Job Description

Project Manager Education Pathways

This position is grant-funded and contingent upon the availability of designated funding and is currently funded for a one-year term.

VSC-UP PAT Bargaining Unit
Exempt
Grade 14

BASIC FUNCTION

The Education Pathways Program Manager supports prospective and enrolled students from initial engagement through program completion, providing advising, coordination, and support services that promote student success and degree attainment within Education Pathway programs. This role serves as a central point of contact for participants and collaborates with university partners, school districts, state agencies, and workforce partners to strengthen recruitment pipelines into educator preparation programs. The Program Manager coordinates pathway initiatives and connects students with advising and career resources to support successful transition into educator preparation programs and the education workforce.

JOB DUTIES & CHARACTERISTICS

• In collaboration with the Dean of Education and the Senior Executive Director of Workforce Education, provide oversight of the Education Pathway program, including coordination of day-to-day operations and program activities.
• Develop and implement advising, career exploration, and networking tools to support Education Pathway participants in making informed academic and career decisions.
• Partner with university and community college staff, employers, school districts, and community partners to ensure a seamless transition for students from program entry through completion and into employment or continued education.
• Organize, coordinate, and participate in trainings, courses, workshops, and events associated with educational pathways, including apprenticeship opportunities and related experiential learning.
• Serve as a resource and liaison to school districts, community partners, and other external stakeholders regarding program goals, processes, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Admissions and the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) to support prospective students through the application and acceptance process.
• Work closely with the Licensure Office Manager and Field Placement Coordinators to ensure program operations adhere to licensure policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Compile and provide program documentation and evidence required for the annual ROPA report and the seven-year ROPA review cycle.
• Coordinate with the Licensure Office to submit required documentation for annual Title II reporting.
• Serve as a liaison with institutional leadership regarding educator licensure requirements, accreditation expectations, and related compliance activities.
• Provide oversight and coordination related to program curriculum implementation and alignment with licensure standards.
• Participate in statewide educator preparation processes, including the EPIC Statewide Scoring System for the Vermont Licensure Portfolio (VLP).
• Support transcript review and credential evaluation processes in coordination with Licensure Office staff.
• Provide comprehensive college and career advising to Education Pathway participants during their enrollment at CCV and VTSU and through their transition to further education or employment.
• Assist participants in understanding the expectations, responsibilities, and professional culture associated with careers in education through coaching and mentorship.
• Guide participants in exploring pathway options aligned with their goals, interests, and strengths, and refer students to appropriate institutional resources such as financial aid, career counseling, and academic support services.
• Collaborate with CCV and VTSU advisors to support student success and progression within the Education Pathways program.
• Communicate with prospective and current students regarding program requirements, licensure expectations, and progression milestones.
• Review applications, participate in candidate interviews, and support decisions regarding student admission and progression through program stages, including practicums and student teaching.
• Maintain regular communication with program participants at key milestones through meetings, phone, text, and email to support engagement and program completion.
• Provide timely interventions and utilize proactive advising strategies to support student retention and academic progress.
• Participate in university committees, meetings, and initiatives related to educator preparation and workforce development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direct supervision received from the Dean of Education, Psychology, and Social Sciences.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

No direct supervision exercised.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in education, higher education administration, workforce development, public administration, or a related field, plus 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in education, education programming, workforce development, student support services or counseling or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with external organizations and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience advising, mentoring, or supporting students or program participants.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in education, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with educator preparation programs, school districts, or education workforce initiatives.
• Familiarity with Vermont’s education system and teacher workforce needs.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs, pathway initiatives, or partnership programs.
• Experience working with data tracking and program assessment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of higher education systems, career services practices, and student development theory.
• Ability to work effectively within and contribute to a highly collaborative, student-centered environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to apply emotional intelligence, professionalism, and discretion in interactions.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse internal and external constituents.
• Effective listening, critical thinking, and analytical skills with the ability to assess needs and develop practical solutions to complex challenges.
• Knowledge of the Vermont Agency of Education and other organizations that support education pathway training and workforce development initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work activities while managing multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong technological proficiency, including the ability to use institutional systems, communication tools, and data resources effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and personal backgrounds, supporting a collaborative and student-focused learning environment.

Physical Requirements: Duties performed causes light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties as a result of repetitive motion and/or long periods of standing or sitting. Duties require little physical effort in work with light to moderate (up to 25lbs) easy-to-handle materials.

Working Conditions: Job is performed in general office or comparable working area with many and frequent distractions such as noise and interruptions. Work schedule may vary during high volume periods.

Location: This position may be based on any Vermont State University campus. Occasional travel within Vermont may be required.

Compensation: The budgeted compensation is $50,000-$58,000. This position is grant-funded and contingent upon the availability of designated funding and is currently funded for a one-year term.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Waiver to Vermont State Colleges
• Tuition Waiver to UVM* for dependent children
• Employee Assistance Program
• Long Term Disability
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Medical, Personal, and Vacation Leave

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the individual positions assigned to the classification. Other duties as assigned are anticipated and expected.

Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning. Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community. VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations. VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations at humanresources@vermontstate.edu

NOTE: This job is subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal background check. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check.