Manager- Pathways

Summary

NYC FIRST is building out a new STEM-based civic infrastructure that broadens resources, delivers opportunity and sets young people on pathways to success academically and professionally. This vision is centered on a network of STEM Centers, which centralize valuable resources, including computing and software, fabrication equipment, and expert and experienced staff and mentors. For over 20 years, NYC FIRST has inspired and empowered K-12 students from diverse communities across New York City each year to engage with STEM and robotics in meaningful and joyful ways. We create learning experiences that encourage young people to think critically and creatively and to persevere, driving towards excellence and equity.

Position Overview

NYC FIRST seeks a passionate and driven individual with expertise in college and career advising to guide our current students and alumni towards successful pathways in STEM. The ideal candidate will be a skilled relationship builder, a creative problem-solver, and possess a deep commitment to supporting young people from diverse backgrounds. The Manager, Pathways will help guide those current and former participants in their pathways to college, internships, and career. This role is critical to NYC FIRST's mission of inspiring and preparing the next generation of STEM leaders. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing those pathways. It involves building relationships with current participants and alumni on one side and institutions of higher education and employers on the other side. The Manager, Pathways will report to the Vice President of Programs and work collaboratively with NYC FIRST staff. In its first year, the intention is that this role should engage at least 500 participants and alumni in both group and individual settings. This role has the potential for growth within the organization as we expand our alumni support programs.
 

Qualifications

• Three years of professional experience coaching, mentoring, and/or advising young adults ages 16–24.
• Demonstrated success establishing professional partnerships with employers and creating job opportunities for young adults.
• Three years of experience designing, implementing, and iterating effective programs.
• Knowledge of STEM fields, robotics and related career pathways.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in data management and analysis.
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required.
• Relevant coursework or experience in youth development, career counseling, and program management would be beneficial.
• Ability to work on-site with young adults at NYC FIRST STEM Centers across New York City.
• Candidates must possess legal authorization to work in the United States. NYC FIRST is unable to provide sponsorship for work authorization.
• Employment is contingent upon successful fingerprinting by the New York City Department of Education.

Duties

Build College Readiness:

• Build and nurture relationships with colleges and universities in NYC and beyond, which lead to positive benefits and outcomes for NYC FIRST alumni. Provide participants and alumni with supportive and knowledgeable guidance through group workshops and 1:1 coaching, to support their journeys towards higher education.

Build Pathways for Alumni to Career Opportunities:

• Build and nurture relationships with corporations that lead to paid jobs and internships for NYC FIRST participants and alumni.
• Develop job-readiness workshops (e.g., resume writing, interview skills) and a resource bank for NYC FIRST participants and alumni.
• Proactively identify and secure job and internship opportunities through strong networking and relationship-building skills, and design a system for marketing opportunities (e.g., creating an online job board, organizing career fairs) to participants and alumni.
• Prepare students and alumni for successful job acquisition and retention through workshops, 1:1 meetings, etc.

Data Management and Evaluation:

• Manage data collection and maintain a database of NYC FIRST participants and alumni (using CRM) and their participation in the Pathways program.
• Track outcomes, including job placements, internships and educational attainment.
• Present data and insights to NYC FIRST leadership.