ECE Workforce Pathways Navigator

YWCA; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The Higher Education and Workforce Navigator – CCR&R at YWCA serves as liaison and provides guidance and support to early childhood professionals seeking higher education opportunities at 2- and 4-year institutions.

This role recruits candidates, connects them with ECE degree paths, and helps access scholarships and funding; collaborates with the CCR&R team across DuPage, Kane, and Lake counties to expand pathways.

Qualifications

• The position requires the ability to problem solve and navigate complexities of large institutions of higher education and foster the required relationships with a variety of different student populations as well as community college, university, and child care community.
• Having the ability to influence others without formal authority is necessary to the role.
• Intermediate level of skills with MS Office and Outlook are required; skills with database management, proficiency with spreadsheets and internet search applications are necessary.
• A general knowledge of community resources is desirable.
• Discretion is required for handling of documents and for member concerns.
• Demonstrated respect and appreciation for working in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural work environment must be evident.
• The Higher Education and Workforce Development Navigator must be able to work effectively with members who may show stress and impatience.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Training and Professional Development Associate Director and Family and Youth Potential leadership team to review, track, and support educational needs of early childhood workforce.
• Build awareness of opportunities and pathways to higher education and funding opportunities available to childcare providers and programs in DuPage, Kane, and Lake Counties.
• Assists in identifying, recruiting and connecting incumbent early childhood care and education workforce members with appropriate Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs at 2- and 4-year institutions.
• Plan, publicize, and facilitate general informational/educational sessions on higher education and scholarship opportunities and grant opportunities for ECE workforce members and ECE programs in diverse communities.
• Serves as primary point of both internal and external representation and liaison with respect to program/agency initiatives, and provides technical/professional and programmatic guidance, consultation, and support to client constituencies as appropriate.
• Use appropriate judgment in upward communication regarding client or member concerns.
• Collect information on barriers to higher education experienced by workforce members.
• Provide support on assessing needs, sharing information, completing applications, and connection to higher education opportunities through phone calls, email, in-person / virtual meetings.
• Collect, analyze and evaluate barriers; organize, interpret and present it in meaningful oral or written form for varied audiences and provide solid analysis leading to sound decision-making.
• Issue reports of all findings on an ongoing basis and provides systematic follow up to all program functions.
• Assist with managing and updating the internal training spaces within the office.
• Ensuring areas are cleaned and organized with all materials needed.
• Participate in administrative and program meetings and trainings as appropriate to stay informed on priorities, raise issues and provide feedback.
• Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be assigned, whether for a project, special needs task or other assignment.

Skills

MS Office & Outlook

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Database management

Spreadsheets

Internet search

Job description

The Higher Education and Workforce Navigator – CCR&R at YWCA serves as liaison and provides guidance and support to early childhood professionals seeking higher education opportunities at 2- and 4-year institutions.

This role recruits candidates, connects them with ECE degree paths, and helps access scholarships and funding; collaborates with the CCR&R team across DuPage, Kane, and Lake counties to expand pathways.