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Posted 3d ago

Senior Director of College Access & Workforce Readiness

@ Communities In Schools of Central Texas
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Austin, Texas, United States
$75k/yrOnsiteFull Time
Responsibilities:Develop vision, Lead strategy, Build partnerships
Requirements Summary:Strategic leader to design and scale college access/workforce programs; 5-10 years leadership in education/ workforce development; experience with PK-16 pathways; trainer and partner development.
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Job Description

Sr. Director of College Access & Workforce Readiness 

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Location: In-person / Flexible Work Schedule/CIST Administrative Office / Austin, Texas 

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt 

Reports to: Regional Director of Programs 

Supervises: This position will supervise Program Director(s) 

Starting Salary:  $6,250.00/month ($75,000.00 per year) 

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About Communities In Schools 

Rooted in community for over 40 years, Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CISCT) is a sophisticated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas. Communities In Schools (CIS) is a national organization that ensures every student has what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond. At CISCT, our mission is simple: surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.  

Position Summary 

The Senior Director of College Access and Workforce Readiness is a strategic leader responsible for designing, implementing, and scaling programs that ensure students and participants are prepared for postsecondary success and high-quality career pathways. This role bridges K–12 education, higher education, and workforce systems to create equitable access to college, credentials, and employment opportunities. The Senior Director leads cross-functional teams, builds external partnerships, and drives data-informed strategies to improve outcomes for underserved population. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What You’ll Do 

Key Responsibilities 

 

This role is designed for a leader that understands exposure, readiness, and PK-16 pathways. This will be a leader that can benchmark and implement pillars of success. 

 

Strategic Leadership 

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive vision for college access and workforce readiness aligned with organizational goals  

  • Lead long-term strategy for postsecondary success, including college enrollment, persistence, credential attainment, and career placement  

  • Identify trends in higher education, workforce development, and labor market needs to inform programming  

  • Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making  

  • Analyze Trades, Industry-Based Certifications, Post secondary, and Workforce Development 

  • Experienced trainer to include training coaches, leaders, and partners 

 

Program Design & Implementation 

  • Oversee the development and continuous improvement of college access and career readiness programs  

  • Ensure campus programming integrates academic advising, financial aid literacy, career exploration, and skill development  

  • Experienced trainer providing professional development to coaches, leaders, and partners 

  • Align initiatives with college and career readiness standards and workforce demands  

  • Scale high-impact models across regions or populations  

  • Partnering with families and community members 

  • Through these interconnected programs, the Senior Director ensures students (K-12) are equipped to explore their goals, navigate transitions, and thrive in college, career, or military pathways 

 

Partnership Development 

  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with colleges, universities, employers, workforce boards, and community organizations  

  • Collaborate with industry partners to create internships, apprenticeships, and job placement opportunities  

  • Represent the organization in external coalitions, policy discussions, and public forums  

Team Leadership & Management 

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of program leaders and staff  

  • Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and professional development plans  

  • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and equity  

Data, Evaluation & Impact 

  • Establish metrics to evaluate program effectiveness (e.g., college enrollment, persistence, job placement, wage outcomes)  

  • Use data to drive continuous improvement and strategic decision-making  

  • Oversee reporting to internal stakeholders, funders, and external partners  

Equity & Access 

  • Ensure all programs are designed with a strong equity lens, prioritizing underserved and underrepresented populations  

  • Address systemic barriers to college and career success  

  • Promote inclusive practices across all initiatives  

Budget & Resource Management 

  • Develop and manage departmental budgets  

  • Ensure effective allocation of resources to maximize impact  

  • Support fundraising efforts, including grant development and donor engagement  

 

 

What You Bring 

 Qualifications 

Education & Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in education, organizational leadership, K12 Guidance Counseling, Workforce Development, or related field preferred  

  • 5-10 years of progressive leadership experience in education, college access, workforce development, or related sectors  

  • Demonstrated experience leading large-scale programs or initiatives  

  • School-based supervisory experience, preferred 

Knowledge & Skills 

  • Deep understanding of college access systems, financial aid processes, and workforce development pathways  

  • Knowledge of labor market trends and career readiness frameworks  

  • Strong strategic planning and execution skills