Director of College & Career Empowerment

Director of College & Career Empowerment

Year-Round

Grow Public Schools

DEADLINE: March 7, 2025 by 4:30pm 

Reports to: Superintendent

Organizational Overview:

At Grow Public Schools, our mission is fueled by a need for educational equity and a belief in the transformative power of education and wellness. We believe education and wellness are regarded as the fundamental pillars and their harmonious integration pave the way for brilliant and vibrant futures. Founded by the Grimm Family Education Foundation in August 2011, the mission of Grow Public Schools is to close the achievement gap for students in the rural areas of Kern County by creating an environment of student excellence and well-being. Grow Public Schools is committed to building a brighter future for generations to come in Kern County, California. 

Position Summary:

The Director of College & Career Empowerment is a crucial leadership role responsible for ensuring that all GPS students are well-prepared for life after high school, whether that means attending college, entering the workforce, or pursuing other post-secondary opportunities. This role requires the ability to develop and drive a research-based comprehensive vision for Grades 6-12 college and career counseling as well as the Post-Graduation Alumni Support Program. The Director will oversee and expand college and career readiness programs while building strong partnerships with colleges, universities, and employers to create pathways for student success.

This position oversees three key programmatic areas: Grades 6-8 Exploration, Grades 9-12 Case Management, and Post-Graduation Data Tracking. The Director provides strategic leadership in program development, implementation, and staff training while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local education policies, including the Every Student Succeeds Act, FERPA, California Education Code, and GPS’s LCAP priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the College & Career Empowerment (CCE) Program using the MTMDSS framework to support students’ academic, social-emotional, and career readiness.
• Develop and implement a research-based, comprehensive college and career readiness program for grades 9-12.
• Oversee data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes, including A-G course completion, CTE enrollment, GPA improvements, and pass rates in English and Math.
• Strengthen post-secondary partnerships with colleges, universities, trade schools, and industry leaders to create pathways for student success.
• Oversee data collection in collaboration with the Program Analytics Coordinator to track student progress, measure program impact, and inform strategic decisions.
• Monitor and support efforts to increase cohort graduation rates, reduce dropout rates, and improve college and career preparedness as measured by the California School Dashboard.
• Partner with organizations to expand access to scholarships, FAFSA completion, and financial aid support.

Student Advising & Support

• Provide individualized and group counseling to guide students and families through college applications, financial aid, and workforce readiness.
• Support alumni through an Alumni Persistence Program, tracking student success and providing post-secondary guidance beyond high school.
• Utilize data systems (e.g., Aeries, Kern Integrated Data System (KiDS), OverGrad, Xello) to track student progress, close achievement gaps, and ensure equitable access to services.
• Implement targeted interventions for students facing social-emotional barriers, addressing motivation, goal-setting, and autonomy to support academic and career success.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and develop a team including two K-8 Counselors, two College & Career Counselors, and up to 12 peer mentors.
• Provide coaching and professional development to ensure staff deliver tiered interventions and achieve program goals.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven culture focused on equity and student success.
• Manage the CCE Program budget and Alumni Persistence Fund, ensuring financial resources align with program goals and student needs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including students, staff, families, and governing boards.
• Strong mentorship and professional development skills for educators and support staff.
• Deep understanding of Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and instructional technology.
• Proficiency in managing education funding sources, compliance regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Ability to foster a data-driven, results-oriented culture across the network of schools.
• In-depth knowledge of state and federal education laws, funding sources, and innovative teaching practices.

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• 10 years of experience in college admissions, high school or TK-8 counseling, or related fields.
• 5 years of leadership experience in an educational setting (school site-based or district-based).
• Expertise in A-G requirements, financial aid systems, workforce development programs, and data-driven decision-making in education.
• Strong background in program development, team leadership, and student-centered initiatives.
• Experience overcoming barriers such as economic disadvantage, disability, rural location, or housing insecurity is highly valued.
• Proven ability to build relationships with students, families, staff, and external partners.

Salary:

Grow Public Schools offers competitive compensation based on background and experience.

DEADLINE: March 7, 2025 by 4:30pm 

Salary : $128,830 - $140,776