Executive Director - Alternative Education & Initiatives

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION & INITIATIVES
TRUMAN COLLEGE

Truman College is seeking an Executive Director Alternative Education and Initiatives. The Executive Director Alternative Education and Initiatives is a visionary and strategic leader responsible for expanding and supporting high-quality alternative education programs across the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). This position provides districtwide leadership to ensure that alternative education models are innovative, student-centered, and aligned with CCCs mission to advance equity, access, and student success. The Executive Director also serves as the acting school principal when one is not assigned, managing day-to-day operations, instructional leadership, and compliance at school sites. Performs related duties as required.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Strategic Direction

·         Leads the design, development, and implementation of districtwide alternative education models and reengagement strategies.

·         Aligns alternative education programs with CCCs strategic goals, equity priorities, and student success metrics.

·         Serves as the lead advisor to senior leadership on all matters related to non-traditional education pathways.

·         Collaborates with local administration at Middle College campuses.

Program Development and Oversight

·         Collaborates with existing alternative education programs across CCC, including Truman Middle   College and others.

·         Ensures continuous improvement through performance monitoring, feedback loops, and program evaluations.

·         Expands programming to include innovative models such as competency-based education, accelerated learning, and credit recovery.

Principal of Truman Middle College Duties

·         Provides strategic academic and instruction leadership to ensure alternative high school programs are aligned with district, state, and accreditation standards and grounded in student-centered best practices. 

·         Oversees school operations and compliance, including daily program oversight, implementation of policies and procedures, and adherence to accreditation, fiscal, and regulatory requirements. 

·         Supervises and develops faculty and staff, establishing performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and promoting a collaborative culture focused on instructional quality and continuous improvement. 

·         Strengthens student outcomes through data-informed decision making, monitoring academic progress, evaluating program effectiveness, and supporting implementation of improvement strategies. 

·         Cultivates strong partnerships with parents, community organizations, and college stakeholders to expand opportunities, enhance program quality, and support student success. 

Partnership and Community Engagement

·         Builds and maintains partnerships with CPS, community-based organizations, social service agencies, and workforce development partners.

·         Leads outreach and recruitment efforts for disconnected youth, adult learners, and other underserved populations.

·         Represents CCC in local and state conversations on alternative education and reengagement strategies.

Compliance, Data, and Reporting

·         Ensures compliance with all relevant policies, laws, and reporting requirements, including those of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

·         Utilizes data analytics to drive decision-making, monitor progress, and produce regular reports for stakeholders.

·         Manages student records, attendance tracking, and academic progress monitoring systems in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.

Staff Management and Professional Development

·         Recruits, hires, and supports staff for alternative education programs, including principals, instructors, counselors, and support personnel.

·         Provides leadership for professional learning focused on trauma-informed instruction, culturally responsive practices, and student engagement.

·         Cultivates a collaborative culture among staff committed to educational equity and innovation.

Budget and Resource Management

·         Develops and manages budgets for alternative education initiatives, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource alignment with program goals.

·         Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities, including grants and philanthropic partnerships.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Secondary Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required.

·         A minimum of seven years of supervisory experience within an educational setting OR a minimum of five years of teaching experience, preferably at the secondary level, with at least three years of administrative or leadership experience within a charter school, public school, or comparable educational environment.

·         Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Principal Endorsement required.

·         An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered at the discretion of management, as long as the IL Professional Educator License with Principal Endorsement requirement has been met.

·         Experience cultivating cross-functional relationships with academic affairs, student services, institutional research, and community partners to support program implementation.

·         Experience securing and managing grants, philanthropic funding, or external resources for educational programs.

·         Experience using data systems at a district or network level to evaluate program effectiveness, identify opportunity gaps, and inform strategic planning.

·         Proven track record in improving academic outcomes in an urban environment, educational leadership, program development, and managing alternative education programs.

·         Demonstrated expertise and experience in curriculum design, development, and implementation aligned with standards-based and student-centered instructional practices.

·         Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·         Highly self-directed, innovative, and solution-oriented, with the ability to assess current operations and implement strategies that advance the schools goals. 

·         The ability to proactively lead and support school staff.

·         Proven ability to organize and manage school operations, including budgeting, scheduling, compliance, and staff supervision.

·         Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment.

·         Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

The starting salary for this position is between $130,000.00 - $135,000.00.

Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as other factors such as internal equity. Benefits information is found at https://www.ccc.edu/departments/Benefits/

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.

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