Job Title: Coordinator, Workforce Development – Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM)
Work Location: Philadelphia, PA | Hybrid
Salary: $52,000 – 57,000
Reports to: Manager of Workforce Programs, THM
About Philadelphia Academies, Inc. (PAI)
Founded in 1969, Philadelphia Academies, Inc. (PAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming educational experiences and career pathways for Philadelphia’s youth. PAI partners with schools, employers, labor unions, higher education institutions, and the School District of Philadelphia to ensure students, particularly Black and Brown students across the city, have access to career-connected learning experiences that change life trajectories. For more than 56 years, Philadelphia Academies, Inc. (PAI) has connected young people in Philadelphia to real pathways for postsecondary success, career mobility, and economic opportunity.
Position Summary
Position: Workforce Program Coordinator, THM (Full-Time)
The Workforce Program Coordinator, THM is responsible for supporting a comprehensive portfolio of career-readiness programming for partner schools participating in Philadelphia Academies, Inc.’s Tourism & Hospitality Management pathway. This role works directly with students, teachers, and school administrators to deliver high-quality career-connected learning experiences for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Baking, Culinary Arts, and Sports Marketing.
The Coordinator develops and maintains relationships with industry partners to ensure meaningful employer engagement and the delivery of relevant workforce programming. Working across multiple high schools and in collaboration with PAI staff, the coordinator plans, coordinates, and implements a variety of college and career-readiness activities, including work-based learning experiences, industry tours, guest speakers, career exploration events, and summer programming. The Coordinator is also responsible for recruiting, preparing, and supporting students for internships, work-based learning opportunities, and industry pipeline programs. This position reports to the Manager of Workforce Programs, Tourism and Hospitality Management.
The ideal candidate has experience working in public schools and demonstrates strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills. They are a confident public speaker, experienced in planning and coordinating events, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate is self-motivated, adaptable, collaborative, and passionate about preparing young people for college and career success. They must also be comfortable building relationships and communicating effectively with corporate partners, industry professionals, educators, and school administrators.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for an innovative professional to make a meaningful impact by connecting education and industry while helping students develop the skills, experiences, and professional networks needed for successful careers.
Primary Responsibilities
- Coordinate and implement college and career readiness activities at partner schools, including career days, college and industry tours, Master Classes, guest speaker panels, 21st-century skills workshops, interview preparation workshops, and PAI Signature Events, including the Interview Skills Workshops and Interview Expo.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for teachers, school administrators, and PAI colleagues regarding large-scale student events and career-connected learning activities at assigned schools.
- Plan and coordinate Master Classes with industry partners, including scheduling, logistics, transportation, curriculum support, meals, materials, and facility coordination.
- In collaboration with the Director of Workforce Development and/or the Manager of Workforce Programs, THM, assist with event planning and management, including budget, venue coordination, purchasing, business partners engagement, volunteers, and vendors, as needed.
- Collect, maintain, and analyze program data, including student participation, attendance, graduation outcomes, employment, college acceptance, industry certifications, and other key performance indicators.
- Coordinate and support summer internships and work-based learning experiences, including facilitating student professional development and workplace readiness sessions.
- Guide students in exploring postsecondary education and career opportunities by assisting with college applications, internship placements, and other experiences that prepare them for careers in their industry.
- Stay informed of emerging trends, workforce needs, and best practices within Philadelphia’s tourism and hospitality industry by participating in professional development, networking events, and industry engagement opportunities. Apply this knowledge to develop relevant and engaging student programming.
- Promote and communicate Philadelphia Academies, Inc. scholarship opportunities to graduating seniors and assist students with the application process.
- Participate in all Philadelphia Academies, Inc. signature events, fundraising activities, and organizational initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, preferred. Industry experience will be considered instead of formal education.
- Experience working in a school setting, particularly an urban public school, preferred.
- Experience working with at-risk urban minority youth in grades 10-12 strongly recommended.
- Passion for racial equity and commitment to applying an equity lens to all that you do.
- Capable of successfully managing multiple projects at various locations.
- Communicates clearly and promptly; strong presentation, writing, and editing skills
- Demonstrated ability to set and meet deadlines.
- Time-management and the ability to prioritize assigned work are vital
- Ability to quickly take ownership of established projects while advancing and building on existing goals.
- Able to lift and transport packages, books, and equipment to schools as needed.
Compensation: The salary range for this role is $52,000 – 57,000, with consideration given to experience. PAI offers a full benefits package, including but not limited to Health Insurance, Life Insurance, generous Paid Time Off, and 403(b) retirement plan.
Expected start date: Hiring immediately
Candidates who make it to the final round will be asked for three professional references and work samples.