Career Navigator & Industry Engagement Specialist

Description
Organization Summary

Civic Works strengthens Baltimore’s communities through education, skills development, and community service. Our Center for Sustainable Careers (CSC) department expands access to family-sustaining careers through hands-on learning, on-the-job training and job quality initiatives. We have sector-based career tracks in solar installation, roofing and utility infrastructure. Our program model has proven powerfully successful, with over 1,000 CSC graduates since 2003, an impressive average job placement rate of 85% and starting wages of over $20 per hour. Our innovative work has been highlighted by the White House, the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, Green for All, The Baltimore Sun, The Washington Post, and the US Conference of Mayors. Join us in creating a more just and equitable green economy. For more information, please visit http://sustainablecareers.civicworks.com/

Position Summary

The Career Navigator & Industry Engagement Specialist plays a critical role on the Career Services team, guiding solar and roofing trainees toward family-sustaining careers through hands-on career coaching, high-quality employment readiness instruction, and relationships with industry employers. This role combines a dedicated coaching caseload with delivery of the program's employment readiness curriculum and employer outreach and engagement – conducting initial outreach to prospective solar and roofing partners and supporting ongoing engagement to open and sustain hiring opportunities. The Navigator coaches participants throughout their entire career development journey, from initial skills building through job placement and beyond, including graduate retention and advancement support. In coordination with employer engagement staff, the Navigator identifies participants for industry openings and facilitates and tracks applications, interviews, job offers, and related milestones. Through coaching, curriculum delivery, employer connections, and industry insight, the Navigator delivers career outcomes that last well beyond placement. This role advances Civic Works' commitment to expanding career access for residents excluded from quality employment, including people impacted by the criminal justice system, housing instability, and other systems, and reflects our belief in the capacity of every participant to build a lasting career.

Primary Responsibilities:

I. Support participants in building their professional development skills

Achieve and maintain fidelity in the motivational interviewing framework, applying evidence-based coaching techniques to support participant motivation, self-direction, and progress.
Provide individualized, strength-based coaching that builds participants' workplace communication, interview, networking, and strategic career planning skills.
Sustain participant engagement and momentum across the full career development journey, from early skill-building through placement.
II. Coordinate participants' progress toward job placement

Conduct comprehensive assessments and provide targeted coaching to evaluate participants' strengths, identify development areas, and support their ongoing professional growth.
Partner with the Job Readiness Manager to evaluate participant readiness for employment transition and coordinate seamless handoffs between program phases.
Facilitate strategic job matching and placement support by connecting participants with suitable employment opportunities and providing guidance through all stages of the application, interview, and hiring process.
Maintain comprehensive documentation in Salesforce including participant engagement metrics, application and interview progress tracking, job placement outcomes, and other critical placement and retention milestone data to ensure program accountability and continuous improvement.
Transport participants to interviews and appointments as needed.
III. Conduct employer outreach and industry engagement

Conduct initial outreach to prospective solar, roofing, and related construction/green-energy employers to introduce the program and build a pipeline of hiring opportunities.
Support ongoing engagement with industry partners, maintaining regular communication and a positive partner experience that drives repeat hiring.
In coordination with employer engagement staff, understand employer talent needs, role requirements, and hiring cycles to align participant preparation and referrals.
Conduct labor market analysis and industry mapping for the solar and roofing sectors to identify in-demand roles, growth areas, and emerging employers, using that insight to guide participants and inform outreach.
Attend industry events, trade association meetings, job fairs, and networking functions to build program visibility and develop new employer relationships.
Plan and execute employer engagement events, such as open houses, employer showcases, and site visits, that connect industry partners directly with participants and program staff.
IV. Support high quality graduate employment outcomes

Provide ongoing retention and career advancement support to program graduates through continued coaching, professional development resources, and strategic career planning assistance.
Deliver targeted job search assistance to unemployed graduates, including updated resume review, interview preparation, and connections to new employment opportunities.
Track and analyze graduate employment data including wages, work hours, job retention rates, and career advancement metrics to measure program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.
Expand placement support beyond target industries by providing specialized guidance and resources to participants seeking employment in alternative career paths and sectors.
V. Peer Support & Team Development

Provide informal guidance and peer support to Career Services staff on career coaching practices, participant assessment, curriculum delivery, and facilitation techniques.
Share knowledge of curriculum content, coaching approaches, and program context to support onboarding and task continuity during transitions.
Model effective coaching and facilitation standards and serve as an internal resource for best practices in curriculum design and training delivery.
Support team cohesion by collaborating across the Career Services and Career Pathways teams on shared curriculum and participant success goals.
Qualifications
Desired Experience

Minimum 3 years of combined experience in workforce development and adult education/training programs, with demonstrated success in participant outcomes and program delivery.
Employer outreach and relationship-building experience, ideally including initial/cold outreach.
Proficiency with CRM systems and data tracking platforms (Salesforce preferred) for managing participant information, tracking progress, and generating reports.
Coaching experience with proven ability to motivate and guide job seekers toward their career goals through individualized support.
Experience with motivational interviewing and other evidence-based approaches to support participant engagement and skill development.
Conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities to navigate challenging situations and maintain positive participant relationships.
Strong technology proficiency, including comfort with digital platforms for program delivery and documentation.
Preferred Qualifications

Industry-specific experience in roofing, solar, or related construction/green energy sectors.
Technology integration expertise for industry mapping, labor market analysis, and innovative job placement strategies.
Curriculum development and training expertise, including designing, implementing, and evaluating educational content for adult learners in professional development settings.
Formal training or certification in the Motivational Interviewing (MI) framework.
Skills and Abilities

Strong organization and time management; able to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines independently.
Clear written and verbal communication that makes complex concepts accessible to diverse audiences.
Interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including coaching and active listening.
Collaborative and adaptable, with responsiveness to evolving program needs and colleagues.
Effective facilitation and classroom management with adult learners.
Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint).
Problem-solving and resilience under pressure.
Professional integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive participant information.
Comfort working with participants from a variety of backgrounds, including individuals whose criminal records may include serious offenses, and is committed to supporting their success without judgment.
Commitment to respectful, high-quality learning environments that promote participant success.
Work Schedule & Location:

Work schedule is typically Monday-Friday from 7:30 am - 3:30 pm.
Occasional travel to meet with partners offsite
This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule. Candidates must be able to commute to the Baltimore City office at least four days per week, with the option to work remotely one day per week.
During the 90-day orientation period, additional in-office days will be required. This arrangement is subject to change based on organizational needs and may be adjusted to include additional in-person time.