Program Administrator – Field Academy

Zero Dropouts•Denver, CO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Zero Dropouts is seeking a Program Administrator for its innovative Field Academy program, located in the Denver-Aurora area. Field Academy is designed for older adolescents who have struggled in traditional educational settings, offering applied, experiential, and project-based learning to help students reconnect with education. The Program Administrator will be a founding member of the Field Academy team, playing a critical role in launching and operating the initial pilot program. This broad role encompasses responsibilities of an educator, student advisor, registrar, and program administrator. The Program Administrator will build relationships with students and families, support recruitment and enrollment, design and deliver learning experiences, manage student records and program operations, and help establish systems for future growth. Students learn in various settings, including classrooms, community spaces, workplaces, and on expeditions. The Program Administrator will collaborate with the Expeditions Manager to connect experiential learning with academic outcomes, graduation progress, and future readiness. This role is ideal for an educator passionate about creating something new, balancing structure with flexibility, building systems, and remaining student-centered. The Program Administrator will lead the day-to-day success of the pilot and contribute to the broader Research & Development portfolio of Zero Dropouts. As Field Academy grows, responsibilities may become more specialized, with opportunities to mentor new team members.

Requirements

Colorado Teaching License (7-12) in English/Language Arts, Social Studies or Math
Experience designing and delivering curriculum or meaningful learning experiences.
Experience supporting students who have experienced barriers to academic success.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex administrative processes with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail, including maintaining student records, managing data in student information systems (SIS), and ensuring compliance with program, partner, and state requirements.
Strong relationship-building skills with students and families.
Ability to support students through both teaching and individualized student support/case management.
Ability to create engaging learning experiences while maintaining academic rigor and clear learning outcomes.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage details, systems, and competing priorities.
Ability to work independently, solve problems, and take initiative in an evolving environment.
Commitment to trauma-informed, relationship-centered, and strengths-based approaches to working with students.

Nice To Haves

Experience in alternative education, reengagement programs, dropout prevention, credit recovery, or similar settings.
Experience with project-based learning, experiential learning, expeditionary learning, place-based learning, or personalized learning models.
Experience developing curriculum that demonstrates measurable academic growth or improved student outcomes.
Experience launching or building a new program, initiative, or learning model.
Experience with student recruitment, enrollment, family engagement, or community outreach.
Experience with student information systems, compliance documentation, data tracking, or program reporting.
Experience developing partnerships with community organizations or local employers.
Spanish speaking, reading, and writing proficiency.
Experience working in diverse communities and building culturally responsive learning environments.

Responsibilities

Recruit, enroll, onboard, and support students and families throughout their Field Academy experience.
Build strong, trusting relationships with students while maintaining high expectations for engagement, growth, and success.
Provide individualized student support and case management to identify barriers, monitor progress, and connect students with needed resources.
Review, analyze, and transfer student transcripts and academic records into the student information system (SIS) to determine graduation progress, identify remaining credit requirements, and support individualized academic planning.
Design and facilitate rigorous learning experiences through classroom instruction, applied projects, expeditions, and community-based learning that promote measurable academic growth and future readiness.
Develop curriculum that integrates authentic projects, community partnerships, and expedition-based learning.
Collaborate with the Expeditions Manager to plan and facilitate expedition experiences that advance academic outcomes, student growth, and real-world skill development.
Assess student progress and adapt instruction to meet individual needs while building students' confidence, skills, and sense of purpose.
Manage the administrative systems that support program success, including student records, enrollment, attendance, documentation, reporting, and student information systems (SIS).
Coordinate administrative requirements related to funding partners, compliance, audits, and program accountability.
Develop and improve operational systems, documentation, and processes that strengthen program quality and support future growth.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of Field Academy by documenting lessons learned, identifying opportunities, and refining program practices.
Collaborate with colleagues across Zero Dropouts to test new ideas, solve problems, and strengthen student outcomes across the organization's Research & Development portfolio.
Participate in cross-functional planning and contribute to the design of future programs, services, and partnerships.
Support the onboarding, coaching, and development of future Field Academy team members as the program grows.