DISTRICT DIRECTOR – ADULT EDUCATION TRANSITIONS

The Adult Education (AE) Department provides District-wide management oversight and policy direction over the Adult Education programs, services and initiatives offered at the colleges, working to achieve the performance goal of increasing the number and share of ABE/ASE/ESL students who advance to and succeed in college level courses.

Qualified City College of Chicago Adult Education students are able to transition to college credit through the Bridge and Gateway Programs at no cost or for half tuition. Depending on the program, students are be able to earn credits toward or complete a certificate and/or earn an Associate Degree after enrolling in and/or completing Adult Education courses.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Executive Director of Adult Education, the District Director Adult Education Transitions provides management oversight and coordination of Career Bridge & Gateway Programs, ensuring programs incorporate contextualized instruction, career exploration, and transition support services. Works collaboratively with the Deans of Adult Education, college administrators and faculty in the development of new and the enhancement of existing transition programs. Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Strategy & Project Management

• Provides strategic leadership for Adult Education Transition programs, working with the Deans and the District Adult Education team in establishing and implementing robust programming to increase the proportion of Adult Education students who transition to college credit through Bridge and Gateway Programs. 
• Drives collaboration between departments to increase and improve student transitions from Adult Education to College Credit. Examples of cross-departmental work include working with:
• Marketing and Communications to promote transitions programs offered and develop recruitment strategies.
• Centers of Excellence to define and implement or expand existing Career Bridge programs.
• Academic and Student Affairs to ensure holistic student supports for Adult Education and Transitions students, including Career Planning and Placement.
• Monitors program implementation for Bridge and Gateway Programs, working with college administrators and transition teams to ensure staffing-levels, training & development, and student supports are in place for student success.
• Monitors student performance and the academic activities of transition programs in collaboration with the Gateway Associate. Gathers and tracks data on student outcomes (i.e. retention and completion) for use in reporting and program improvement. 
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• Quality of Instruction
• Supervises and directs staff in the design and development of standardized bridge curriculum, lesson plans and syllabi for contextualized instruction integrating basic reading, math and language skills and industry/occupation knowledge, in compliance with ICCB requirements for bridge/IET programs. 
• Collaborates with the District Director of Adult Education Instruction and Curriculum Specialists to ensure NRS-aligned ESL, Language Arts and Math curriculum includes career exploration and prepares students for Bridge and/or placement into college credit courses.
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• Other
• Interfaces with ICCB staff and serves on committees related to statewide bridge programs and Adult Education matters as assigned. 
• Generates high-quality proposals, narratives, applications, and supporting documents in response to solicitations consistent with all policies and procedures of City Colleges of Chicago, and the requirements and guidelines of the funding agencies.
• Maintains records and submits reports related to grant opportunities. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

 Reports To:                     Executive Director of Adult Education or Assigned Administrator 

 Direct Supervision:        Gateway Program Associate, Project Manager-Adult Ed, Project Coordinator-Union

 Indirect Supervision:    Transition Specialists, Bridge Curriculum Specialists 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in Education, Adult Education or a related field. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be taken into consideration based on the applicants credentials
• Five years of work experience in education or workforce development as an administrator or project manager, or in an educator/faculty role
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in transitioning low-skilled adults to post-secondary education and training
• Knowledge of management principles including strategic planning 
• Knowledge of program planning and curriculum development preferred
• Knowledge of ICCB and CCC regulations impacting Adult Education curriculum and Career Bridge programs preferred 
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong critical thinking skills 
• Ability to implement systems and follow-up processes 
• Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment 
• Ability to operate within a complex academic organization 
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues across administrative and academic units
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to travel to CCC campuses district wide 
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Approved by Compensation Design & Strategy                               Date: December 6, 2024

WE OFFER: Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire. Thank you for your interest in CCC!