KEYS is looking for two Career Pathways Coordinators!
Start date: July 20, 2026, or as soon as possible
End Date: June 30, 2027
Job Classification: Level VI
Hours Per Week: 35
The wage for this position is Level VI, Step 1 ($32.32/hour) for external candidates and at a step related to years of service at KEYS for internal candidates, for 35 hours/week. KEYS is a dynamic, fast-paced workplace where we envision helping individuals to realize their full potential within an economically and socially vibrant community, and value innovation, diversity, accountability, respect, and excellence. You can find out more about our beliefs on our website at https://keys.ca/about/beliefs.php.
Position Summary
The Career Pathways Coordinators are responsible for leading the implementation of Next STEP (School to Employment Program), an initiative designed to strengthen the transition from secondary education to sustainable careers in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.
Working collaboratively with recent high school graduates, educators, employers, the community college, and community partners, the Coordinator creates opportunities for career exploration, experiential learning, mentorship, and employment while building long-term school-to-career pathways throughout Kingston and Frontenac.
The Coordinators are the central connectors and leads for the project, ensuring that participants, employers, and partners experience a coordinated, supportive, and high-quality program. They are responsible for the implementation of the project workplans, monitoring deliverables, coordinating the Advisory Working Group Meetings, preparing reports and ensuring that all activities remain aligned with project objectives.
Rooted in KEYS’ commitment to dignity, belonging, and decent work, the Next STEP program is focused on building relationships, creating opportunities, and supporting young people as they begin careers that offer stability, growth, and the opportunity to thrive.
Position Scope
Next STEP is a one-year Skills Development Fund project designed to support 50 recent high school graduates in successfully transitioning into employment, apprenticeship, or further training in the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing sectors. Through individualized career coaching, experiential learning, and work-based opportunities, participants develop the confidence, skills, and experience needed to pursue sustainable career pathways. The Career Pathways Coaches work closely with educators, employers, and community partners to ensure every participant receives personalized support aligned with their goals and strengths. The project is built on two complementary pillars. The first prepares young people for successful careers through individualized coaching, career planning, skills development, and meaningful workplace experiences. The second strengthens employers' capacity to recruit, mentor, and retain emerging workers by providing practical resources, supervisor training, mentoring tools, and ongoing consultation throughout the employment journey. Next STEP recognizes that successful school-to-career transitions require investment in both young people and employers. Sustainable employment is achieved when career-ready participants are matched with workplaces that are prepared to mentor, support, and develop emerging talent. By strengthening both sides of the employment relationship, Next STEP creates more effective school-to-career pathways, improves employment outcomes, and helps address skilled labour shortages across the region.
Competencies Required
a. Thorough knowledge of funding parameters, eligibility criteria for KEYS programs, reporting guidelines and file maintenance protocols.
b. The ability to develop authentic relationships with young people, employers, educators, and community partners.
c. Knowledge of career development principles, motivational interviewing, strengths-based practice, and solution-focused approaches.
d. Knowledge and understanding of current labour market trends, employment support services as they relate to workforce development, and vocational training opportunities.
e. Ability to advocate to employers on behalf of individuals requiring assistance with job search and maintenance: strong negotiation skills.
f. Ability to coordinate projects, information sessions and workshops in a positive and dynamic manner both in person and using virtual platforms.
g. Ability to deal with sensitive issues with discretion and to respond positively to challenges; ability to promote confidentiality as a norm.
h. Good judgement and a clear understanding of appropriate service boundaries.
i. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work and communicate effectively within a cross-cultural team environment.
j. Ability to work with limited supervision and considerable self-direction.
k. Comfort working autonomously in off-site locations and promoting KEYS’ programs and services in those communities.
l. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing and appropriate professional development.
m. Remains current with technology related to position and possesses strong computer skills.
n. Commitment to established agency performance standards which include productivity, personal responsibility, customer centred service, collaborative team performance, entrepreneurial attitude and maintaining a high level of professionalism.
Qualifications
a. Post-secondary education preferably in Teaching, Project Management, Human Resource Management.
b. Prior experience supporting young people through employment, education, career planning, mentorship, or community-based programming is a definite asset.
c. Fluency in French and/or another language other than English is a valued asset.
d. Valid driver’s licence, proof of adequate insurance and a reliable vehicle are requirements for the position.
Work Environment (Equipment, Demands and Hazards)
a. Shared office setting in Kingston with frequent travel to off-site locations within KEYS’ catchment.
b. Casual business attire.
c. 35 hours per week with occasional early morning, weekend, or evening activities.
This competition will close at 9am on Friday, July 10, 2026.
If interested, please email your cover letter and resume in a single document to: [email protected]
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
KEYS does not use AI in our recruitment process.
KEYS is committed to employment equity. We encourage members of designated groups to apply and self-identify. KEYS is also committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process. We will make appropriate accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process for applicants with disabilities. To obtain a copy of this posting and job description in an alternate format or to request any accommodation please contact us directly through [email protected] or by phone at 613.546.5559 Ex. 247. TTY: 613.546.0511. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be addressed confidentially.
KEYS is located on the traditional homelands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat. We strive to support all those impacted by colonialism.
Pay: $32.32 per hour
Benefits:
- On-site parking
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
