SCHOOL YEAR: 2024-2025

 

POSITION TITLE: Executive Director of Career and Technical Education

 

The Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK) seeks an exceptional Executive Director of Career and Technical Education who is highly qualified and knowledgeable to join our community of teachers, learners, and leaders. Kennedy Academy is committed to the vision of high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools.

 

Kennedy Academy is a Horace Mann In-District Charter High School. It is a college preparatory and vocational high school for Boston students exploring careers in health and health-related careers. The Academy provides a supportive learning environment that promotes respect and embraces diversity. Students will attain the life skills needed to become productive and positive members of society. Kennedy Academy is an excellent place for those who seek to work in an environment that supports their creativity and innovation and respects their skills and abilities as an educator. 

 

In addition, over the next five years, Kennedy Academy will double in size, add new health career pathways, and expand college course offerings and work-based learning. These will lead our graduates toward access to good-paying careers at Mass General Brigham. These changes result from a transformative $38 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which marks the largest philanthropic investment in BPS history.

 

REPORTS TO:  Head of School

 

The Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a senior leadership position responsible for driving the vision, strategy, and implementation of comprehensive CTE programs within the high school setting. This leader provides strategic direction, oversees program development, fosters partnerships, and ensures alignment with industry standards and workforce needs. The Executive Director will collaborate with DESE, BPS leadership, EMK school administrators, faculty, industry partners, and community stakeholders to advance the mission of preparing students for post-secondary success and career readiness.

 

In addition, the Executive Director of CTE provides supervision, leadership and support to ensure that the Instructional Coach has the necessary resources, guidance, and strategic direction to effectively support teachers and improve the quality of CTE instruction. Collaboration between these roles is essential for driving positive change and achieving the goals of the CTE program.

Strategic Leadership

Develop and articulate a strategic vision for CTE programs that align with EMK’s goals, educational priorities, and workforce demands.

 

Program Development

Develop comprehensive CTE programs integrating academic knowledge with technical skills and real-world experiences.

 

Curriculum Design

Collaborate with teachers and industry professionals to design curriculum frameworks that meet DESE and industry standards and address emerging workforce needs.

 

Career Pathways

Establish clear pathways for students to explore various career options, including internships, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment opportunities.

 

Instructional Leadership

Provide guidance and support to CTE instructors in effective instructional practices, project-based learning, and industry certifications.

 

Professional Development

Coordinate professional development activities for CTE staff to enhance their skills, knowledge, and instructional strategies.

 

Partnership Building 

Collaborate with the Director of College & Career Community-Based Partnerships to cultivate partnerships with local businesses, industry associations, colleges, and community organizations to enhance CTE opportunities and resources.

• Manage the process for securing approval and maintaining external relationships for all CTE programming through DESE, especially Mass OEMS, and Mass DPH. 
• Manage collaborations with our health system partners to plan for and schedule all school-day engagements, including MGB, OEMS, Long-Term Care partners, and Harvard Med Science. It involves activities at EMK and partner sites across grades 9-12.
• Develop and maintain Memoranda of Understanding between EMK and all work-based learning sites.
• Manage all permissions, vaccinations, and documentation to allow student engagement at partner sites.
• Manage the scheduling and communication with EMK staff around CTE engagements during the school day across grades 9-12
• Convene and facilitate all Chapter 74 CTE Advisory Committees for EMK Pathways.

 

Data Analysis, Compliance and Reporting

Analyze student data, industry trends, and labor market information to inform program decision-making and continuous improvement efforts. Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to CTE programs and prepare reports for stakeholders as required.

• Manage all require core indicators tracking and reporting for each CTE program.

• Manage EMK application for all CTE program-related grant funding through DESE and private philanthropy.
• Manage all CTE programs' student credentialing process (identifying test site partners, scheduling, testing, outcomes reporting, etc.).  
• Manage all required programmatic (not financial) reporting to MGB/Bloomberg.

 

Marketing, Advocacy, and Community Outreach

Advocate for the value of CTE programs at local, state, and national levels, participate in professional associations, and serve as a spokesperson for CTE initiatives. Promote CTE programs to students, parents, and the community through marketing initiatives, informational sessions, and outreach events.

 

Budget Management

Develop and manage the budget for CTE programs, allocate resources effectively, and seek additional funding opportunities through grants, partnerships, and other sources. Manage planning and use of Perkins funding to support the EMK CTE program.

• Manage ordering of all materials and supplies associated with the CTE program.

 

Expectations

• Attend Superintendent BPS August Institute (August 13-15)
• Attend week-long EMK professional development (August 26-30)
• Commit to weekly Wednesday meetings from 2:00pm-4:00pm
• Commit to weekly meetings with the EMK Admin Team.

 

And other duties as assigned by the Head of School

 

Qualifications - Required

• Master’s degree in Education, Career and Technical Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role overseeing CTE programs, workforce development initiatives, or related educational programs.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure as Vocational Administrator 
• Demonstrated knowledge of CTE curriculum development, assessment, data analysis, industry partnerships, and educational trends.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in strategic planning, program evaluation, and data-driven decision-making.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations governing CTE programs and compliance requirements.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education, focusing on addressing all students' needs.
• Ability to think creatively, adapt to change, and lead organizational innovation in CTE.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and adapt in a dynamic educational environment.

 

Preferred Experience/Credential

• Previous experience in budget management, grant writing, and fundraising
• Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Cooperative Education Coordinator
• Licensed or eligible for licensure as Vocational Administrator - Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent
• Licensed or eligible for licensure as Vocational Administrator - Principal/Assistant Principal

 

Terms: Managerial Tier E 

 

This position is subject to the City of Boston residency requirement. Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

Full-time, step set according to candidates’ experience; 223 workdays between July 1st and June 30th each year. As a Horace Mann Charter School, employees are paid a competitive salary in accordance with the BPS managerial scale. 

 

The employee will be required to adhere to the work conditions, including calendar, schedule, and flexibility established by the School. Common planning time, program, department and committee meetings, and professional development occur on Wednesdays, generally between 2pm- 4pm. Other benefits include Medical and Dental benefits, and eligibility for City of Boston retirement. 

 

School-based managerial employees are not eligible for vacation time or compensatory time.  In the event of school cancellation due to snow or inclement weather, school-based managerial employees need not report to work.

 

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.