Director of Community Partnerships

ECS POSITION POSTING ECS Job Description: Director of Community Partnerships

Position Overview: The Director of Community Partnerships at Elizabethton High School (EHS) will play a pivotal role in advancing experiential learning for students, with a particular focus on internships, work-based learning, and community-engaged learning. This individual will collaborate with internal stakeholders, community organizations, businesses, and postsecondary institutions to expand opportunities that prepare students for postsecondary success and enhance their overall educational experience.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Influence Key Staff for Engagement:

o Work closely with administrators, faculty, and community partners to advocate for and integrate internships, work-based learning, and community-engaged learning as core components of EHS's experiential learning strategy.

o Foster collaboration among school staff and community leaders to ensure these opportunities align with students' academic development and career readiness goals.

2. Community Partnership Advisory Group:

o Oversee the development and retention of the Community Partnership Advisory Group, a collaborative team of community members, business leaders, and school representatives (administrators, faculty, and students).

o Facilitate regular meetings and ensure effective communication to share resources, ideas, and strategic initiatives that benefit students and the wider community.

3. Partnership Development:

o Cultivate and sustain partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and community stakeholders to create meaningful work-based learning and community-engaged learning opportunities.

o Collaborate with faculty to co-develop curricular pathways that align with Tennessee state standards and EHS learning goals, ensuring that community-driven learning experiences are academically rigorous.

4. Work-Based Learning Site Assessments:

o Regularly visit existing and potential work-based learning and community-engaged learning sites to assess their relevance, quality, and impact on the student experience.

o Partner with site hosts and classroom instructors to ensure that students receive consistent, high-quality learning experiences that support their academic and career growth.

ECS POSITION POSTING 5. Partnership Engagement & Retention:

o Maintain strong relationships with current community partners, ensuring their continued support and active engagement in EHS's experiential learning initiatives.

o Develop strategies to sustain long-term partnerships and maximize opportunities for students.

6. Partnership Database Management:

o Develop and maintain a comprehensive partnership database to track work-based learning and community-engaged learning activities, monitoring their effectiveness and impact on student outcomes.

o Use data to evaluate the success of partnerships and refine strategies for continuous improvement.

7. Postsecondary Partnerships:

o Establish and manage partnerships with postsecondary institutions to create additional opportunities for EHS students, such as Early Post-Secondary Opportunities (EPSOs), mentorship programs, research studies, and other college and career readiness initiatives.

o Serve as a liaison between EHS and postsecondary institutions to ensure seamless transitions for students after graduation.

8. Regional Learning Network:
o Oversee the development and growth of a regional rural learning network for high

schools across Appalachia, creating a collaborative community of practice.

o Coordinate and host learning opportunities, site visits, and professional development for school leaders and educators from regional high schools to exchange best practices and insights.

9. External Liaison:

o Act as a key representative of EHS to external organizations at the regional, state, and national levels, advocating for EHS's experiential learning initiatives and building relationships that further enrich the student experience.

o Stay informed about trends and innovations in work-based learning, community engagement, and postsecondary readiness, and apply this knowledge to enhance the school's programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or advanced college degree in Education (Master's preferred). Teaching or leadership experience preferred.

ECS POSITION POSTING

• Proven experience in partnership development, community engagement, and experiential learning programs.

• Strong understanding of Tennessee state education standards and the postsecondary landscape.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including school administrators,

  faculty, community leaders, and business partners.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

• Experience in developing and managing databases or tracking systems for program evaluation.

  Work Environment:

• Full-time position based at Elizabethton High School.

• Occasional travel required for site visits and meetings with partners.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for partnership development and regional collaborations.

  FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DR. JON MINTON, EHS PRINCIPAL: jon.minton@ecscools.net