The Company:

At UpRise, our mission is to tackle poverty in our community through the transformative trio of education, redemptive relationships, and the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We champion the local church's pivotal role in this transformative process, showcasing God's kingdom through compassionate action and principled teachings. Positioned at the heart of this mission, the Career Services Director, reporting to the Executive Director, plays a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. 

The Position:

People who love this job and do well in this position serve gladly, work dependably and communicate honestly. They act with integrity and propel the mission and the team forward, even if it’s not in their job description. They assume the best in others and are always learning and expanding their contribution. Position Summary: The Career Services Coach will teach classes during our five week training camp and coach a smaller subset of Leaders during training camp (10-20) through post-secondary education, job placement and sustaining employment. Personalized guidance is provided in several ways: planning for life, navigating barriers, making it through school, preparing for the job application process, securing a career job, developing new skills, acquiring resources and sustaining employment. One of the Coach’s most important objectives is to develop and cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with each Leader. The Career Coach will have excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, and have skills in the use of institutional databases and research methods. 

Direct Report: Director of Career Services

Responsibilities:

• Training Camp 
• Attend Training Camp activities as assigned
• Exemplify and hold Leaders accountable to meet program values 
• Help Programming Team to manage classroom needs 
• Prepare lessons and teach soft skill related classes during Training Camp and Family Gatherings as assigned (resume writing, interviewing, etc.) 
• Pre-Camp Coaching, Middle Skills and Employment Development (Career Launch) 
• Work with Leaders to identify viable career pathways and potential barriers  to success 
• Help oversee middle skills and direct placement (including potential apprenticeship opportunities) and internships 
• Assist Leaders in accessing financial assistance for education programs 
• Track Leaders’ progress through education programs 
• Manage Career Launch for assigned Leaders and others as needed 
• Facilitate submission of employment applications, interviewing and onboarding of Leaders into employment positions 
• Help Leaders secure permanent employment with upward mobility 
• Maintain updated earnings information for alumni and input data into CRM, and prepare and present data monthly as needed for grant reporting 
• Coordinate resources and create opportunities

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated passion and experience helping people understand and communicate their true value 
• Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred, particularly in social work or a related field. 
• Track record of effectively navigating and facilitating difficult conversations, showing empathy, tact, and assertiveness when addressing challenging topics 
• Experience in conflict resolution and negotiation, with a focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions and fostering constructive dialogue 
• Ability to remain composed under pressure and maintain professionalism in high-stakes situations 
• Emotional intelligence and cultural competence to navigate diverse perspectives and personalities, promoting inclusivity and respect in all interactions. 
• Experience in building, establishing, and maintaining effective relationships with people of different cultures and backgrounds 
• Demonstrated experience in teaching/facilitating in small groups 
• Willingness to work collaboratively in a small team setting 
• Strong, intuitive communicator who is comfortable presenting to, and engaging with people of different cultures and backgrounds 
• Excellent organizational and data collection skills 
• Demonstrated ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines 
• Professional experience with nonprofits or a significant track record of social sector volunteerism 
• High energy and positive attitude; shows passion for UpRise Nashville’s mission

Preferences:

• Knowledge of and demonstrated outcomes assisting vulnerable populations with accessing suitable crisis management and/or social services/programs/resources 
• Ability to assist Leaders or make referrals to access needed barrier-elimination resources/wrap-around services, i.e. housing instability; hunger prevention; 12-step and/or counseling resources, etc. 

Competencies: 

• Action Oriented – Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm. 
• Values Differences – Recognizes the value that varied perspectives and cultures bring to an organization; is sensitive to socio-economic and cultural norms and ways of communicating. 
• Instills Trust – Gains the confidence of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity. 
• Situational Adaptability – Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. 
• Ensures Accountability – Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. 
• Innovative – Develops useful ideas that are new or better and able to see multiple ways to address problems. Adapts approach in real time to match shifting demands of different situations. 
• Team Player – Actively listens to coworkers to develop plans or ideas and contributes to the group to complete tasks, meet goals or manage projects.



Salary & Benefits:

• Hours: 40 hours per week (Plus one Thursday evening a month, occasional other hours as scheduled). After becoming proficient in your role, there may be an option to work from home on Fridays, contingent upon the employer's needs.
• Salary: $53,000-$62,000 
• Vacation: 10 days per year, plus the office is closed Christmas Day - New Years Day and staff have limited duties 
• Sick Leave: 6 days per year