Part-Time Career Navigator (Washington, DC)

About the role

The Summer Search Career Navigator position is a part-time, 15-hour role, 3 days a week, 5 hours per day, based in Washington, DC. Reporting to the Senior Business Development Associate, the Career Navigator will provide individualized coaching and mentoring to apprentices and guidance to managers supervising early-career employees, in partnership with program leadership at Aon and a robust team of part- and full-time colleagues at Summer Search.

Responsibilities

• Apprentice Support & Coaching (40%): Conduct initial one-on-one intake assessments with apprentices and their managers to understand career and academic goals, employment background, and support needs. Meet regularly with apprentices (weekly or biweekly) to support their workplace readiness, foundational skill development, and professional growth. Provide coaching and referrals for apprentices facing barriers such as childcare, transportation, housing, or other personal needs impacting participation. Maintain consistent communication with apprentices to track academic standing, work-based learning, and overall well-being. Track apprentice engagement, attendance, and case notes using tracking tools and templates provided. Collaborate with apprentices, managers, Summer Search, and the Aon Program Team to develop individualized Success Agreement Plans, or intervention plans when required.
• Manager Engagement (20%): Connect with apprentice managers monthly via email, Teams, or through in-person meetings to discuss progress, share feedback, and provide guidance on supporting apprentices. Encourage and facilitate balanced feedback between managers and apprentices, emphasizing positive reinforcement alongside constructive guidance, using Summer Search and Aon frameworks. Remind managers to complete required Apprentice Status Reports and competency check-ins.
• Program Monitoring & Communication (15%): Partner with the Aon Program Team to support all apprentices in meeting graduation requirements within the two-year program. Proactively raise and document any high-risk or concerning situations (academic, personal, or professional) through established reporting channels.
• Professional Development Program (20%): Plan, coordinate, and facilitate monthly in-person professional development sessions, in collaboration with the Summer Search team. Coordinate event logistics including scheduling, and on-site arrangements such as booking rooms and sending invites to apprentices. Track apprentice participation in professional development sessions to support progress documentation.
• Other Duties (5%): Provide occasional support for recruiting and engagement activities for Apprentice program, including career fairs, open houses, final round apprentice interviews, graduation celebrations, or other local program needs.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in workforce development or career advising, preferably working with early career individuals.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to juggle multiple workflows and easily adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience leading project teams and managing external partners/vendors.
• Critical consciousness: Recognizes sociopolitical barriers and understands the systems of oppression that operate in day-to-day lives of stakeholders, e.g., students/participants, staff members, community partners, and alumni. Applies critical thinking and takes action against the oppressive aspects of reality.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Suite. In addition, all Summer Search staff bring a commitment to our mission of unleashing students’ potential through mentoring and transformative experiences, as well as the ability to thrive in an environment that values excellence, gratitude, well-being, diversity, authenticity, and collaboration.

Skills

• Strong relationship builder who is consistent and reliable in their communication and project management.
• Experience in workforce development or career advising, preferably with early career individuals.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite.

Benefits

• Competitive and transparent salaries with a starting salary of $45/hour. This is a non-exempt position.
• A $2,500 retention bonus after one year of continuous employment, and a second $2,500 retention bonus after two years.
• Well-being, flexibility, and ongoing learning and development are pillars of our culture.
• Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities we serve.