CAREER NAVIGATOR (Part-Time)
SUMMER SEARCH, NATIONAL (SOUTHFIELD, MI BASED)
At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential.
Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Summer Search Business Development team partners with client organizations to support the implementation of their mentorship and apprenticeship programs. Summer Search has partnered with Aon since 2021 providing professional support to their apprentices. The Part-time Career Navigator will provide individualized coaching and mentoring to apprentices and guidance to managers supervising early-career employees, in partnership with program leadership at Aon and a robust team of part- and full-time colleagues at Summer Search.
Reporting to the Senior Business Development Associate, the Part-Time Career Navigator ensures consistent, high-quality support for apprentices and their managers at Aon.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Specifically, the Career Navigator will:
Apprentice Support & Coaching (40%)
- Conduct initial one-on-one intake assessments with apprentices and their managers to understand career and academic goals, employment background, and support needs.
- Meet regularly with apprentices (weekly or biweekly) to support their workplace readiness, foundational skill development, and professional growth.
- Provide coaching and referrals for apprentices facing barriers such as childcare, transportation, housing, or other personal needs impacting participation.
- Maintain consistent communication with apprentices to track academic standing, work-based learning, and overall well-being.
- Track apprentice engagement, attendance, and case notes using tracking tools and templates provided.
- In collaboration with apprentices, managers, Summer Search, and the Aon Program Team, develop individualized Success Agreement Plans, or intervention plans when required.
Manager Engagement (20%)
- Connect with apprentice managers monthly via email, Teams, or through in-person meetings to discuss progress, share feedback, and provide guidance on supporting apprentices.
- Encourage and facilitate balanced feedback between managers and apprentices, emphasizing positive reinforcement alongside constructive guidance, using Summer Search and Aon frameworks.
- Remind managers to complete required Apprentice Status Reports and competency check-ins.
Program Monitoring & Communication (15%)
- Partner with the Aon Program Team to support all apprentices in meeting graduation requirements within the two-year program.
- Proactively raise and document any high-risk or concerning situations (academic, personal, or professional) through established reporting channels.
Professional Development Program (20%)
- Plan, coordinate, and facilitate monthly in-person professional development sessions, in collaboration with the Summer Search team.
- Coordinate event logistics including scheduling, and on-site arrangements such as booking rooms and sending invites to apprentices.
- Track apprentice participation in professional development sessions to support progress documentation.
Other Duties (5%)
- Provide occasional support for recruiting and engagement activities for Apprentice program, including career fairs, open houses, final round apprentice interviews, graduation celebrations, or other local program needs.
WHO YOU ARE
The Career Navigator position calls for a strong relationship builder who is consistent and reliable in their communication and project management. Specifically, this hire will bring:
- EXPERIENCE: At least 3 years of experience in workforce development or career advising, preferably working with early career individuals.
- ACCOUNTABILITY: Holds self and others responsible for process, decisions, actions and commitments to results and to drive high-quality outcomes for students, is responsive to needs of stakeholders (students, donors, community partners, staff members, alumni, volunteers).
- TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION: Inspires and fosters commitment, connection, enthusiasm, and trust, facilitates cooperation and motivates people to accomplish goals, manages, and resolves conflicts and handles interpersonal issues constructively.
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to juggle multiple workflows and easily adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience leading project teams and managing external partners/vendors.
- CRITICAL CONCIOUSNESS: Recognizes sociopolitical barriers and understands the systems of oppression that operate in day-to-day lives of stakeholders e.g. students/participants, staff members, community partners, and alumni. Applies critical thinking and takes action against the oppressive aspects of reality
- TECHNOLOGY SKILLS: Basic proficiency with Microsoft Suite.
In addition, all Summer Search staff bring a commitment to our mission of unleashing students’ potential through mentoring and transformative experiences, as well as the ability to thrive in an environment that values excellence, gratitude, well-being, diversity, authenticity, and collaboration.
LOCATION, HOURS
This is a part-time, 15-hour position, 3 days a week, 5 hours per day.
This is an in-person position with presence required at the partner organization office in Southfield, MI. Some flexibility in accommodating remote work may be possible on occasion and upon mutual agreement.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Competitive and transparent salaries. This is an non-exempt position with a starting salary of $40/hour. Summer Search is committed to transparent, equitable compensation practices. Salaries are benchmarked using current market data and salary bands are created to demonstrate the growth potential within the band.
This position will also receive a $2,500 retention bonus after one year of continuous employment, and a second $2,500 retention bonus after two years.
Well-being, flexibility, and ongoing learning and development are pillars of our culture. We value our staff and are committed to creating an environment where every individual feels seen, heard and valued. Benefits for this part-time role include:
- This part-time role will accrue: 4 sick days a year and 6 days of vacation annually
- Refresh Friday’s – a paid day off the first Friday of every month!
- A comprehensive Employee Recognition Program (years of service awards and spot awards
- Individual, local, regional and national training
- A commitment to developing leaders from within the organization.
- An organizational culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care/community care.
- Ample opportunities to connect with the students and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
With a staff that cares deeply about social justice and racial justice, we believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds create a rich work environment and enhance our ability to pursue our mission. We are committed to building an organization with critical consciousness in order to impact how we work with students, as well as how we work together as a team. We hope you will join us as we continue to build a justice-centered organization that fosters a work environment where people from all backgrounds are welcomed and valued.
TO APPLY
Select "Apply for this Position" below to submit a resume and targeted cover letter, addressed to Shawn Bradley, Lead Business Development Associate that answers the question, “Why are you interested in the Career Navigator opportunity at Summer Search?” Applications submitted by June 25, 2026 will be prioritized. Depending on applicant response, we may close the role to additional applications on this date.
SUMMER SEARCH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
