College and Career Education Specialist (iJAG)

About Des Moines Prep and the iJAG Partnership

An employee of iJAG, the College and Career Education Specialist, will work out of and be an integral part of the team at Des Moines Prep. Des Moines Prep (www.desmoinesprep.org)  is a new public charter high school opening in August 2025 to serve 150 students in its inaugural class. The school will add an additional grade level each year, building out a full, comprehensive high school that offers academic excellence, a wide array of extracurriculars, and hyper-focused college and career preparation. As one of the flagship schools for Opportunity Education (www.opportunityeducation.org), Des Moines Prep aims to set a model for schools nationwide and, through the partnership with iJAG, aims to build a new curricular and support model focused on both college and career access within iJAG’s program offerings.

Position Overview

The College and Career Education Specialist is a cornerstone role dedicated to guiding high school students toward academic and personal excellence. This role integrates project-based learning (PBL), individual mentoring, data-driven strategies, and work-based learning initiatives, working closely with employer partnerships to prepare students for successful futures.

Essential Functions

Student Engagement:

• Proactively build and sustain a vibrant student program in collaboration with iJAG and DSM Prep
• Partner with the school administration to support students
• Foster a sense of belonging among students
• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins with students to provide academic and personal support
• Develop and implement student leadership opportunities within the program
• Facilitate engaging classroom activities that promote career exploration and skill development
• Support students in setting and achieving academic, career, and personal goals
• Organize guest speakers, industry visits, and hands-on learning experiences
• Assist students with resume building, interview preparation, and job applications
• Track student attendance, performance, and engagement to identify areas of need
• Work with families to ensure they are informed and involved in their child's success

Instructional Delivery and Classroom Management:

• Employs project-based learning (PBL) methodologies to develop engaging and transformative educational journeys, seamlessly bridging classroom theory with real-world applications, thereby enriching students’ practical understanding and skills
• Utilize iJAG's competency-based approach to steer project creation and cultivate a student-centered learning environment, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personalized growth
• Champion student empowerment and autonomy, cultivating an inclusive learning environment that encourages teamwork and community building
• Develop and maintain a positive, structured learning environment that promotes student engagement and participation through effective classroom management strategies, adapting techniques to meet the diverse needs of learners and ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities
• Implement effective behavior management plans and conflict resolution strategies to cultivate a safe, respectful classroom culture, enabling students to focus on their academic and personal growth within a supportive and inclusive classroom setting

Data Management and Analysis:

• Maintain accurate student records, systematically tracking essential metrics including attendance, academic performance, and program participation to monitor and enhance student progress effectively
• Skillfully analyzes data to evaluate the impact of the iJAG program on student outcomes, utilizing insights to identify areas needing targeted interventions or additional supports, thereby optimizing student success
• Manages and updates Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for students, participating in relevant meetings to advocate and adapt educational strategies to meet the unique needs of each learner 

Community and Employer Engagement:

• Design and implement comprehensive work-based learning programs that integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences, preparing students for life after high school by developing their professional skills and understanding industry expectations
• Coordinate student placements in work-based learning settings, including internships and apprenticeships, ensuring a match between student interest and employer needs, and provide ongoing support to both students and employers to maximize learning outcomes and workplace success
• Actively cultivates and maintains robust relationships with a broad spectrum of employers, securing a variety of career exploration and skill development opportunities that align with student interests and market demands
• Cultivate and mobilize community resources, developing partnerships and collaborations that support the educational experience and open new pathways for iJAG students, thereby ensuring support and opportunities for student support

Professional Development and Support:

• Engage in collaboration with the program supervisor and school administration, leveraging collective expertise to drive the success of the program and ensure it meets both educational standards and student needs effectively
• Participate in iJAG and school district professional development activities to stay updated on best practices and continuously enhance skills and knowledge

Additional Requirements 

• Demonstrated proficiency in delivering content to diverse audiences and adapting teaching styles to meet the varied needs of students 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Skilled in leveraging data analytics to refine instructional approaches and enhance student achievement
• Skilled in building supportive relationships while upholding professional standards
• Curriculum development capability and tech-savviness with Microsoft Office/Google apps
• Ability to learn new software systems

Education, Experience, and Other Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in social sciences, counseling, education, or a closely related discipline is essential, with a master's degree strongly preferred
• Relevant experience in secondary or post-secondary education environments, demonstrating a deep understanding of academic support systems
• Current possession of an active Iowa teacher license or iJAG authorization, with the expectation to secure a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Supervisor authorization within the first six months of employment
• Commitment to iJAG’s mission and flexibility to perform diverse program roles

Application Instructions:

Candidates will complete this application in two steps. Please share your resume below AND complete our full application on Indeed on Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=0ce9ae0094fbfebe&from=shareddesktop_copy