Career Coach

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 46,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is seeking a passionate, collaborative Career Coach to help students turn interests into meaningful career and educational opportunities. This is more than a career coach position; it serves as a bridge between students, schools, higher education, and the workforce.

The 11-month, grant-funded role is based at Alleghany High School and Bath High School, with responsibilities including advising, work-based learning, and program coordination to support

Qualifications

• Proven academic excellence or equivalent experience.
• Experience administering assessments.
• Knowledge of career pathways programs.
• Knowledge of dual enrollment processes.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate career assessments and help students develop individualized career plans.
• Serve as a resource for counselors and staff on career exploration and pathways.
• Help students navigate college opportunities, placement, and program selection.
• Incorporate work-based learning and soft-skills into career prep.
• Build relationships with business and industry to expand career pathways.
• Collaborate with high school personnel and college staff to create seamless pathways.
• Know MGCC programs, transfer options, and certificate offerings.
• Support and mentor new Career Coaches and collaborate with Dual Enrollment staff.
• Contribute to program management and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Career coaching

Data analysis

Collaboration

Student advising

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Title: Career Coach

Agency: Mountain Gateway Community College

Location: Rockbridge - 163

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range: $45,600 to $47,000

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Job Description

Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia. The college is supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia; the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt (northern portion) and Rockbridge; the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington; and the town of Clifton Forge. MGCC provides opportunities for the extension of knowledge, skills and personal enrichment in an environment that maintains high academic standards and respect for each individual. The college strives to keep programs and services financially and geographically accessible for all students. Credit and non-credit courses are offered to meet life-long learning needs. On-site and distance learning options incorporate up-to-date technologies.

Help Students Discover Their Future. Build Pathways to Success.

Do you believe every student deserves a clear path from high school to college, career, and beyond?

Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is seeking a passionate, collaborative, and student-focused Career Coach to help students turn their interests and potential into meaningful career and educational opportunities.

This is more than a career coach position. The Career Coach serves as a bridge between students, schools, higher education, and the workforce, helping students understand their options, develop career goals, gain real-world experience, and successfully transition into postsecondary education and careers.

If you enjoy building relationships, connecting people with opportunities, and making a tangible difference in students' lives, we invite you to consider joining the MGCC team.

What You'll Do

As a Career Coach, you will:

• Guide students toward their future by coordinating career assessments through Wizard and helping students develop individualized career plans aligned with their interests, strengths, and goals.
• Be a trusted resource for school counselors and staff, providing expertise and support related to career exploration, planning, and postsecondary pathways.
• Help students navigate college opportunities, including college placement, program selection, career exploration, and transition planning.
• Connect learning to the real world by incorporating work-based learning experiences, employability skills, and soft-skills development into students' career preparation.
• Build relationships with business and industry to expand career pathways, connect students with workforce opportunities, and promote industry-recognized certifications available through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
• Create seamless pathways from high school to college by collaborating with high school personnel, community college faculty and staff, and other educational partners.
• Become an expert on MGCC's programs, including transfer and career-oriented degrees, certificates, and Career Studies Certificates, so you can help students identify programs that match their goals.
• Support and mentor new Career Coaches, helping them understand the role, expectations, best practices, and Virginia Community College System (VCCS) reporting requirements.
• Support dual enrollment initiatives by working collaboratively with the Dual Enrollment Coordinator and Associate Vice President/Chief Student Affairs Officer.
• Contribute to program management and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen career exploration, college access, work-based learning, dual enrollment, and student transitions

Position Status: This is an 11-month, grant-funded position with an annual employment period of August 1 through June 30. This position is based at Alleghany High School and Bath High School.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven academic excellence and subject matter knowledge, which may be evidenced by training, experience, and/or a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience administering and interpreting assessments
• Knowledge of Career Pathways programs
• Knowledge of Dual Enrollment Program and procedures
• Knowledge of best practices related to career development services
• Knowledge of MGCC programs
• Experience using career coaching strategies
• Experience working with underserved/underrepresented populations
• Experience in academic and career advising
• Ability to gather and analyze data
• Command of the English language both oral and written
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to be a team player including maintaining confidentiality

Additional Considerations

Knowledge of MGCC programs

Knowledge of Dual Enrollment Programs and procedures

Experience in administering and interpreting assessments