JOB TITLE

Director of Vocational Services, Cardinal Cushing Centers, Hanover

DEPARTMENT

Student Services Division:

School Programs

REPORTS TO

Associate Vice President of Marketing and Program Development Date Revised:

August, 2026

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT STATUS:

Exempt ______________________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY (Summarize the nature of the work performed) The Director of Vocational Services is responsible for the day-to-day management and strategic leadership of Cardinal Cushing Centers' Vocational Programming. This position ensures the delivery of individualized, high-quality vocational instruction aligned with academic standards and the developmental needs of a diverse student population. Cardinal Cushing Centers provides a structured, supportive learning environment using a multi-modal, project-based instructional approach designed to support a wide range of learning profiles. This role requires a hands-on leader who collaborates closely with vocational staff, educational leadership, business operations, and external partners to provide meaningful work-based learning experiences that prepare students for successful transition into adulthood. The Director also plays a vital role in compliance, curriculum development, staff supervision, and fostering a student-centered, team-oriented culture. _____________________________________________________________________________­

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(List key areas of responsibility, major job duties and key objectives for this position)

• Uphold and actively support the Mission, Vision, and Values of Cardinal Cushing Centers.
• Provide daily oversight of program operations, offering educational leadership and direction to instructors, job coaches, and staff
• Supervise, observe, and coach Vocational Instructors and Job Coaches to ensure instructional quality and professional growth.
• Partner with Marketplace Business Operations to coordinate services and maintain effective site operations
• Collaborate with the Associate Vice President of Marketing and Program Development in the interview and hiring process for vocational staff.
• Design, implement, and evaluate curriculum that is responsive to the unique needs of the student population, aligning with educational standards and project-based learning principles.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Vocational Site and Job schedules which meet individual student needs
• Ensure full compliance with DESE documentation and licensing requirements.
• Support and participate in DESE licensing and site review procedures as needed.
• Maintain open, professional, and effective communication with families, guardians, advocates, school districts, state agencies (e.g., DCF), and other stakeholders.
• Lead and facilitate regular staff meetings for the Vocational team, preparing agendas and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Manages district relationships and student schedules for the Vocational Alternatives Program
• Conduct or support Transition and Job Readiness Assessments as needed
• Serve as an active member of the Educational Leadership Team, collaborating with peer directors and reporting to the Associate Vice President of Marketing and Program Development
• Ensure consistent attendance and punctuality to model professional expectations.
• Take on additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Vocational Instructors
• Job Coaches
• Administrative staff ______________________________________________________________________________

QUALIFICATIONS

Related Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in special education or vocational programming, with progressive leadership responsibilities preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with IEP development, curriculum planning, and supervision of multidisciplinary teams. Formal Education, Certification, Licensing
• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required.
• Current Massachusetts licensure as a Transition Specialist (or eligibility to obtain) preferred Skills/Abilities/Competencies
• Deep understanding of intensive special education theories and individualized learning strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective curriculum and vocational programing for students with diverse needs
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to build and lead effective teams.
• Professionalism and emotional intelligence in working collaboratively with students, families, staff, outside agencies, and members of the local business community.
• Familiarity with DESE regulations and procedures, including documentation, compliance, and program review processes. (List the physical requirements necessary to perform this job)
• Responds to behavioral situations when necessary according to Safety Care procedures
• Assists when a student when there is a search for a missing student regardless of weather conditions Working Conditions (Describe the conditions in which the work is performed)
• Office work, observations in classrooms, vocational sites, and job sites.

Occasional travel to observe potential students. Paper work related to IEP's and DESE regulations

Salary Range :

$75,000-$90,00

Pay:

$75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching 403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person