The College Navigator will assess, advise, support, and track students, including Adult Basic Education (ABE)/English Language Learner (ELL) students, as they prepare for and transition to post-secondary education. In addition, the College Navigator will meet with prospective program students to inform, advise, and provide guidance through the application and registration process. As a member of the Learning Center team within the Student Services division, the College Navigator will provide coaching and student success services. The position reports to the Academic Development & Transition Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Assist students in the transition into postsecondary education in such areas as: GED/HSED completion; application and admission into postsecondary education; development of Personal Success Plan; development of skills to improve employability; and advancement in career development and job seeking skills.
• Assess students by utilizing available assessment tools (TABE, Accuplacer, and HESI), consider student academic and personal needs and barriers, identify appropriate support services, and develop comprehensive student success plans.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations to inform prospective students, promote college programs and services, identify community resources that support student needs, and identify outreach opportunities to serve relevant community needs within the campus district.
• Assist with the development, planning, and execution of outreach events and campaigns.
• Establish positive and trusting relationships with students and provide information related to programs, admissions, registration, financial aid, etc.
• Serve as liaison between student and college admissions processes.
• Provide proactive case management and outreach of students within Adult Education and College Prep (AECP).
• Assist with the management of student hours and time entry.
• Participate on appropriate college teams and contribute to accomplishing the goals and objectives of the team(s).
• Coordinate services with relevant college departments and events (i.e. open house, community events, new student orientation, and appropriate recruitment efforts).
• Attend pertinent college training/professional development opportunities, and department/division meetings.
• Coordinate and/or provide supportive services to reinforce academic persistence and success.
• Work collaboratively with faculty/staff to monitor student progress and academic success.
• Assist with implementing and monitoring of grant activities and maintain accurate reporting documentation of students served (tracking of services, inquiries, calls, etc.).

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A thorough understanding of the concerns related to ABE/ELL, at-risk, under-prepared, first-generational, and transitioning students and academic success.
• Knowledge, understanding, and interaction of multiple systems, including higher education, human services, workforce development, adult basic education, as well as accessing community resources and support services.
• Knowledge and understanding of education and training requirements, occupational profiles, and labor market projections for college educational career pathways as well as:
  • Process and tools for helping students identify realistic career and educational goals.
  • Career planning and employment search processes, tools, and resources.
• Ability to work effectively both as a member of a team and independently (i.e. solution-focused, positive attitude, open-minded).
• Negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Case management, coaching, and advising skills.
• Networking, outreach, and team building skills.
• Project management and program evaluation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to interpret and explain information to a variety of persons and groups, including at-risk students and students with limited English proficiency.
• Ability to use judgment and discretion with confidential and sensitive issues.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and travel to various campuses as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond to multiple, competing student needs.
• Ability to model integrity through self-awareness, personal accountability, ethical behavior, quality standards, and sustainable practices.
• Ability to think critically by applying problem solving practices, acquiring relevant information, using technology and other resources appropriately, and evaluating alternatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively by speaking and writing clearly, concisely, and professionally; practicing active listening; reading critically, and adapting communication for audience.
• Ability to value diversity by recognizing personal biases, adapting to culturally diverse situations, and demonstrating a commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful interactions with persons of diverse ethnic, cultural, social-economic, or educational backgrounds.
• Intermediate knowledge of and skills with technology including software programs for communication, data collection, and decision-making including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, Excel, Cognito, SharePoint, and other virtual meeting platforms.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree in Education, Guidance and Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a student service area including academic counseling, advising, and/or teaching.
• Experience working with multicultural students preferred.
• Experience in assessment, student development, and retention initiatives preferred.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform duties of position.As an equal opportunity/access employer and educator, CVTC is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Health insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents with attached Health Savings Account (HSA) and wellness incentive
• Dental insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
• 403(b) tax deferred annuity program
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan
• Section 125 flexible spending accounts
• Paid vacation, personal, and sick time
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement (eligibility requirements apply)
• Professional development

Generally, with the exception of tuition reimbursement, benefits eligibility begins on the first date of employment (i.e., there is no waiting period).

CVTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the college's non-discrimination policies: Director of Human Resources, 620 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701, 715-833-6334, WI Relay: 711