College and Career Specialist

Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) is the largest educational nonprofit in Silicon Valley. Our mission is to deliver and advocate for STEM education that inspires and prepares students for college and careers. We are guided by the belief that all students are capable of pursuing higher education and boosting their future economic mobility regardless of their background. SVEF has an established legacy of providing proven STEM programs and being profoundly committed to empowering students to graduate high school college and career ready. The impact of our work is evident in our strong partnerships with districts and donors in closing the achievement gap and the creation of a workforce that has the skills to meet 21st century needs.

Eastside Education Initiative (EEI) 

The Eastside Education Initiative’s (EEI) mission is twofold: (1) to advocate for equal funding for

East San Jose schools and (2) to provide supplemental educational services to promote a college and career readiness culture. EEI will focus on four key ‘pillars’ of success: Student, Family, and Community Engagement, Core Subject Proficiency, College and Career Readiness, and Advocacy. The pillars will shape the program investment and prioritize areas based on contributions to student achievement. 

Included in EEI’s mission is to provide supplemental educational services to promote a college and career readiness culture by engaging Eastside students and families, improving core subject proficiency of Eastside students leading to an increase of students who pass A-G coursework, providing college and career-aligned programming beginning in the 6th grade to increase enrollment and persistence in two-year colleges and four-year universities.

Position: College and Career Specialist                                                                   Job Location: San Jose, CA 

Under the direction of the Eastside Education Initiative Program Manager, the College and Career Specialist will support students in grades 6-9 by providing college and career readiness programming, resources, and advising services. The College and Career Specialist will collaborate with families, school staff, and community partners to promote college awareness, career exploration, academic planning, and postsecondary readiness. 

Through leadership, advocacy, and relationship-building, the College and Career Specialist will develop, coordinate, and assess comprehensive college and career readiness initiatives that support student engagement, growth, and long-term success.

Our ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse populations, demonstrate knowledge of college and career advising techniques, contribute to a strong college and career readiness culture, and effectively engage students, families, staff, and community partners in the program.

Major Duties & Responsibilities 

College and Career Readiness 

• Engage 6th-9th grade students and their families with college and career planning across districts.

• Create and deliver a workforce engagement plan with school districts, nonprofits, community colleges, 4-year universities, and industries that increase economic mobility.

• Assist students in forming academic, college, and career plans, and develop attitudes, skills, and knowledge based on student needs.

• Assist students and families with strengthening academic achievement in all core proficiencies, increasing academic aspirations, and raising college awareness.

• Assist students and families in understanding and navigating the complexities of transitioning and planning for high school and postsecondary opportunities.

• Organize and facilitate workshops and presentations that involve hands-on experience for each student to include: secondary school success, college awareness, and general elements of college readiness such as study skills, self-monitoring, goal-setting, time management, problem-solving, etc.

• Engage and foster collaborative relationships with parents.

• Lead summer College and Career Readiness initiatives, including training and supporting College Mentors and providing direct student support.

• Support SVEF influence and advocacy initiatives.

• Adapt to changing needs and effectively address inquiries.

• Other duties as assigned.

Leadership 

• Collaborate across departments internally and externally.

• Cultivate and nurture relationships with partners to enhance student engagement and exposure.

• Partner with school site leadership to align programming and strategies that best serve students and families. 

Data Management 

• Maintain data and records such as student and parent participation rates, completion of student college and career portfolios, calendars, agendas, etc., ensuring information is kept confidential and accessible only to authorized personnel.

• Organize, update, and maintain college and career materials to provide current information for students, parents, and staff.

• Collaborate closely with the Strategic Impact team to establish uniform data-tracking practices that measure program outcomes.

Other Qualifications

● Up-to-date college admission and financial aid requirements. 

● Career and occupational resources, trends, and opportunities. 

● College entrance requirements and procedures. 

● Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. 

● Record-keeping techniques. 

● Oral and written communication skills. 

● Telephone techniques and etiquette. 

● Basic research methods. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of years of experience and education.

• At least two years of successful experience managing a caseload and working with diverse students with various academic backgrounds and achievement levels.

• Evidence of a strong work ethic and ability to work collaboratively with different groups.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage many moving projects at once.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; strong community network in East San Jose.

• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure, problem-solve, anticipate change and react efficiently to challenging deadlines and priorities.

• Works well independently but also works collaboratively with a team in a fast-paced environment with a willingness to learn.

• Demonstrated proactive and creative analytical skills.

• Google Suite and Excel proficiency.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pupil Personnel Services Credential - School Counseling

• Spanish language proficiency

Preferred Start Date and Salary Parameters 

Preferred start date as soon as possible. Generous benefits with a salary commensurate with experience. Salary ranges from $70-75K.