The Vermont Career Advancement Program Manager will ensure career advising, career exploration, and career learning are integrated into the student experience at Vermont State University. The Vermont Career Advancement Program Manager is responsible for ensuring that individuals enrolled in VCAP and participating in any university sponsored activity, make consistent progression toward achieving their educational and career goals. The Program Manager works closely with VCAP participants from admissions through program completion to provide the guidance and support needed for success, while building partnerships with external entities to create pipelines for students. This position will be the primary point of contact at the university for recruitment, retention, advocacy, enrollment, direct support, advising, career services and career pathway case management and coordination. The Program Manager develops and maintains strong working relationships with HireAbility and regional Career Pathway Navigators.

Job Duties & Characteristics:

• Working closely with the Associate VP of Workforce, Community & Economic Development, colleagues in the Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) office and colleagues at Community College of Vermont to provide oversight of the program; effect day-to-day operations.
• Provide university and career advising and support services at pre-enrollment, throughout program participation, and through the transition into further education or employment for VCAP enrolled participants.
• Create program advising and networking tools to support VCAP participants make informed decisions.
• Help participants acclimate to the policies, expectations, and culture of higher education through coaching.
• Assist participants with exploration of career pathways that align with their life goals, interests, and strengths, referring students to financial aid, career counseling, and Learning Centers as appropriate.
• Help participants select programs, courses, and schedules; develop education plans and track their progress toward credential/degree completion and successfully prepare for job searches or other next steps.
• Check in with participants at key decision points along their paths and maintain consistent interaction via face-to-face, phone, text, and email communications.
• Work with HireAbility staff, faculty, and coordinators of teaching and learning to identify barriers to learning and persistence; provide real-time interventions and use proactive advising tools to support retention.
• Assist in the recruitment of VCAP participants who are Vocational Rehabilitation eligible and may already be engaged in university sponsored courses or activities.
• Organize, coordinate, and participate in various trainings, courses, activities, and/or events associated with the VCAP program.
• Maintain on-going program related data collection; plan and prepare reports related to individuals’ participation in programs and other required information.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with HireAbility Career Pathway Navigators and other Career Pathways staff.
• Work collaboratively across departments and institutions to leverage available tools, resources, and systems to fill support gaps for students.
• Serve as liaison with grant partners, students, faculty and staff, employers, vendors and other key internal or external constituents.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision is received from the Associate VP of Workforce, Community and Economic Development at Vermont State University or designee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree preferred. Bachelor’s degree required plus 2 - 5 years professional experience in education, student services, counseling, or a related professional field.

• Knowledge of higher education and career services and practices, including familiarity with student development theory.
• Ability to work in and foster a highly collaborative and student-centered environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; uses emotional intelligence and discretion in communications.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with diverse constituents.
• Effective listening and analytical skills to assess needs and develop successful solutions to complex problems.
• Strong understanding of disabilities, disability rights, and support services for individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of HireAbility and/or other organizations that provide career pathway training and/or support services.
• Demonstrated skill in planning and prioritizing work activities; must be detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Strong technological proficiency.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic background of participants, staff, faculty and project partners,

Physical Requirements: Duties performed cause light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties as a result of repetitive motion and/or long periods of standing or sitting. Duties require little physical effort in work with light to moderate (up to 25lbs) easy-to-handle materials.

Working Conditions: Job is performed in general office or comparable working area with many and frequent distractions such as noise and interruptions. Work schedule may vary during high volume periods. Work at home options are available.

Funding: This is a 5-year, grant funded position.

VSC UP PAT Bargaining Unit Grade: 14 FLSA: Exempt Full-time, Monday-Friday

Location: An office on either the Randolph Center or Williston campus.

Applicants interested in applying must submit a cover Letter and resume.

Applications will be accepted until positions are filled or by date specified. However, applications received after the initial screening will be considered at the discretion of the University. Vermont State University strongly encourages applications from members of ethnic minority groups and other under-represented backgrounds.

Vermont State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual because of race, color, religion, ancestry, place of birth, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age or veteran status, or against a qualified individual with a disability, or any other person whose status is protected under local, state or federal laws. In compliance with ADA requirements, we will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant.

NOTE: This job is subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal background check. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check.