Director of Postsecondary Readiness

Ankeny Community School District • Ankeny, IA

2d

About The Position

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment. JDE: 2.20 Director of Postsecondary Readiness Position Summary The Director of Postsecondary Readiness provides district-wide leadership for postsecondary readiness, ensuring that all students graduate prepared for postsecondary education, career, and workforce success. This role advances the District’s mission, vision, and core values through strategic planning, instructional leadership, personnel management, and meaningful engagement with families, community, and industry partners.

Requirements

• Experience in educational administration, business/nonprofit operations, career services, and/or project management and 5+ years experience as a teacher, counselor, or school administrator.
• Master’s Degree in Education, School Administration, Counseling, or other related field
• Iowa Department of Education Professional Administrative license and Evaluator Approval license
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with students, staff, families, and the broader community.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate vision, expectations, and decisions clearly and professionally.
• Strong problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and decision-making abilities to address complex, sensitive, or high-stakes situations with professionalism and integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively with staff, empowering teams and guiding the implementation of district-wide initiatives.
• Advanced organizational and operational leadership skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Adaptability, resilience, and the ability to remain composed while leading through change, crisis, or competing demands.
• Strong skills in active listening, empathy, and responsiveness to the needs of students, staff, families, and the community.

Responsibilities

• Leads and advances strategies aligned to the District Strategic Plan and the goal that all students graduate prepared for postsecondary success .
• Ensures postsecondary readiness programming reflects the District’s mission, vision, and core values, including equity, access, and student-centered decision-making.
• Provides district-wide vision for PK–12 career and academic readiness that prepares students for college, careers, apprenticeships, certifications, and workforce success.
• Establishes and monitors district-wide systems to assess student preparation for postsecondary success.
• Collaborates with district leadership to define PK–12 outcome measures, monitor progress, and ensure accountability for graduation, postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and workforce credentials.
• Oversees data analysis, reporting, and evaluation related to postsecondary readiness, including state reporting and research initiatives.
• Uses data to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.
• Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of a structured PK–12 career and academic readiness framework.
• Provides instructional leadership for graduation requirements, dual/concurrent enrollment, CTE, career readiness programs, internships, and work-based learning.
• Collaborates with district instructional leaders to recommend and guide college and career readiness assessments.
• Ensures alignment of curriculum, assessments, and programs across grade levels.
• Supervises assigned staff in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.
• Hires, trains, evaluates, and supports staff to ensure high-quality program implementation.
• Builds leadership capacity among staff through coaching, professional development, and collaboration.
• Fosters a culture of integrity, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Develops and sustains partnerships with business, industry, higher education, community-based organizations, government entities, and nonprofit partners.
• Expands work-based learning opportunities including internships, apprenticeships, and career academies.
• Supports advisory councils and partnership structures that align education with workforce needs.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with families and community stakeholders to support student success.
• Leads district communication and promotion efforts related to postsecondary readiness in collaboration with the Chief of Communications.
• Represents the District with internal and external stakeholders, agencies, and organizations.
• Communicates program goals, outcomes, and opportunities to staff, students, families, and the community
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Provide excellent customer service and assistance to all employees, fostering a welcoming and approachable atmosphere.
• Uphold integrity and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
• Collaborate effectively with all school personnel, maintaining positive and productive communication.
• Adhere to safety protocols and policies established by the Ankeny Community School District to ensure the safety of oneself and others.
• Support District goals and objectives while adhering to all District policies, contributing to the overall success of the school community.
• Demonstrate regular and dependable attendance to ensure smooth District operations.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support district events or urgent situations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director