses groups of students, families, and community partners.

Normal Working Hours:

Standard schedule, Monday - Friday; aligned with the academic calendar of both Pitt Community College and assigned high schools. Some evening and weekend hours may be required to attend parent nights, college fairs, workshops, or outreach events. Regular travel between PCC and assigned high schools is required.