Career Navigator - Nonprofit - Workforce Development

Job Title: Career Navigator

Reports To: Program Lead

FLSA Classification: Full time

Salary Range: $60,000 - 63,000

Last updated: 1/07/2026

ABOUT CAPITAL IDEA

Capital IDEA is a Central Texas nonprofit that helps low-income adults move from where they are now to high-wage careers—without student debt. Through partnerships with local colleges and employers, we provide access to free college, career guidance, and wrap-around support that helps students persist through school and get hired into in-demand fields.

Since 1998, more than 2,400 Central Texans have completed a degree or credential through Capital IDEA, launching careers that strengthen their families, meet employer needs, and power a stronger regional workforce.

ABOUT THE POSITION: Career Navigator

The Career Navigator spends approximately 80% of their time providing individualized guidance and case management to support participants’ successful completion of their academic plans and preparation for employment. This role manages an active caseload of 85–120 students, offering consistent, day-to-day support to help participants stay on track academically and move toward job readiness.

Working as part of a collaborative team, Career Navigators enroll and case manage students and partner closely with placement staff to provide career guidance and support successful job placement throughout the training and employment process.

JOB DUTIES

Essential Case Management Responsibilities

• Reviews and verifies participant information for enrollment in Capital IDEA
• Facilitates participant progress through attendance tracking, scheduled Navigator sessions, prompt responses to participant issues, site visits, and participant follow-up
• Enters case notes into the student database accurately and appropriately
• Ensures data accuracy in the student database and in pre-admission and case management forms
• Submits all required and/or requested documentation, reports, and paperwork by assigned due dates
• Tracks academic performance at training institutions and initiates changes that benefit the training program and Capital IDEA participants
• Meets required performance goals
• Acts as a backup for other Career Navigators as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Lead

Partnerships and Community Coordination (20% of the role)

• Partners with Austin Community College (ACC) and other education and training partners to assist students with the enrollment and registration process
• Partners with ACC and other education and training partners to assist students with financial aid applications (FAFSA), grants, and scholarships
• Builds relationships with instructors, coordinators, and other relevant staff across education and training partner institutions to enhance the participant training experience and support progress toward graduation
• Works with participants to identify specific needs, assists with accessing social service agencies, coordinates directly with agency staff, and monitors successful access to services
• Builds and leverages relationships with external community partners and resources to support retention and success of current students
• Coordinates with placement staff when participants are ready for employment

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications 

• Three years of case management experience preferred, with experience in leading in person and virtual individual and group peer support groups.
• Bachelor’s Degree required – degrees in psychology, education, or social work preferred. Two years of experience may substitute for one year of post-secondary education.

Preferred Skills 

• Experience in education or direct service programs a plus. 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish helpful. 
• Intermediate experience in Microsoft Office Suite, TEAMS and SharePoint desired.

Soft Skills 

• Demonstrates high professional standards and a strong commitment to Capital IDEA’s mission, inspiring participants to reach their full potential
• Provides excellent customer service and communicates clearly in oral and written formats; builds caring, respectful relationships with participants and collaborates effectively as part of a team
• Brings strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment, while continuously looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes
• Handles complex and confidential information with discretion, care, and sound judgment
• Maintains flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends; Capital IDEA operates Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., though this role may require some evening or weekend hours

Capital IDEA has built a diverse and dedicated team united by a shared commitment to our mission. We reward strong work through competitive salaries and merit-based raises, and we believe taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of others. We offer a generous, people-centered benefits package, including:

• Hybrid work environment available after an initial onboarding period; hybrid schedules typically follow a 3-day in-office, 2-day remote structure with approval.
• Generous paid time off: 2–4 weeks of vacation (based on experience), 1 week of sick leave, 10 paid holidays, plus a paid Winter Break for all staff (December 24–January 1)
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and 50% coverage for dependents
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 3% employer match
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Tuition reimbursement for approved, job-related degree coursework
• Longevity recognition to celebrate long-term commitment to the organization

When you join our team, you’ll have meaningful work, high expectations, and big goals to work toward — and you’ll be supported by a team that believes in what we do and the difference it makes.

Fluent in English. Bilingual in English and Spanish helpful.