Senior Director of College Access & Workforce Readiness

Sr. Director of College Access & Workforce Readiness ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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