Executive Director of College, Career, and Civic Readiness

RCSD•Rochester, NY

About The Position

The Executive Director of College, Career, and Civic Readiness leads and owns the districtwide strategy, design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive K–12 system that ensures all students graduate prepared for college, career, and life. This role drives equitable access to high-quality pathways, including academic dual enrollment, Career and Technical Education (CTE), work-based learning, civic readiness, and postsecondary partnerships, while strengthening alignment between academic programming and real-world opportunities. Through strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making, this role ensures that college, career, and civic readiness is embedded across all schools and contributes directly to improved student outcomes. This role champions the implementation of the New York State Portrait of A Graduate framework and establishes direction across departments and ensures alignment of college, career, and civic readiness efforts across Teaching and Learning, school leadership, and external partners.

Requirements

Master’s degree
New York State School District Leader (SDL) or School District Administrator (SDA) certification
Minimum of four (4) years of experience in K–12 education, including secondary experience
Demonstrated experience leading college, career, or CTE-related initiatives

Nice To Haves

Experience in an urban school district serving a diverse student population
NYS School Counseling Certified
Experience building partnerships with higher education and workforce organizations

Responsibilities

Set and drive the districtwide vision, strategy, and long-term plan for K–12 college, career and civic readiness aligned to district priorities
Establish clear outcome measures for college, career and civic readiness and ensure integration across curriculum and instruction
Expand and strengthen CTE pathways, dual enrollment opportunities, college exposure, and civic and work-based learning experiences
Ensure alignment of programs to NYSED requirements and emerging workforce needs
Define and monitor districtwide success metrics for postsecondary readiness, including college enrollment, persistence, credential attainment, and workforce outcomes
Set expectations and provide leadership, guidance, and support to counselors, college, career and civic readiness counselors, work-based learning coordinators, and school-based teams
Partner with school leaders to build a strong college, career, and civic readiness culture across all schools
Design and deliver professional learning to support college, career, and civic readiness integration into instruction
Support schools in implementing student-facing experiences such as college and career fairs and post-secondary planning events
Support schools in implementing student-facing civic engagement opportunities in and out of the school environment
Support schools in the implementation of college, career and civic readiness practices and outcomes aligned to district expectations
Serve as a partner to the leadership of Rochester Early College Internation High School in enhancing, expanding, and promoting student enrollment
Lead the development and management of strategic partnerships with colleges, universities, BOCES, civic and workforce partners
Build and sustain partnerships that expand student access to postsecondary pathways inclusive of college and career opportunities
Represent the district in regional and state-level CTE and workforce development initiatives
Develop and scale systems that expand access to early college, credentialing, and workforce-aligned opportunities for all students
Lead the collection, analysis, and use of college and career readiness data, including graduation outcomes, postsecondary indicators, and assessment data (e.g., ACT, ASVAB, SAT, AP), to drive decision-making and continuous improvement
Use data to identify gaps in access and outcomes and implement targeted strategies to address inequities
Ensure compliance with all federal and state program requirements, including grant-funded initiatives (e.g., Perkins)
Strategically allocate budgets and resources to maximize impact on student readiness and postsecondary success
Oversee development, selection, and distribution of instructional materials and program resources
Support grant development, implementation, and monitoring
Ensure effective systems for program coordination, communication, and implementation across schools
Serve as the district’s lead for college, career, and civic readiness, ensuring alignment across departments and initiatives
Advise senior leadership on strategy, investments, and policy related to postsecondary readiness
Ensure coherence between instructional programming, student supports, and postsecondary pathways
Drive cross-functional collaboration to embed readiness outcomes across all schools