26-27 Director of Career Programs and Partnerships

Carmen Schools of Science & Technology•Milwaukee, WI

31d

About The Position

Carmen Schools of Science & Technology is a network of high-performing charter schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serving students in grades 6–12. We believe all students can succeed in college, build meaningful careers, contribute to their communities, and lead fulfilling family lives. We focus on academic excellence, community engagement, and student leadership, with a commitment to equity at the core of our mission. Carmen seeks a proven leader to lead as the Director of Career Programs and Partnerships, the role responsible for developing and executing strategies to create and manage relationships with external organizations to provide career development opportunities for students. Key duties include identifying and securing new partnerships, nurturing existing relationships, developing career programs and resources, and overseeing program implementation and success. This role requires strong strategic thinking, communication, and project management skills, often involving collaboration with stakeholders including Carmen students, teachers and families as well as Milwaukee employers and community organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year university required.
Demonstration of entrepreneurial mindset including innovation and desire to continuously improve.
Minimum 7 years experience working with high school or college students in internships or apprenticeships.
Demonstrated success in developing and managing partnerships with industry and community leaders
Strong analytical, organizational, and writing skills with well developed listening and collaboration skills and the ability to facilitate various size working groups
Strong focus on results as well as the flexibility and willingness to do “whatever it takes”
Demonstrated ability to lead multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously and a strong ability to prioritize effectively and manage time well to accomplish goals and drive change
Demonstrated experience leading and managing a high performing team required

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree preferred
Preference for work in STEM-focused fields
Experience with charter or charter like schools and/or with students in low-income environments preferred
Experience working with career technical programs, preferred.

Responsibilities

Partnership Development and Outreach
Identify, pursue, and establish relationships with a variety of career readiness partnerships in the greater Milwaukee area to ensure successful STEM and CTE electives (aligned to Carmen’s Career Pathways) including but not limited to student internships, job shadowing, informational interviewing, career site visits, career speakers, and career programming
Identify and coordinate dual enrollment and AP opportunities that align with STEM electives with the CCCO and CSO
Serve as the key staff liaison for the Carmen Development Organization’s (CDO) Board of Directors and engage them collaboratively and productively to sustainably maximize student internships and support Carmen’s mission
Program Development and Management
Help develop, implement, and ensure career readiness programming for grades 6-12 aligns with Carmen’s mission, strategic plan, STEM, and graduation requirements
Identify and help implement college and career programs such as dual enrollment, internships, and apprenticeships
Align programs with student needs and labor market demands within the STEM elective concentrations
Help envision and support the vision and implementation for a student capstone project with particular focus on career readiness exposure, skill-building, mentorship, and experience
Internal Collaboration and Leadership
In partnership with the CCCO, support Carmen’s strategic plan with a focus on career readiness
Collaborate with the Director of Post-Secondary Success to support the Post-Secondary Coordinators in their respective roles and responsibilities
Directly manage the Assistant Director of Career Readiness
Plan, develop, and deliver career readiness PD for the Postsecondary Success Team in general, and specifically at network Data Days. Seek out a variety of PD opportunities related to career readiness for all team members
Data Management and Reporting
Develop and implement effective reporting to track all programs and outcomes, including financial reporting for career readiness programming
Monitor team metrics and milestones to ensure career readiness outcomes are being met
Collaborate with the CCCO on internal (e.g., Board) and external (e.g., compliance) reporting
Collaborate with the Development Team for grant applications related to career readiness. Ensure all aspects of grant requirements and other restricted funding for career readiness are met