Director of Career and Technical Education

General Statement of Job

The Director of Career & Technical Education (CTE) provides visionary leadership in developing, implementing, and overseeing high-quality CTE programs that prepare students for college, careers, and credential attainment. The director ensures alignment with industry standards, workforce needs, and postsecondary education pathways while promoting credentialing opportunities that enhance student employability and career readiness.

Essential Job Functions

CTE Program Development & Implementation

• Lead and support the development of rigorous and relevant CTE pathways that align with state and industry standards.
• Expand career credentialing opportunities for students, ensuring programs lead to industry-recognized certifications and technical assessments.
• Develop strategies to increase student participation and completion in credentialing programs.
• Collaborate with school leaders to integrate CTE programs across all schools, ensuring accessibility for diverse student populations.
• Monitor program enrollment, student performance, and credential attainment to measure program effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) CTE requirements and all applicable regulations.
• Promote and enhance student leadership in clubs such as FFA, FCCLA, FBLA, SkillsUSA, and other CTE-related organizations.

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with local businesses, industries, and higher education institutions to enhance student learning experiences.
• Work with business and industry leaders to identify emerging career trends and certification needs.
• Develop and oversee work-based learning opportunities, including internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing.
• Coordinate with community colleges and universities to create articulation agreements and dual enrollment opportunities.

Professional Development & Teacher Support

• Provide leadership in recruiting, supporting, and retaining highly qualified CTE teachers.
• Work with Human Resources to ensure CTE teachers obtain necessary licensure and industry credentials.
• Facilitate professional development for CTE educators on best instructional practices, industry updates, and certification requirements.
• Promote cross-disciplinary collaboration between CTE and core academic teachers to enhance career-focused learning.

Funding & Grant Management

• Administer and manage local, state, and federal CTE funding, including Perkins grants.
• Develop long-term financial strategies to expand credentialing opportunities and CTE infrastructure.
• Pursue additional funding through grants, partnerships, and workforce development initiatives.

Accountability & Data Management

• Maintain accurate data on student participation, credential attainment, and postsecondary outcomes.
• Develop and submit annual reports to the Superintendent and Board of Education detailing program effectiveness, credentialing growth, and areas for improvement.
• Implement continuous improvement plans to enhance student achievement and credential completion rates.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Career & Technical Education, or a related field.
• North Carolina CTE Director Certification (or ability to obtain).
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in education, preferably in CTE leadership.
• Experience in credentialing initiatives, workforce development, and program expansion.
• Strong understanding of Perkins funding, industry certifications, and NC DPI CTE standards.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with businesses, industry leaders, and postsecondary institutions.
• Experience in budget management, grant writing, and securing external funding.
• Licensure Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in developing new CTE programs and increasing industry credentials.
• Knowledge of workforce trends and labor market needs to align CTE programming with job opportunities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and data analysis

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel between school sites, businesses, and community partners.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time at a desk while working on a computer.
• Requires occasional standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching to conduct school visits and program evaluations.
• Must be able to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds, such as reports, training materials, and equipment.
• Requires strong verbal communication skills for speaking engagements, presentations, and meetings.
• Ability to work in varied environments, including school sites, industrial settings, and community partner locations.

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job.