Pathways Career Coach

Job description

Help Young Adults Build Their Future

At Friends of the Children, we are committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through long-term, salaried, professional mentoring relationships. Our model pairs youth facing the greatest obstacles with a dedicated professional mentor, called a Friend, from kindergarten through high school graduation and beyond, for 12+ years, no matter what.

As we expand our Pathways for Young Adults strategy, we are seeking a dedicated, relationship-centered, and youth-focused professional to join us as a Pathways Career Coach.

This is a unique opportunity to support young people ages 16-22 as they navigate one of life's most important transitions: moving from high school into adulthood. As a Pathways Career Coach, you will guide youth and program graduates as they explore postsecondary education, career pathways, workforce opportunities, and the life skills necessary to thrive as independent adults.

Working closely with youth, professional mentors, families, employers, educational institutions, and community partners, you will help ensure young people have the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to successfully pursue their goals and unlock their full potential.

Why This Role Matters

The transition from high school to adulthood is a critical period that often determines long-term educational, career, and economic outcomes. Through individualized coaching and sustained relationship-building, the Pathways Career Coach helps young people develop and execute personalized Life Plans that reflect their strengths, interests, values, and aspirations.

This position plays an essential role in helping youth:

Meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of young people during a critical life transition.

The opportunity to be part of an innovative national initiative focused on postsecondary success, workforce readiness, and economic mobility.

A passionate team committed to youth-centered practice and lasting outcomes.

Professional growth within a nationally recognized youth development organization.

A culture grounded in belonging, collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning.

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Curious to learn more? The job description is below:

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Basic Function / Position Objective:

The Pathways Career Coach supports between 50-75 young people ages 16-22 (youth in the Friends of the Children program and program graduates) in exploring, planning, and achieving their goals for life after high school. This role combines individualized coaching, career exploration, and postsecondary readiness support to ensure that young people develop clear, actionable pathways aligned with their strengths, interests, and values.

The Pathways Career Coach builds sustained relationships with young people and serves as a trusted advisor, guiding them through decision-making related to postsecondary, career training, and workforce opportunities. Success includes supporting youth to advance through key milestones in their individualized Life Plans, youth engagement and program satisfaction, and the achievement of postsecondary opportunities and persistence.

This position reports to the Associate Director of the Pathways for Young Adults Program housed within the Friends of the Children National Center of Excellence for Professional Youth Mentoring and is a member of the National Strategy and Innovation Team. The position will be assigned to partner with the Portland Friends of the Children chapter with rising seniors and program alumni, focusing on the Portland Metro Area market/region as their stakeholders in the work.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Pathways Coaching & Advising

Provide 1:1 and small-group coaching to students (typically ages 16-22, starting junior/senior year and continuing through age 22)

While in high school, work with young person and their professional mentor (Friend) to build an individualized and comprehensive, postsecondary and career “Life Plan,” inclusive of that young person’s plan after high school for health and wellbeing, relationships and community, postsecondary and career readiness, and financial independence.

Support young person in identifying interests, strengths, and long-term goals

Support youth, in partnership with their Friend, in building practical adult-life skills, including communication, problem solving, decision-making, self-management, financial literacy, housing, transportation, health care, and navigating community systems.

Help youth access concrete supports and services through resource navigation, referrals, advocacy, and follow-up.

Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed through to age 22 as youth graduate the Friends of the Children program and move into young adulthood

College & Career Readiness

Guide high school students through postsecondary and, as needed, financial aid processes (applications, FAFSA, scholarships)

Facilitate career exploration, including exposure to high-growth industries and non-degree pathways

Support development of essential skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and professional communication

Career Exposure & Networking

Facilitate and/or connect young people with career-connected learning opportunities, including job shadows, internships, work-based learning, informational interviews, and employer connections.

Work with local and regional sector-based partners to maximize opportunities for young people

Leverage platforms and partnerships to expand students’ professional networks

Organize workshops, panels, and career exploration events

Data Tracking & Outcomes

Track individual youth progress, outcomes, and key milestones

Gather and use youth feedback to adapt supports and improve the program experience

Use data to inform coaching strategies and program improvements

Maintain accurate records in program database

Family & Community Engagement

In partnership with a Friend or Family Engagement Specialist, engage families to support the development of the young person’s “Life Plan” and ongoing planning

Collaborate with school (both high school and postsecondary) staff, community organizations, and employers to support the young person to advance their goals

Serve as an advocate for young person’s access to opportunities holistically, inclusive of community involvement, wellbeing, and postsecondary and career

Essential Skills and Abilities:

Youth/Young Adult-centered mindset

Ability to build trust and maintain long-term relationships

Collaborative, able to work well with others to advance shared goals

Positive and strengths-based

Strong organizational and time management skills

Cultural responsiveness and adaptability

Problem-solving and resourcefulness

The ideal candidate will have the following Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Experience working with underserved or first-generation students

Strong coaching, advising, or mentoring background

Knowledge of postsecondary pathways (college, career training, workforce)

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Experience developing and maintaining partnerships related to college access and/or career pathways

Experience in college access, workforce development, or youth development programs

Preferred, Experience, and Abilities

Familiarity with FAFSA, scholarships, and admissions processes

Experience developing and delivering college access and/or career training curriculum

Experience working with adolescents and/or young adults in college and/or career access programming

Knowledge of career training and advancement trends and labor market data

Proficiency with CRM/data systems and performance tracking tools

Multilingual skills

Compensation: Range: $65,000 to $75,000. (Compensation commensurate with experience and geographical location)

Location: This role is based in Portland, Oregon. This is a full-time, non-exempt, community-based position requiring regular in-person direct service with youth, caregivers, schools, and community partners

Applications without cover letters will not be considered; please use this as an opportunity to convey why you want to be our Pathways Career Coach at Friends of the Children!

Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices. The equal employment opportunity policy of Friends of the Children provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants. Friends of the Children hires and promotes individuals solely based on their qualifications for the job to be filled.

Friends of the Children is growing rapidly as communities across the country are experiencing the power of how “One” changes a child's story: One Friend. One Child. 12+ years. No matter what. #ThePowerOfOne.

To learn more about Friends of the Children go to:

Worksite address

portland, OR, 97204, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.