Career Coach

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.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Part-Time Career Coach to work with high school students as they explore career pathways, develop professional skills, and create plans for life after graduation. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by empowering students to confidently pursue college, careers, military service, apprenticeships, or other postsecondary opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships with students through one-on-one career coaching.
• Help students identify their strengths, interests, values, and career goals using career and interest assessments.
• Guide students in developing individualized career and education plans.
• Facilitate engaging workshops and small-group sessions on career exploration, workplace readiness, financial literacy, interviewing, resume writing, and professional skills.
• Connect students with internships, job shadowing opportunities, employers, colleges, training programs, and community resources.
• Collaborate with school counselors, teachers, administrators, families, and business partners to support student success.
• Track student progress, maintain accurate records, and contribute to program outcomes.
• Foster a culture of confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.
• May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

Requirements

• Passion for helping students discover their strengths and prepare for successful futures.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, human services, business, workforce development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, relevant skills, and professional experience.
• Experience in career coaching, workforce development, education, counseling, advising, mentoring, or youth development preferred.
• Experience administering and interpreting career or interest assessments.
• Experience facilitating workshops, presentations, or small-group instruction.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other technology platforms, with the ability to quickly learn new software.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse students, staff, families, and community partners.
• 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.
• Excellent communication and team-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.

Pay

$21.25 to $25.00 an hour.

Schedule

Part-time, 8 am to 3:30 pm. Telework options are subject to change based on business needs.

Travel to Perry McCluer High School & James River High School required.