Director of Professional Preparation (College of Education)

Support strategic enrollment growth initiatives, endorsement development and updates, workforce pipeline partnerships. Work to retain students within the Teacher Prep Education Program. Coordinate external partnerships with school districts, community colleges, educational agencies, and workforce partners to strengthen educator preparation and placement opportunities. Provide centralized leadership related to educator certification, institutional recommendations, licensure verification, state and federal compliance requirements, accreditation support, and program approvals and renewals. Lead planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic program policies, processes, and schedules to optimize program quality, student experience, and operational efficiency. Oversee personnel through direct supervision, including hiring, training, evaluation, and discipline. Leads the work of multiple staff members, including supervisors and managers, within the college. Provides guidance, training, and direction to ensure work meets established standards and desired outcomes. Plans and evaluates staff performance, oversees recruitment and development, and provides input on compensation decisions in accordance with guidelines. Oversee program-level resource planning, including staffing, space, technology, and instructional support needs, and make recommendations to leadership on optimal allocation. Identify operational risks and compliance issues related to academic programs and implement controls, documentation, and training to ensure adherence to institutional and regulatory requirements. Lead educator preparation reporting and data management initiatives, including Title II reporting, state reporting requirements, certification outcomes, graduate employment data, and continuous improvement metrics. Develop systems for collecting and analyzing candidate, alumni, employer, and stakeholder data to support program improvement, accreditation efforts, and strategic planning. Utilize data strategically and collaborate with recruiters, faculty, advisors, curricular affairs, and student success teams to grow and strengthen educator preparation pathways, enhance retention efforts, and promote certification readiness. Establish and monitor program-level performance metrics, analyze enrollment and student outcomes data, and recommend operational changes to enhance program effectiveness. Lead or support major projects and initiatives related to program expansion, modality changes, curricular revisions, or new program launches, ensuring operational readiness and sustainability. Support accreditation and assessment efforts associated with educator preparation and professional licensure programs, including CAEP, AAQEP, CACREP, APA, and other applicable accreditation systems. Monitor changes in state licensure and certification policies and communicate updates to faculty, program directors, advisors, and university leadership. Serve as the primary university liaison to the Arizona Department of Education, Arizona State Board of Education, U.S. Department of Education, school districts, community colleges, and professional organizations. Oversee certification-related processes across approved educator preparation programs, including student and alumni support, alternative certification pathways, and communication regarding certification timelines and requirements. Coordinate educator preparation program submissions, renewals, biennial reviews, and compliance documentation with state agencies and accrediting bodies. Support educator workforce and grant initiatives designed to reduce barriers for students entering the profession and improve certification and employment outcomes. Oversee communication, timelines, memoranda of understanding, interagency agreements (IAG), field placement documentation, and compliance processes connected to educator preparation programs. Provide leadership in professional preparation governance by chairing or coordinating university-wide committees related to educator certification, curriculum alignment, compliance, program quality, and educator workforce development initiatives. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of state and federal reporting requirements, accreditation standards, and educator workforce systems. Demonstrated ability to collaborate across academic and administrative units and build partnerships with external educational stakeholders. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholders.