Deputy Director

Position Summary:

This is a full-time, year-round, grant funded Deputy Director position for the Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative (“the Collaborative”). This position includes the management of the design and implementation for high school career pathways across 9 school districts and 2 higher education institutions in Southwest Colorado, including Archuleta,  Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, Silverton, Mancos, Dolores, Dove Creek, Cortez, Pueblo Community College, and Fort Lewis College. This role will report to the organization’s Executive Director and manage a team of College and Career Coordinators. 

Organization Background 

In November 2020, the Collaborative received a RISE Grant through the Office of the Governor of Colorado. Comprised of five school districts in southwest Colorado at the time (Archuleta, Bayfield, Durango, Ignacio, and Silverton), and two institutions of higher education (Pueblo Community College and Fort Lewis College), the Collaborative was formed to address areas of common need for students in the region, allowing them to access additional opportunities for post-secondary success. In partnership with the five school districts, two higher education partners, and local community partners, the Collaborative plans to reimagine college and career pathways by partnering in a more deliberate and coherent way to ensure high quality programming is available to all students in the region.

Program & Position Overview:

The Collaborative is seeking a candidate who is both prepared and excited to serve as Deputy Director. Ideally, we are seeking candidates who possess a background in education and have experience managing high performing teams to implement complex projects. This is a full-time position that will work year-round.

Essential Functions

Key functions include managing the development, implementation, and monitoring of our shared student pathways. Additionally this role will manage a team of College and Career Coordinators and Sector Convenor and work to continue to build out the framework and structure for successful pathway implementation. Responsibilities that align with this role include: 

Team Management & Development 

• Manage,coach, and build capacity of a team of College and Career Coordinators (4) and the Industry Sector Convenor
• Develop project management system to organize tracking of complex project and provide visibility to to the Executive Director 
• Monitor the team’s data tracking information for each pathway
• Maintain a positive team culture that exemplifies a growth mindset and  the organization’s values
• Enhance and implement accountability structures and staff feedback and evaluation systems 

Regional Student Pathway Development 

• In collaboration with key stakeholders, lead the expansion of educational pathways related to key focus areas identified by the steering committee and collaborative leaders
• Build and manage shared systems across districts, including but not limited to student recruitment processes, transportation plans, student events/convenings, and schedule coordination
• Create and execute professional development sessions for stakeholders 
• Facilitate events focused on course selection, concurrent enrollment, and pathways

Relationship Management & Communication 

• Present current information about the Collaborative to multiple stakeholders
• Serve as liaison between the Collaborative and participating districts, students, schools, higher education and industry partners
• Build strong relationships with school leaders and Concurrent Enrollment and CTE coordinators, understand their needs, and help them access resources and supports aligned to those needs
• Develop and maintain newsletter for sharing updates and key information 
• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree with a preference for an education focus
• Desire to develop, manage and implement an innovative program 
• Possess high level organizational and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability with collaboration
• Experience as a project and/or program manager
• Strong understanding of and commitment to equity and inclusion
• Ability to create, refine, and implement systems and processes to improve operations
• Strong relationship manager 
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders in multiple contexts
• Demonstrated success with building and implementing multi-stakeholder events and programs
• Flexibility to adapt quickly in the face of change
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team, provide feedback and coaching, and hold team accountable for outcomes 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background work in diversity, equity, and inclusion in education or other field
• Experience in secondary education
• Understanding of academic advising practices
• Experience managing external consultants

Compensation:

Salary range is $70,000-$75,000 for a 12 month grant funded position with a comprehensive benefits package including: a health care stipend, worker's compensation, short-term disability, and up to a 3% match for retirement.

Application Process:

A complete application packet will include:

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for position 
• Include details regarding how your personal and professional experiences allow you to encourage a learning environment grounded in equity and inclusion. 
• Current curriculum vitae or resume 
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references one of them being a direct supervisor

Please submit all materials as one PDF via email to: info@swcoedcollaborative.org 

Application materials received by Friday, December 1st will receive full consideration. Position will remain open until filled.

Equal Opportunity

Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political beliefs, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment, admission, and education shall be extended to all persons. The Collaborative shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. The Collaborative is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment; applications from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

ADAA Accommodations

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact Sara Butler by email info@swcoedcollaborative.org at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.