Program Administrator – Next Arvada

Zero Dropouts LLC•Wheat Ridge, CO

13d•$70,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Zero Dropouts exists to deliver innovative student development opportunities in a way that invites school districts, communities, and students to co-create unique solutions that recognize, foster, and unleash students' unrealized potential so that their lives are transformed as they thrive in their education and work. Next GED+ programs provide youth ages 17-20 with flexible, supportive pathways to earn a high school equivalency credential while gaining essential life skills and exploring future career and education opportunities. In addition to academics, we prioritize wraparound support and connect students with resources that address barriers to learning and engagement. At no cost to youth, including GED testing fees, Next GED+ creates an accessible and empowering environment, equipping young people with the tools and confidence to thrive. We Believe Mysteries are Opportunities. We are inspired to solve the deeply complex mysteries that face our world. Our innovative approach drives us to uncover hidden truths and create tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of our clients and communities. We Believe in Anti-Deficit Ideology. Anti-deficit ideology is an approach that focuses on recognizing and valuing the strengths, abilities, and potential of individuals and communities, rather than highlighting their shortcomings or deficiencies. We Believe in a Sociocultural Model for Learning. Students develop knowledge and skills through an active learning process that encourages interactions with teachers, peers, and their communities. Educators meet students where they are in their learning journeys, centering student experiences and identities in the process to foster both independent learning and collaboration. We Believe in a 'Power With' Approach to Relationships. We use a 'power with' approach that emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and collective empowerment in our relationships with youth, partners, and each other. Instead of hierarchical or competitive dynamics, it focuses on sharing power, fostering partnerships, and working together to achieve common goals. We Believe Organizations are Living Systems. Organizations are not complicated machines and shouldn't be managed like they are. Organizations are living systems capable of maintaining themselves within boundaries of identity where emergence and resilience are recurring outcomes of their underlying health. The Program Administrator for Next Arvada will lead the implementation and growth of a GED+ program located on a shared campus in Arvada — a former elementary school that now houses a diverse set of community partners and educational services. The Program Administrator is responsible for managing daily operations, overseeing enrollment, ensuring compliance, and building strong relationships across Jefferson County School District (Jeffco) and a broader network of community partners. The Program Administrator also helps shape a learning environment grounded in ZD's foundational beliefs — where students' experiences and identities are centered, learning is active and collaborative, and power is shared across the team as much as with students. The ideal candidate is resourceful, flexible, and relentless in finding ways to connect with youth and families that traditional systems have already written off. They don't wait for students to show up ready — they create the conditions that make showing up worth it, and they bring others along in doing the same.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
3–5 years of experience in program administration or management, preferably within an educational or social services setting.
Demonstrated experience in managing program operations and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain detailed records, and keep complex operational systems running smoothly and reliably.
Strong customer service orientation — responsive, welcoming, and consistent across every point of contact with students, families, and partners.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of building trust across diverse stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience in student recruitment and enrollment.
Knowledge of compliance requirements related to educational programs and funding.
Experience working with students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and English Language Development (ELD) populations.
Proficiency in data management and analysis, including experience with relevant software and tools (e.g., Excel, Coda, Student Information Systems, etc.).
Understanding of GED and alternative education programs, including relevant policies and procedures.
Familiarity with evidence-based practices and trends in youth services, education, and social-emotional learning.
Proficiency in Spanish.
Understanding of systemic issues affecting educational outcomes and strategies to address them.

Responsibilities

Actively recruit students through direct outreach, using district-provided 40-code lists.
Coordinate referral processes with Jeffco and other partners to connect students with the program.
Conduct information sessions, orientations, and enrollment meetings with prospective students and families.
Oversee the daily operations of the program, ensuring alignment with ZD's purpose, beliefs, as well as campus safety and security processes.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with co-located partners and educational services on the shared campus.
Implement systems and procedures that reflect the adaptive nature of living organizations.
Manage logistics, scheduling, and coordination with district and community partners.
Ensure the site meets student enrollment projections for October Count and maintains relevant documentation for auditing purposes.
Coordinate wraparound services, including 504 plans, GED waivers, testing accommodations, etc.
Ensure compliance with all partner, district, and organizational requirements.
Prepare reports for truancy court, graduation processes, and other required documentation.
Provide direct support to students, offering mentorship, guidance, and resources for their academic and personal growth.
Collaborate with program staff to determine how teaching, coaching, and student support responsibilities are shared based on team strengths and student needs.
Implement teaching and learning strategies that center students' experiences, identities, and collaborative learning.
Foster a program environment that encourages a strong sense of community, belonging, and mutual support.
Empower students to reclaim their educational journeys by focusing on their strengths and potential.
Coordinate programming to prepare, enroll, and support students in postsecondary opportunities.
Collaborate with ZD teams to innovate and develop programming that responds to evolving student and community needs.
Stay informed of evidence-based practices, research, and trends in education to inform program enhancements.
Contribute to design teams and development efforts within ZD, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement.
Work to expand services through additional partnerships and funding opportunities (e.g., postsecondary institutions, geographically-near school districts, WIOA, AEFLA, grants, etc.).
Monitor and assess student progress through ongoing data collection and analysis.
Use insights from data to inform programmatic adjustments and interventions.
Maintain accurate records on student attendance, academic performance, and other relevant metrics.
Collaborate with project teams to collect and analyze data related to priorities and outcomes.
Build and maintain authentic relationships that foster trust and collaboration with students, families, community partners, and co-located organizations on the shared campus.
Foster partnerships with local educational institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
Leverage the multi-partner campus ecosystem to create integrated, sustainable support systems for students.
Participate in community events to enhance program visibility and support student recruitment.
Lead with a principled approach, ensuring that all decisions and actions align with Zero Dropouts' foundational beliefs, purpose, and priorities.
Act as a nodal leader, understanding the interconnected nature of the work and adapting processes to support collective progress and resilience.
Participate in ZD meetings, team-building experiences, and professional development activities.
Stay adaptive and responsive to the evolving needs of the program and organization, recognizing that flexibility and resilience are key components of success in a living system.