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City Colleges of Chicago · 2 days ago

Executive Director - Alternative Education & Initiatives

Chicago, Illinois

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$130K/yr - $135K/yr

7+ years exp

City Colleges of Chicago is seeking an Executive Director for Alternative Education and Initiatives to lead the expansion and support of high-quality alternative education programs. The role involves providing districtwide leadership, managing day-to-day operations, and ensuring compliance while fostering partnerships to enhance student success.

AlumniCommunitiesE-LearningEducationHigher Education

Responsibilities

Leads the design, development, and implementation of districtwide alternative education models and reengagement strategies

Aligns alternative education programs with CCCs strategic goals, equity priorities, and student success metrics

Serves as the lead advisor to senior leadership on all matters related to non-traditional education pathways

Collaborates with local administration at Middle College campuses

Collaborates with existing alternative education programs across CCC, including Truman Middle College and others

Ensures continuous improvement through performance monitoring, feedback loops, and program evaluations

Expands programming to include innovative models such as competency-based education, accelerated learning, and credit recovery

Provides strategic academic and instruction leadership to ensure alternative high school programs are aligned with district, state, and accreditation standards and grounded in student-centered best practices

Oversees school operations and compliance, including daily program oversight, implementation of policies and procedures, and adherence to accreditation, fiscal, and regulatory requirements

Supervises and develops faculty and staff, establishing performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and promoting a collaborative culture focused on instructional quality and continuous improvement

Strengthens student outcomes through data-informed decision making, monitoring academic progress, evaluating program effectiveness, and supporting implementation of improvement strategies

Cultivates strong partnerships with parents, community organizations, and college stakeholders to expand opportunities, enhance program quality, and support student success

Builds and maintains partnerships with CPS, community-based organizations, social service agencies, and workforce development partners

Leads outreach and recruitment efforts for disconnected youth, adult learners, and other underserved populations

Represents CCC in local and state conversations on alternative education and reengagement strategies

Ensures compliance with all relevant policies, laws, and reporting requirements, including those of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

Utilizes data analytics to drive decision-making, monitor progress, and produce regular reports for stakeholders

Manages student records, attendance tracking, and academic progress monitoring systems in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations

Recruits, hires, and supports staff for alternative education programs, including principals, instructors, counselors, and support personnel

Provides leadership for professional learning focused on trauma-informed instruction, culturally responsive practices, and student engagement

Cultivates a collaborative culture among staff committed to educational equity and innovation

Develops and manages budgets for alternative education initiatives, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource alignment with program goals

Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities, including grants and philanthropic partnerships

Qualification

Educational LeadershipProgram DevelopmentData AnalyticsIllinois Professional Educator LicenseCurriculum DesignGrant ManagementCommunity EngagementCulturally Diverse EnvironmentMicrosoft Office 365Organizational SkillsCommunication Skills

Required

Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Secondary Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required

A minimum of seven years of supervisory experience within an educational setting OR a minimum of five years of teaching experience, preferably at the secondary level, with at least three years of administrative or leadership experience within a charter school, public school, or comparable educational environment

Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Principal Endorsement required

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered at the discretion of management, as long as the IL Professional Educator License with Principal Endorsement requirement has been met

Experience cultivating cross-functional relationships with academic affairs, student services, institutional research, and community partners to support program implementation

Experience securing and managing grants, philanthropic funding, or external resources for educational programs

Experience using data systems at a district or network level to evaluate program effectiveness, identify opportunity gaps, and inform strategic planning

Proven track record in improving academic outcomes in an urban environment, educational leadership, program development, and managing alternative education programs

Demonstrated expertise and experience in curriculum design, development, and implementation aligned with standards-based and student-centered instructional practices

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Highly self-directed, innovative, and solution-oriented, with the ability to assess current operations and implement strategies that advance the schools goals

The ability to proactively lead and support school staff

Proven ability to organize and manage school operations, including budgeting, scheduling, compliance, and staff supervision

Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)