Career Development Coordinator, Hartford Public High School

Career Development Coordinator

Location: 350 Church Street, 10th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103

Salary Range: $50–65k (commensurate with experience)

Website: readyCT.org

Are you passionate about connecting students to meaningful career experiences and helping them navigate the path from classroom to workplace? ReadyCT is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven professional to support the delivery of high-quality work-based learning experiences that prepare Connecticut high school students for long-term success.



WHO WE ARE:

ReadyCT is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing academic excellence and career-connected learning for all Connecticut public school students. We design and deliver innovative career readiness programs that intentionally bridge the gap between K-12 education and the employers who will one day welcome graduates into the workforce. 

As an affiliate of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) — the state’s largest business organization — ReadyCT leverages a powerful network to amplify its mission and expand opportunity for every student.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The career development coordinator plays a critical role in implementing and supporting career readiness training and work-based learning (WBL) experiences for K-12 students, with a focus on grades 9–12. This role works closely with school staff/administration, students, families, employers, and community partners to deliver career readiness lessons, provide an array of career exploration opportunities, and secure paid internships. 

The successful candidate will work closely with ReadyCT colleagues to ensure that students have access to meaningful, high-quality career-connected learning experiences. This is an ideal opportunity for a detail-oriented and relationship-focused professional who is passionate about student success and workforce development.

Location note: This position is primarily based at Hartford Public High School and the ReadyCT home office located at 350 Church Street with some travel to other ReadyCT school sites, as required. 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE ROLE:

• Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two or more years of experience connecting education and workforce or working in youth development, education, or a related field.
• Experience working within or alongside urban school districts (preferred).
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort with data tracking, reporting, and using digital systems to manage program activities.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingual Spanish-English skills (preferred).
• A deep commitment to educational equity and expanding opportunities for all students.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, and crouching required during events and program activities.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds of materials or equipment.
• Consistent operation of computers, office equipment, and presentation technology (e.g., projector, copy machine, printer).
• Moderate to long periods of standing and sitting.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

Program Coordination & Student Support:

• Support student recruitment, enrollment, retention, hiring, and payroll processes in coordination with school staff and employer partners.
• Manage all student documentation, including applications, consent forms, and program materials.
• Coordinate student interview processes and internship placements with employers and school staff.
• Plan and deliver work readiness training sessions for students throughout the school year.
• Provide ongoing support to students during internships, including regular check-ins and workplace site visits.
• Ensure students have access to necessary technology and resources to participate fully in programming.

School Partnership & Program Integration:

• Serve as a liaison between ReadyCT and school staff/leadership to support the integration of work-based learning into the school community.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and administrators to promote and support career-connected learning initiatives.
• Coordinate career exposure activities such as job shadowing, guest speakers, mentorship, and field trips.
• Attend regular school-based meetings and contribute to alignment between academic and career programming.

Employer, Community & Family Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with employer partners to support and expand internship and WBL opportunities.
• Recruit new employer partners and support the development of meaningful student projects and learning plans.
• Coordinate communication and feedback between students and employers, including evaluations of WBL experiences.
• Conduct site visits and provide guidance to students on workplace expectations and professional development.
• Support initiatives such as Youth Employability Skills (YES) Academy programming.
• Connect with students’ families to support WBL opportunities as well as on-site activities at designated schools.

Data Tracking & Continuous Improvement:

• Collect and manage data related to student participation, outcomes, and program effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in internal systems and databases.
• Use data insights to support program improvements and partner engagement strategies.

Collaboration & Team Contribution:

• Partner with ReadyCT staff to support program promotion, events, and summer initiatives.
• Participate in team meetings, contributing to continuous improvement and problem-solving efforts.
• Support additional organizational initiatives and responsibilities as needed.

This description reflects the primary responsibilities of the role; all ReadyCT team members may assist with additional duties as may be required.

WHY JOIN READYCT:

ReadyCT offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Most importantly, you’ll be part of a mission‑driven team working to create real opportunities for students and communities across Connecticut.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to equity and expanding career-connected learning opportunities for every student.

ReadyCT is an equal opportunity employer.