Director – Career Pathways and Industry-Based Certifications

Director � Career Pathways and Industry-Based Certifications

Reports to: Executive Director, CCMR and Advanced Academics
Grade 309
239 Days
Salary: $118,479 - $167,016
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Purpose

Directs the implementation and continuous improvement of Career Pathways and Industry-Based Certifications to ensure the district delivers coherent, rigorous Programs of Study aligned to College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) outcomes and Outcomes-Based Funding (OBF). Oversees districtwide execution to ensure students are intentionally placed into pathways, persist, and successfully complete them, while supporting campuses to strengthen student retention and completion. Directs the development of high-quality CTE teacher support and professional learning, ensuring the use of highly effective instructional practices aligned to pathway outcomes. Supervises coordinators and ensures consistent implementation, performance, and results across campuses in alignment with the district's CCMR strategy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Directs the implementation and continuous improvement of Career Pathways and Programs of Study across secondary campuses, ensuring coherent sequencing and alignment to postsecondary readiness.
• Ensures alignment between coursework, work-based learning, and Industry-Based Certifications, reinforcing the district's shift from standalone courses to coherent, outcomes-driven pathways.
• Directs coordinators in providing technical assistance and support to campuses to ensure consistent implementation and fidelity across the system.
• Directs systems and expectations for intentional student placement into pathways, ensuring strong enrollment in high-value, high-demand programs.
• Ensures campuses implement strategies to expand equitable access to rigorous pathways and reduce barriers to participation.
• Owns district performance on student persistence, retention, and completion within Programs of Study and Industry-Based Certifications.
• Directs the use of data to identify students off-track and ensures campuses implement targeted interventions to improve outcomes.
• Owns performance on CCMR indicators and Outcomes-Based Funding (OBF) metrics related to career pathways, including certification attainment and Completer status.
• Directs systems for data collection, reporting, and analysis, ensuring accurate tracking of pathway implementation and student outcomes.
• Uses data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities and directs action to improve student outcomes at scale.
• Supervises, develops, and evaluates coordinators, ensuring strong execution, clear expectations, and accountability for results across campuses.
• Establishes and monitors performance systems to ensure consistency, fidelity, and impact in pathway implementation.
• Directs coordination across campuses and central departments, including counselors, administrators, and teachers, to ensure alignment with district CCMR priorities.
• Directs alignment with related CCMR programs, including Dual Credit, Early College, Advanced Academics, Work-Based Learning, and Military Readiness, to ensure a coherent student experience.
• Directs the design and delivery of professional learning and coaching to strengthen CTE teacher development and ensure use of highly effective instructional practices aligned to pathway outcomes.
• Ensures teachers within pathways are supported to deliver instruction that drives certification attainment and postsecondary readiness.
• Oversees Industry-Based Certification systems, including testing logistics, tracking, and reporting, ensuring high participation and successful attainment.
• Ensures accurate records and documentation related to pathway participation, certification outcomes, and program implementation.
• Ensures compliance with PEIMS, Perkins grant requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations, aligned to program goals.
• Directs development and management of department budgets and resources to support pathway implementation and expansion.
• Communicates progress, outcomes, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Performs all other duties as assigned in alignment with district priorities and Board policies.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance with Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of CCMR accountability systems and Outcomes-Based Funding (OBF), including how pathway outcomes drive district performance and funding.
• Knowledge of state-approved Programs of Study and requirements for coherent, vertically aligned pathway design and course sequencing.
• Knowledge of designing and implementing rigorous career pathways aligned to postsecondary success and economic mobility.
• Knowledge of Industry-Based Certifications, including state-approved credentials and alignment to labor market demand.
• Knowledge of student recruitment, retention, and persistence strategies within pathways to ensure completion and success.
• Knowledge of highly effective CTE teacher development, coaching, and instructional practices aligned to certification attainment and postsecondary readiness.
• Knowledge of graduation requirements, endorsements, and certification eligibility.
• Knowledge of PEIMS reporting, Perkins grant requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of labor market trends, workforce alignment, and cross-sector partnerships supporting career pathways.
• Skill in directing and monitoring districtwide implementation of career pathways and Programs of Study across multiple campuses.
• Skill in data literacy, including the ability to run reports, analyze student-level and system-level data, identify trends and gaps, and direct action in real time to improve outcomes.
• Skill in analyzing CCMR, certification, and pathway data to drive continuous improvement and increase student success at scale.
• Skill in effectively managing and developing direct reports, including setting clear expectations, monitoring performance, providing feedback, and ensuring accountability for results.
• Skill in building and sustaining a high-performance culture across teams, focused on outcomes, execution, and continuous improvement.
• Skill in coordinating large, cross-functional initiatives across campuses, counseling, C&I, and CCMR departments.
• Skill in designing and directing professional learning and coaching systems to strengthen teacher effectiveness within pathways.
• Skill in managing complex projects, priorities, and timelines with strong organizational discipline.
• Skill in communicating effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
• Ability to ensure consistent implementation, fidelity, and performance across campuses.
• Ability to use data to drive systemwide decision-making and measurable improvements in student outcomes.
• Ability to build and sustain high-functioning teams and develop staff capacity.
• Ability to align resources, systems, and supports to achieve CCMR and OBF outcomes at scale.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships across district, community, and external partners.
• Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure and deliver results within tight timelines.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to support district initiatives and programs.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to District buildings and professional meetings as required.
• Travels as District Administrator on-duty to student competitions in and out of state.

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Works in an office setting; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree required;
  • Master's degree in a related field preferred.
• Certification/License:
  • Valid Texas Teaching Certificate preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in education required, including:
    • At least 3 years of successful classroom teaching experience required.
    • At least 2 years of leadership experience at the campus and/or central office level required (e.g., Dean, Assistant Principal, Principal, Instructional Coach, Coordinator, or Director), with responsibility for driving program implementation and improving student outcomes required.
  • Demonstrated and verifiable track record of improving student outcomes aligned to rigorous CCMR indicators, including college, career, or postsecondary readiness outcomes, required.
  • Experience in Career Pathways, Industry-Based Certifications, College & Career Readiness, or a closely related function required.

  • Experience working with diverse student populations, particularly in a large urban school district, preferred.

     

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent on availability of funds.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.