ABOUT P.A.E.: With a commitment to equitable learning and community engagement, Portland Adult Education (PAE) provides a diverse range of programs to help adults achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals. As the largest adult education provider in Maine, we serve 2,000 adult learners annually through our Academic and Workforce programs, and another1,000 adults a year through our Enrichment programs. To learn more about PAE’s work and impact, visit portlandadulted.org. As a team member at PAE, you will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of educators and administrators, and to make a positive impact on the lives of adult learners from all walks of life. Apply today and join a vibrant team dedicated to creating meaningful and transformative learning experiences.
POSITION OVERVIEW: Workforce Training Program Navigator (Full Time, 1.0 FTE) - Adult Education
The Workforce Training Program Navigator is responsible for recruitment efforts, following up with, and assisting prospective students to understand the workforce training pathways available to them at Portland Adult Education, and registration for appropriate courses and services. Working closely with the Workforce Training Department Chair, the Program Navigator will have a deep understanding of the opportunities available and eligibility requirements for each PAE workforce training program. They will administer and improve upon the current system for tracking and responding to student inquiries, contacting students, screening for eligibility, and advising students on their options. They will also coordinate recruitment efforts both internally and externally in the broader community through the creation and distribution of outreach materials, collaboration with partner agencies, and communication with PAE faculty and staff. They will administer scholarship and financial aid processes in collaboration with the Finance and Grants Coordinator, and assist Team Leads in collecting and organizing data needed for grants reporting. Administrative duties include utilization of the Mainestars database, management of the student inquiry system, and recordkeeping.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Works with Department Chair and Team Leads for each program to assure that prospective students are placed in appropriate classes
- Collaborate with the Workforce Training Department Chair to maintain and when necessary, improve, systems to respond to student inquiries, screen for eligibility, and register students into workforce training programs
- Schedule interviews for programs in consultation with Team Leads
- Coordinate with the Senior Testing Coordinator to ensure CASAS assessments are complete, up to date, and recorded appropriately to determine student eligibility to programs
- Assist students one-on-one to understand the training pathways and NMRC services available to them at Portland Adult Education
- In collaboration with Team Leads, advise students on scholarships available to them and guide them through the application process. Make referrals to partner agencies as appropriate.
- Ensure student applications are complete and student billing and scholarship requests are submitted and processed. Maintains system for course proposal tracking and scholarship requests. Send course proposals to outside agencies, submit referrals to outside agencies as appropriate, and follow up as needed with Grants/Finance Coordinator about bill processing. Coordinate invoicing to partner agencies for tuition reimbursement with Finance and Grants Coordinator.
- Become a content expert in training pathways available at PAE and with employer partners, including pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeships
- Lead recruitment and outreach efforts to raise awareness about PAE workforce training classes and NMRC programs internally and externally in the broader community through:
- Printed materials
- Classroom presentations
- Targeted email campaigns
- Attending and hosting job/resource fairs
- Scheduling and holding information sessions
- Maintaining Coursestorm
- Collaborating with the Communication and Outreach Coordinator to ensure the PAE website has accurate and up-to-date WF information and to plan and execute social media postings
- Register students in Mainestars database and provide new students their course schedule and general school information. Updates and accurately tracks enrollments and department courses in MaineStars. Follows current intake processes from Maine Department Of Education and PAE Senior Testing Coordinator.
- Assists in planning and coordinating department events such as graduation
- Tracks and reports on department enrollment trends by term and school year. Assist Department Chair with gathering department program outcome information.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree and/or experience in related field preferred
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent office and computer skills including database management, graphic design software (Canva), digital marketing (Constant Contact) and Google Suite.
- Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
- Clear, concise oral and written communication
- Self-motivated with a high degree of flexibility
- Ability to manage time, set priorities, plan & implement projects effectively
- Ability to work professionally and ethically within a multicultural setting, including ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy of persons, documents, data, and communications
- Ability to work in a demanding environment; and a willingness to learn
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively with colleagues across Portland Adult Education to achieve organizational goals and enhance the overall experience of students and program participants
- Demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of diversity and cultural sensitivity to create an inclusive workplace environment that respects and celebrates individual differences and fosters a respectful and harassment-free environment
- Knowledge of working with and maintaining student records and applicable laws and regulations regarding student records (FERPA)
PREFERRED:
- Experience working with multilingual, multicultural, or minority communities
- Ability to speak and write multiple languages with preference for French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Arabic
- Previous experience in education, workforce, or community development
CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info).
PAY RANGE & JOB TYPE: $54,506–$69,469. Salaried, full time, exempt position. Not eligible for overtime.
FUNDING: This is a grant-funded position with funding anticipated through December 2025 and continuation contingent upon continued funding.
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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.