Pathways Coach

WHO WE ARE:

West End House (WEH) is a vibrant community anchor and youth development organization rooted in Boston’s Allston neighborhood and serving young people citywide. Since 1906, WEH has empowered youth to succeed academically and in life — providing high-impact programs that foster learning, creativity, wellness, leadership, and economic mobility.

West End House’s programming is grounded in a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach that spans seven interconnected focus areas serving 1500+ youth annually. Fortified by meaningful, long-standing community partnerships and operating out of a safe, dynamic 46,000-square-foot facility, WEH’s programs are designed to help youth ages 7-24 thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

West End House is committed to advancing racial equity across all aspects of the organization, including youth programs, community and family engagement, and board and leadership. Employees reflect and build upon the organization’s values - opportunity for all, youth first, joy, equity, and community.

Despite all that has changed since the organization’s founding 120 years ago, West End House has and will continue to evolve to meet the needs of Boston’s youth and families—ensuring every young person has the opportunity, support, and confidence to lead, create, and thrive.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Our deep commitment to this outcome has reinforced our belief that preparing young people for success does not end with high school graduation. The transition to college and the workforce is a pivotal milestone, helping young people build the resilience, confidence, and adaptability they need to thrive in adulthood.

As a Pathways Coach, you will prepare high school students for success after graduation by connecting them to postsecondary opportunities, building strong relationships, and providing individualized coaching. You will recruit and engage participants, deliver high-quality college and career readiness programming, and equip youth with the skills and experiences needed to thrive beyond high school. You will also provide ongoing coaching and support to college students, helping them persist through college graduation. If you're passionate about building meaningful relationships with young people and helping them navigate the path to college, career, and beyond, this role is perfect for you.

You will be part of a four-member team dedicated to leadership, career development, and college success. You will report directly to the Senior Director of College and Career Pathways.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

College Access – College Exploration, Relationship Building, and Targeted Programs

• Recruit, engage, and retain high school participants and maintain a strong cohort of high school juniors and seniors to guide them through the college and career process
• Build strong relationships and work one-on-one and in small groups with high school students to develop individualized educational, college, and career goals
• Plan and facilitate targeted workshops, experiences, special events, and workshops that reflect student interests, needs, and emerging trends
• Track and record student progress using both quantitative and qualitative data
• Partner with the Teen Academic Success Coordinator to identify and implement interventions that prepare youth for success in college and beyond.

College Success & Completion – Individualized Coaching, Relationship Building & Student Persistence

• Conduct regular one-on-one coaching meetings with alumni to identify needs, remove barriers, and support their academic, personal, and career goals
• Build strong relationships that engage and retain students throughout their college journey
• Provide individualized coaching through campus visits, virtual meetings, and office hours
• Deliver personalized college and career guidance tailored to each student's goals, strengths, and financial circumstances
• Respond to all student text/calls/emails in a timely fashion and develop individualized communication plans to ensure students remain engaged with the program and meet deadlines
• Support the student with executive functioning skills such as time management, organization, scheduling, etc.
• Collaborate with external partners, including Success Boston Coaches, and participate in professional development to strengthen student support
• Maintain accurate records, case notes, and documentation to support program outcomes, reporting, and continuous improvement.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

We recognize that there are many paths to professional success and that valuable skills are developed through a wide range of experiences. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply. We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate many of the following qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in youth development, college access/success, higher education, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to recruit, engage, and retain program participants.
• Initiative, curiosity, and the ability to work independently while leading projects to completion.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and programs from planning through implementation.
• Case management or individual coaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent psychology, or college success strategies is a plus.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license and the ability and willingness to transport students in a West End House vehicle for college visits and program activities.

WHAT WE OFFER:

The salary range for this role is $53,400 - $58,95Rates of pay within this range will be commensurate with experience and based on factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications, and proficiency in a second language.

West End House provides eligible employees with access to a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off; health insurance; dental insurance; retirement; short and long-term disability insurance; and life insurance.

IMPORTANT

This job description provides a general summary of the essential job functions typically assigned to individuals with the job title listed above. Employees are expected to perform duties assigned to them regardless of whether they are listed in the job description. Working hours may fluctuate, but in-person presence during program operating hours is beneficial.

The West End House is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or the provision of services.