Job Description

Sr. Director of College Access & Workforce Readiness

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Location: In-person / Flexible Work Schedule/CIST Administrative Office / Austin, Texas

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Regional Director of Programs

Supervises: This position will supervise Program Director(s)

Starting Salary: $6,250.00/month ($75,000.00 per year)

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About Communities In Schools

Rooted in community for over 40 years, Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CISCT) is a sophisticated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas.  Communities In Schools (CIS) is a national organization that ensures every student has what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond. At CISCT, our mission is simple: surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

The Senior Director of College Access and Workforce Readiness is a strategic leader responsible for designing, implementing, and scaling programs that ensure students and participants are prepared for postsecondary success and high-quality career pathways. This role bridges K–12 education, higher education, and workforce systems to create equitable access to college, credentials, and employment opportunities. The Senior Director leads cross-functional teams, builds external partnerships, and drives data-informed strategies to improve outcomes for underserved population.

What You’ll Do

Key Responsibilities

This role is designed for a leader that understands exposure, readiness, and PK-16 pathways. This will be a leader that can benchmark and implement pillars of success.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive vision for college access and workforce readiness aligned with organizational goals

• Lead long-term strategy for postsecondary success, including college enrollment, persistence, credential attainment, and career placement

• Identify trends in higher education, workforce development, and labor market needs to inform programming

• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making

• Analyze Trades, Industry-Based Certifications, Post secondary, and Workforce Development

• Experienced trainerto include training coaches, leaders, and partners

Program Design & Implementation

• Oversee the development and continuous improvement of college access and career readiness programs

• Ensure campus programming integrates academic advising, financial aid literacy, career exploration, and skill development

• Experienced trainer providing professional development to coaches, leaders, and partners

• Align initiatives with college and career readiness standards and workforce demands

• Scale high-impact models across regions or populations

• Partnering with families and community members

• Through these interconnected programs, the Senior Director ensures students (K-12) are equipped to explore their goals, navigate transitions, and thrive in college, career, or military pathways

Partnership Development

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with colleges, universities, employers, workforce boards, and community organizations

• Collaborate with industry partners to create internships, apprenticeships, and job placement opportunities

• Represent the organization in external coalitions, policy discussions, and public forums

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of program leaders and staff

• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and professional development plans

• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and equity

Data, Evaluation & Impact

• Establish metrics to evaluate program effectiveness (e.g., college enrollment, persistence, job placement, wage outcomes)

• Use data to drive continuous improvement and strategic decision-making

• Oversee reporting to internal stakeholders, funders, and external partners

Equity & Access

• Ensure all programs are designed with a strong equity lens, prioritizing underserved and underrepresented populations

• Address systemic barriers to college and career success

• Promote inclusive practices across all initiatives

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets

• Ensure effective allocation of resources to maximize impact

• Support fundraising efforts, including grant development and donor engagement

What You Bring

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in education, organizational leadership, K12 Guidance Counseling, Workforce Development, or related field preferred

• 5-10 years of progressive leadership experience in education, college access, workforce development, or related sectors

• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale programs or initiatives

• School-based supervisory experience, preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Deep understanding of college access systems, financial aid processes, and workforce development pathways

• Knowledge of labor market trends and career readiness frameworks

• Strong strategic planning and execution skills