Career Coach/Coordinator of Student Services of Alleghany Center

The Coordinator serves as a key connection between Wilkes Community College (WCC), Alleghany County Schools, and the local community to promote educational and career opportunities for high school students. This role provides admissions guidance, academic advising, career exploration, and student support services. The coordinator collaborates closely with school staff, WCC departments, and industry partners to align programs with student needs and workforce demands. Responsibilities include coordinating outreach events, supporting transition pathways from high school to college, and maintaining strong relationships with students, families, and community stakeholders to enhance access and success in CCP programs.

As a liaison between WCC and Alleghany County Schools, the role focuses on building relationships with students and collaborating with school principals, teachers, counselors, and administrators. It involves working closely with the high school CTE department and Career Development Coordinator to develop career awareness opportunities and collaborating with WCC staff to provide seamless assistance from high school through college.

The position includes the following responsibilities and expectations:

• Provides recruitment, admissions, and student support services for the Alleghany Center, including assisting with application and other pre-enrollment activities, academic and transfer advising, registration, and new student orientation.

• Conduct needs assessments jointly with Alleghany students and the Alleghany High School principal, CTE Director, and Counselors to determine specific needs related to Career and College Promise.

• Administer career assessments and provide career advising to students through individual appointments, classroom presentations, and other activities.

• Assist students with college planning, including selecting a college program and developing academic plans that include both high school and college CCP classes.

• Determine the needs of area businesses and industry by maintaining an active membership with the Chamber of Commerce, participating in business and industry committees and events, exploring career websites, and meeting with business and industry representatives.

• Coordinate events as well as participate in school-sponsored activities that promote career pathways and CCP.

• Serve as a liaison between WCC and Alleghany County Schools, seeking opportunities to build relationships with students and work collaboratively with principals, teachers, counselors, and administrators.

• Work closely with the high school CTE department and Career Development Coordinator to develop opportunities for students to engage in career awareness and exploration.

• Collaborate with the WCC GEAR UP Coordinator, Director of College Access, and Coordinator of Recruiting to provide seamless assistance from high school through college.

• Communicate regularly with WCC faculty to understand WCC programs of study, industry-specific credentials offered, and career opportunities in the field.

• Participate in Career Coach team meetings and professional development activities; remain current in knowledge of college programs, career opportunities, and the education and training required for various careers; earn the Career Development Facilitator certification.

• Work closely with Student Services, Disability Services, Career and College Promise (CCP), and GEAR UP staff on other WCC campuses to promote programming and ensure student support. Work with the WDCE Coordinators to promote WDCE courses to specific student populations.

• Initiate, maintain, and document contacts with Alleghany Center and Alleghany County students while maintaining a high level of student confidentiality.

• Represent the Alleghany Center and CCP at local and WCC events; Work toward and promote the Alleghany Center’s mission, vision, and goals.

• Plan and coordinate student activities at the Alleghany Center for all students.

• Assist with the day-to-day operations of the Alleghany Center.

• Maintain ongoing, positive relationships and coordinate meetings as needed with ACS, departments on other WCC campuses, and outside agencies.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Work is primarily performed under general supervision in an office setting with appropriate climate controls. Requires the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations. Requires strong written and verbal communication, administrative, and organizational skills. Must be able to work under pressure and handle all confidential matters with discretion. Travel, evening, and weekend work will be required.

Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills are important.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Essential functions of this position require lifting, manual dexterity, the ability to communicate, reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Medium work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 5 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting for long periods.

Applicants must complete the Wilkes Community College online application process which includes a cover letter, a resume, four professional references, and unofficial college transcripts (if hired, official college transcripts will be required). Applicant must be able to successfully pass a background check.