Career Coach-Accelerate U

Who We Are:

National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution, we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and superior student service. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our hard-working community is based on collaboration and respect for all team members and students.

In November 2020, National Louis University launched a new initiative called Accelerate U focused on workforce training for local, upwardly-mobile jobs and careers. A path-breaking "job first" higher education model, AU's work connects learners and employers, linking economic stability for participants with the diverse talent pipeline needs of local employers. Accelerate U works closely with employer partners to build affordable (Pell-eligible) academic and training pathways that 1) bridge to an in-demand job in 3-6 months, 2) lead to an industry led credential, 3) focus on technical, career readiness, and leadership skill development, 4) include career coaching, wraparound supports, and a meaningful cohort-based experience, and 5) allows participants to earn up to 30 college credits that seamlessly "stack" into a bachelor's degree with little to no debt. The #1 outcome we care about is the number of learners who start our programs and find sustainable employment within three months of completing it. Accelerate U is working to launch 3-5 new certification pathways across multiple sectors (i.e. healthcare, technology, business) annually, eventually serving more than 1,000 learners each year.

What You Will Do:

The Career Coach will provide essential instruction, coaching and mentoring directly to Accelerate U learners as they complete their training courses and through their externship/job placement process as they prepare for work. The Career Coach will work directly with learners, instructing them on the most important durable/professional skills needed for successful careers, as well as apply the skills to goals and progress throughout the program. They will also assist students in creating career portfolios (documents and interview practice) that will best position them to secure long lasting jobs in the fields. This individual will support learners across Accelerate U training tracks as learners prepare to enter careers in healthcare, behavioral health, or technology. They will serve as a guide to the learner experience for the rest of the Accelerate U team and will play an essential role in creating exceptional, cohort-based and individual learning experiences for participants. The Career Coach will report to the Director of Career Coaching. NLU seeks applicants that reflect the diversity of its student body and the city of Chicago.

Leadership Skills Course Instruction and Grading

Instruct, coach and lead 3-6 cohorts of learners a year through the training, field-based externship, and job placement process of the Accelerate U program.
• Facilitate and teach the CAR204 Leadership Skills Seminar course via Zoom, using the Accelerate U curriculum every other week to each cohort (case load is 2 cohorts simultaneously, so teaching every week).
• Be diligent in maintaining current records of grades, attendance and all necessary program metrics so learners know their progress throughout the course.
• Build community virtually (and in-person at least 3-5 times throughout the program) among learners to motivate and build networks.
• Attend and co facilitate 3-5 in person events per cohort- skills labs, in person Orientation and networking events- specific requirements, dates and times are outlined in each specific program

Individual Coaching & Learner Support

• Conduct individual coaching sessions with each learner to provide individualized guidance and mentorship as they complete the program.
• Keep detailed and updated notes about student progress from individual coaching, their performance in CAR204 course and from instructor and coach meetings.
• Problem-solve with learners to create a personalized Accelerate U success plan and identify appropriate university and community resources and supports to address challenges and ensure completion of the training experience.
• Serve as the first point of outreach for learner concerns using the most effective coaching and motivational interviewing methodologies to support program participants as they overcome barriers.
• Support learners as they make progress towards a job, including ensuring they complete externship requirements, secure their certification (when applicable), complete job application and other metrics indicating program completion.

Continuous Learning & Cross Team Collaboration

• Be passionate about durable skills, career success and motivating individuals through academic rigor.
• Meet regularly with technical course instructors to ensure each learner receives the support they need to be successful in the program- collaborate on grades and individual needs of learners to be successful
• Maintain current and active knowledge of best practices in durable skills (known as Leadership Skills at AU) teaching strategies, coaching methodologies and career readiness (resume, cover letters etc.)
• Communicate regularly with Accelerate U staff and instructors regarding learner progress throughout the program.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Social Work, or Counseling.
• Three plus (3+) years professional experience in Education, Social Work, Career Coaching, or Counseling.
• Ability to perform well under pressure while maintaining positive attitude and building effective relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Proven track record of successful coaching and mentoring others, especially in supporting individual across diverse backgrounds to succeed in careers.
• Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills, including active listening, compassion, and clear communication.
• Ability to build trusting connections and hold learners to high expectations, with empathy.
• Proven experience using relevant technology and leading group sessions online with Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, and other learning management systems.

Work Environment/Physical Demands/Travel Requirements:

For now, travel is limited to the Chicago campus, about 1 day per week on average. This will be reassessed as the needs of the team and university change.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.

The salary range of the grade for this position is $47,365 to $66,311 annually. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity.

Please Include the following along with your application:

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form