NJ Certified CTE and Cisco Academy Director 2026-2027

Achievers Early College Prep•Trenton, NJ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Achievers Early College Prep Charter School (AECP) is New Jersey’s first public charter school for students in middle school and high school, offering unique STEAM pathways including Cisco Computer Networking. Students can earn up to 60 college credits, NOCTI credentials, and workplace training, preparing them for the current marketplace. The CTE and Cisco Academy Director will be instrumental in establishing and developing multiple technology certification programs at the AECP high school. This role involves directing CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE courses, supporting student internships, job placement, and ensuring on-time graduation. The successful candidate will be a proven leader passionate about technology and bridging the digital divide for Black and Brown students, committed to AECP’s mission of academic excellence, career readiness, and character development. This individual will be an exceptional manager, motivating leader, and strong relationship builder.

Requirements

Demonstrates a passion for and commitment to Achievers Early College Prep's mission
Thrives in a small-school environment (comfort with change and ambiguity, takes initiative)
Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
Exhibits a laser-focus on rigorous instruction by emphasizing student engagement with complex texts, critical thinking, and comprehensive literary analysis
Strong skill in analyzing student work and student data, coupled with a deep commitment to data-driven decision making
Unwavering commitment to feedback, improvement, and notion of “I’M ALL IN!”
Belief in and alignment with Achievers core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable!
Culturally aware, culturally sensitive, and asset-based thinking a MUST!
Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with an ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities effectively
Ability to work independently and lead projects from start to finish
Exceptional communication skills with an ability to motivate staff, parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders
Experience forming, cultivating, and expanding partnerships with key constituents in the public and private sectors, such as foundations, individuals, and government agencies
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws applying to public charter school
An unwavering dedication to establishing and maintaining positive, respectful relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members
At least 5 years of professional experience, preferably within the K-12 education sector or Post Secondary Education space
A valid administrative or educational credential or license
CTE certification
Excellent organization, time management, and follow-through
A high sense of urgency
Outstanding problem-solving and critical thinking skills and desire to use data to drive decision-making
Ability to learn quickly, seek and incorporate feedback in a dynamic environment
Excellent written and oral communication skills particularly when communicating with senior leaders
Ability to learn existing systems quickly and demonstrate independent strategic thinking to improve systems as needed
Willingness to provide coverage and support as needed
Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and work independently
Ability to communicate effectively with others; strong interpersonal skills with students, parents, colleagues and community members
Ability to maintain a calm, solutions-oriented perspective in the face of competing demands and external pressures

Nice To Haves

Experience in school(s) which rely heavily on intervention, literacy, and learning as a means to dramatically increasing student achievement develop content knowledge and skills
A Master's degree or other advanced professional degree
Previous experience within a charter school environment is highly desirable
Experience with Technology Systems
Google Apps for Education Platforms
Proficiency using computers, printers, copy machines, and fax machines
Excellent organizational, verbal, and written skills
Ability to travel (for development opportunities)

Responsibilities

Establish research and develop multiple technology certification programs that students can access at the AECP high school
Direct CCNA, CCNP, CCIE courses
Support with internship and job placement
Support with on-time graduation
Work closely with the middle & high school Principals
Report to the School Leadership Team (as appropriate)
Work with school directors, middle and high school principals, teachers and instructors, students, parents, polytechnics, multiple agents in the tech space, corporate partners, and professional organizations
Visit other early college high schools focusing on technology programs to understand sequencing and work with the principal to improve certifications and on-time graduation rates
Develop a robust Networking Engineering Program accessible for High School Students
Research other IT credentials such as Juniper Network credentials that can be offered at the school; research pricing, sign MOUs and work with school directors to ensure that the offerings are viable and can be covered at little or no cost to students
Help to develop admissions criteria and process for academy programs, as an exemplar for what satisfactory progress looks like in all of the academy programs over a four-year high school, including summer internships
Help students and parents understand the tracks of study being offered within the academy
Work with High School and Middle School principals to prepare students with prerequisites needed for academy programs (block-based coding, intro to python, etc.)
Develop partnerships with shared time programs, colleges and other resources (Ensure complete structure is in place from start to finish from enrollment into the Pathways, Transportation, etc)
Work with High School principals to establish clubs that promote interest in and readiness for academy programs
Work with the High School Principal, Cisco, and other resources to put the scope and sequences for the various certification programs
Help students choose their CCNP concentration
Prepare students to pass the core exam & receive certification
Help interview staff to teach CCNA, CCNP and other certification courses (remotely and in-person)
Work with business partners to secure internships, summer and post-graduation employment opportunities for students completing certification programs
Develop a baseline pathway that most students in the academy will be able to obtain by graduation, i.e. a CCNA Certification
Develop pathway for advanced students to get on the CCNP Track (Enterprise, Security, Data Center, Service Provider, Collaboration)
In the summer, coordinate summer internships and maintain relationships with employers
Conduct professional development for staff
Perform other duties as assigned by the principal, school leadership or Executive Director