Career Connected Learning Program Manager

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary: 

This position serves as the primary point of contact for the Career Connect NW Network, providing strategic leadership to advance Career Connected Learning (CCL) and related regional initiatives by convening and collaborating with education, workforce, industry, and community partners, as well as other Career Connect Networks statewide. Responsibilities include leading regional partnerships, developing and implementing cross-sector initiatives, pursuing and managing grant opportunities, designing and facilitating professional learning, coordinating communications, and collecting, analyzing, and sharing data to inform decision-making, demonstrate impact, and strengthen career-connected pathways across the region.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Work directly with the Deputy Superintendent of Student and Instructional Services to provide leadership, operational oversight, and vision for the Career Connect Northwest Team to advance equitable student outcomes and regional workforce development priorities.
• Serve as Director of the Network, acting as a catalyst to increase awareness and support for the region.
• Convene and lead outcome-focused collaborations with industry, community-based organizations, education systems, and other key partners.
• Share in the leadership of executing departmental priorities within the Network on behalf of the NWESD Mission and Vision.
• Supervise staff which includes scheduling, planning and initiating strategies for performance, assigning and directing work, administering disciplinary measures, formally reviewing performance, and resolving complaints. Approves personnel travel, expenses, leave reports.
• Manage and oversee multiple initiatives and programs within the department that are state funded, federally funded, locally funded, or a combination of two or more funding sources.
• Serve as manager/support for the deliverables associated with grants/contracts/agreements, including development of budgets and work plans, implementation of work, attendance at meetings, leadership and in-house coordination, and other activities as necessary.
• Anticipate needed services and research revenue resources including Menu of Services. Pursues applications for competitive and non-competitive grants pursuant to Network needs. Leads technical writing such as grants, needs assessments, and maintaining inventories on a database.
• Create and implement strategies for improving and maintaining positive communication, public relations, and partnerships with school districts, colleges/universities, ESDs, state partners/agencies, granting organizations, other agencies, and professional organizations.
• Foresee departmental staffing needs. Create job descriptions as necessary. Provides backup for personnel on day-to-day tasks as necessary.
• Develop network wide performance measures and work with staff on Statement of Work and deliverables.
• Track and report on initiative performance measures through data collection, synthesis, and required reporting.
• Administer fiscal aspects of network initiatives/programs which involve the development, management, and monitoring of Network/Initiatives budget; developing, authorizing, and tracking contracts; authorizing purchase orders, tracking and approving expenditures; monitoring grant outcomes; time and effort reporting; and grant administration.
• Development and analysis of new services and/or strategies for extending services provided to local education partners, businesses, and community organizations. Facilitates the expansion of Programs in our region’s districts.
• In partnership with local school districts and post-secondary partners, coordinate dual/concurrent enrollment related to Career Launch programs to ensure high school and postsecondary credits transfer.
• Align work and outcomes to the region’s economic needs in collaboration with industry and workforce development.
• Proactively engage and promote learning opportunities for educational staff, employers, youth, parents, and community members. Support staff in creating partnerships and opportunities.
• Stay informed and interpret laws, regulations, rules, audit requirements and policies affecting the NWESD and grant/funding partners.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Skill in project management with a strong understanding of workflow.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to develop successful partnerships between businesses, education, and community-based organizations.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships, foster trust with colleagues, and collaborate across diverse audiences.
• Skill in meeting planning and facilitation, both in-person and on-line formats.
• Skill in effectively communicating in both oral and written format.
• Knowledge of regional workforce needs and challenges.
• Knowledge of, and ability to manage social media.
• Ability to locate research and evaluate information, understand statistical analysis, and have a working knowledge of copyright law.
• Ability to organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan ahead to meet future needs and goals.
• Knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of STEM instruction.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in Career Connected Learning required. Experience working with K-12 systems and supervision preferred. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an office environment; however, travel may be required for workshops or conference attendance. Lifts and carry a maximum of 30 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment. Lifting and moving tables and chairs for workshop setup is a potential hazard if proper safety procedures are not adhered to. Routine travel may pose potential hazards including driving in inclement weather.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.