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 3,000 learners each year.
What You Will Do:
The Alumni Career and Success Coordinator will play a key role in supporting Accelerate U (AU) learners and alumni by fostering strong, ongoing relationships and driving successful career outcomes for program completers. This role is responsible for building and maintaining an engaged alumni network, coordinating career readiness activities and job placement support, and managing data related to employment and alumni outcomes. Working closely with the Director or Employer Engagement, Externship Coordinator, AU Coaching Team, Enrollment and Program teams, and other AU/NLU staff, the position ensures alumni remain connected to Accelerate U through professional development opportunities and resources, employment pathways, and continued learning at National Louis University. This role presents a unique opportunity to create, manage, and build upon AU’s alumni network and processes at a time of organizational growth. The Alumni Success Coordinator will contribute to AU’s mission of promoting lifelong learning and connectedness, workforce success, and equitable career advancement for our learners.
Essential Responsibilities:
Alumni Engagement and Post-Program Success
- Create, manage, and regularly update a running contact list of all AU alumni that can be used for sharing important updates and open jobs.
- Maintain regular communication with program alumni, ensuring they are aware of ongoing professional development opportunities, open positions, events, etc.
- Maintain regular engagement for alumni and other stakeholders via newsletters, individual follow-ups, events, and other strategies to keep alum engaged with AU.
- Collaborate with the program team to identify opportunities for alumni to work or volunteer with AU to support current students (i.e. skills lab assistant, assistant coach, orientation panelist, guest speaker, etc.), and help recruit alumni for these opportunities.
- Organize alumni events, webinars, job fairs, workshops, etc. to foster a community of lifelong learning and professional growth.
- Work closely with the NLU Enrollment/Outreach teams, the NLU “Learn & Earn in 3” team and other departments to ensure AU alumni understand and have a clear path to continued learning at NLU.
Career Readiness and Job Placement
- Collaborate with the AU Career Coaching team to make sure all AU learners receive individualized coaching on job search strategies, resume building, interview preparation, and career development.
- Coordinate and collaborate with “alumni coaches” who will provide hourly/paid support to the AU program by helping AU coaches with their caseload, recruiting new AU learners, creating compelling AU social media/marketing content, and other tasks as needed.
- Work closely with AU program completers in new and scaling program tracks to assist with their job search and ensure job placement in those specific industries (IT/Tech, Registered Behavioral Technicians, etc.)
- Help create and build upon career readiness activities and job placement processes for AU program completers such as launching and maintaining important tools like tailored job boards and hiring guides, conducting job search and interview workshops, attending employer conferences/events, hosting job fairs and other alumni events, etc.
Data, Reporting and Special Projects
- Collect and maintain accurate data in NLU/AU data systems on job placement rates, salary outcomes, retention rates, and alumni career progression.
- Analyze trends and provide recommendations for enhancing job placement and alumni engagement efforts.
- Create and manage an alumni portal for all AU program completers to ensure alumni data integrity, cohort connectedness, navigable resources, etc.
- Create and manage a general job board for AU alum with current job listings and opportunities across multiple industries.
Qualifications, Skills and Competencies:
- Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent mix of experience and education (High school diploma or GED and 5 years of experience, or Associate’s degree and 3 years of experience, directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified)
- Three (3+) plus years experience in Alumni engagement, workforce development, job placement, career coaching, or related fields.
- Proven experience in alumni engagement, diverse student and stakeholder relationship management, career success and job placement, and/or managing professional development programs is highly desirable.
Work Environment/Physical Demands/Travel Requirements
On campus five days a week for the first six months of employment, there after, hybrid options may be available.
