MeckTech

Advisor Job Description

Background The college-for-all rhetoric is no longer relevant. One size does not fit all. Forty percent of Americans have some sort of college degree - what about the other forgotten half? Many students drop out because they dont see the relevance of school or a pathway to achieving their dreams. U.S. employers complain about a skills gap in young adults. High School graduates are not adequately prepared with the skills needed to succeed in a 21st century workforce. The fastest job growth is predicted to come among occupations that require an associates degree or a post-secondary vocational award (Council of Economic Advisors Report, July 2009). Overview

MeckEd is an independent, non-profit organization that mobilizes leadership, rallies resources, and engages the community to ensure all CMS students will achieve significant, measurable academic success. MeckEd is launching a pilot program in August 2012 to directly address the urgent need to help students graduate from CMS college- or career-ready. The MeckTech Advisor will create a coherent pipeline (and successful transition) from K-12, to post-secondary education and the workplace. The MeckTech Advisor will work with local business and industry stakeholders in developing partnerships that will help students identify and access pathways toward the numerous 21st century career opportunities emerging in the Charlotte marketplace. While employed by MeckEd and reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position will work out of a CMS zone office in order to effectively collaborate with CMS administration, teachers, and Career Development Coordinators at selected CMS high schools. Key Responsibilities include: 1. Establish and/or strengthen business and education partnerships a. Serve as the connector and facilitator to significantly increase the number of current CMS students participating in the following: i. Local industry apprenticeships. ii. On-site internships. iii. Central Piedmont Community Colleges Workplace Learning Programs. iv. Work-based learning opportunities. b. Learn, adapt to, and meet the current and future needs of local businesses (in part by establishing a Business Advisory Council). c. Develop a relationship with Central Piedmont Community College staff involved in workplace learning programs. 2. Expand existing career management and traditional career counseling services

a. Clearly define pathways toward countless 21st century career opportunities including, but not limited to, the fields of IT, energy, finance, motorsports, advanced manufacturing, and the medical profession. b. Counsel students on the menu of opportunities related to various careers and the coursework needed to enter those careers. 3. Inform students, families, guidance counselors, and businesses of available opportunities a. Create an awareness campaign to message to students, families, and guidance counselors the value of Associate Arts degrees, qualifications, and certifications available through Central Piedmont Community Colleges workplace learning programs. b. Coordinate field trips, assemblies, small group meetings, classroom visits, and other activities aimed at providing students and teachers information about career pathways and post-secondary educational options. c. Brainstorm and develop meaningful volunteer opportunities for parents, businesses, and the community. d. Effectively communicate to business leaders the incentives and benefits of investing in the development of future workers and encourage participation as collaborative partners. 4. Manage day-to-day program a. Proactively develop a program evaluation framework to measure quantifiable impact, to assess programmatic strengths, and to identify areas for improvement. b. Track and analyze student, school-wide, and business partner participation data. c. Manage an annual budget and operating plan. d. Build relationships and maintain regular communication with administrators, teachers, Career Development Coordinators, and zone staff. e. Deliver public presentations as needed. f. Assist with MeckEd community engagement programming, community relations efforts, and donor relations as needed. Job Requirements/Qualifications include: MeckEd is seeking a highly motivated, positive, and energetic leader with at least five years of professional experience who feels strongly about the mission of MeckEd and supports the concept of high-quality public schools being essential to a growing and economically vibrant community. The candidate must be a self-starter with excellent project management, interpersonal communication, and presentation skills. MeckEd seeks an individual who possesses the following professional characteristics: A willingness to build an innovative pilot program with an eye toward constant reflection and improvement. An ability to implement best practices demonstrated through other successful career- preparedness programs.

A successful record in developing and executing major projects or initiatives that have resulted in lasting transformation and systemic change. Superior project management and facilitation skills. Proven attention to detail and strong decision-making skills. A track record of being able to work both independently and with key external stakeholders. Experience with CMS preferred.

Compensation: MeckEd will offer a competitive compensation package comparable to other non-profits in Mecklenburg County. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and any salary requirements to banderson@mecked.org. MeckEd is an Equal Opportunity Employer.