Job Title:  Career and College Readiness Coordinator

Job Summary:

The College and Career Readiness Director is responsible for overseeing AVID initiatives across the district, developing and implementing PreK-12 career and college readiness curricula, fostering strong partnerships with local colleges, and ensuring alignment with career pathways. This role also supports district-wide professional development focused on career readiness and oversees planning career and college-related events.

Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree is required, with experience in college and career information and planning or business and employment practices preferred. 

A Professional Educator License (PEL) is also preferred but not required.

Evaluation:

The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board’s policy on staff Evaluation.

Reports to:

Assistant Superintendent

Terms of Employment:

This is a 12-month position with a starting salary range of $80,000 - $95,000, as established by the board of education. 

Compensation and Benefits:

The compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance and a $300,000 term life insurance policy. The position offers paid vacation, sick, and personal leave days annually, and tuition reimbursement options. The Board provides a monthly allowance for cellular phone and travel expenses, a yearly wellness allowance, and membership dues for up to two professional organizations. 

FLSA: 

Exempt

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. AVID Program Oversight and Coordination

• Serve as the AVID District Director, coordinating all AVID-related activities and providing leadership for AVID site teams across schools.
• Supervise AVID site team leaders, organize regular team meetings, and maintain communication with school principals and district leadership to ensure consistent AVID implementation.
• Manage logistics for AVID functions, including organizing travel, accommodations, and registration for district staff attending AVID events.
• Develop and oversee the AVID program budget, coordinating with school teams to allocate resources effectively for family nights, elective courses, and staff training.

2. Curriculum Development and Implementation

• Lead the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of a PreK-12 career readiness curriculum, aligning it with WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) strategies.
• Serve on the District Curriculum Committee to promote the integration of career pathways into existing curricula.
• Develop and facilitate district-wide professional development sessions on career and college readiness, ensuring staff have the skills and resources to support students’ career exploration.

3. Career Pathway Alignment and Promotion

• Ensure district curricula are aligned with industry demands and career pathways, facilitating students’ awareness of viable career options and ensuring access to relevant coursework.
• Work with district staff to assess and update curriculum to reflect emerging career trends and local job opportunities.

4. Community and Higher Education Partnerships

• Collaborate with local colleges, particularly MCC (McHenry County College), to expand dual-credit and dual-degree opportunities for students.
• Identify and develop partnerships with other higher education institutions and local organizations to enhance students’ post-secondary options.
• Support district and school efforts in promoting and preparing students for dual-enrollment programs and other advanced academic pathways.

5. College and Career Event Planning

• Organize district-wide career and college fairs, coordinating with school staff and local partners to provide students and families with resources and networking opportunities.
• Collaborate with local businesses and institutions to bring relevant career exploration opportunities to students, including internships, job shadowing, and workshops.

6. School Improvement Planning and Support

• Assist building principals in creating and revising school improvement plans to align with district college and career readiness goals.
• Participate in planning and implementing the PACE (Pathways to Academic and Career Excellence) framework in secondary schools, ensuring clear milestones and support for students.

7. Student Counseling and Support Services Oversight

• Assist and collaborate with the High School Assistant Principal in overseeing the High School Counseling Center, providing strategic guidance and support for counselors and social workers.
• Work closely with the High School Assistant Principal to develop resources and processes for effective course scheduling, student guidance, and academic planning services.
• Support the Assistant Principal in aligning counseling services with district goals in college and career readiness, ensuring students can access academic, social, and career-related guidance.

8. Data Analysis and Program Evaluation

• Monitor and evaluate career readiness programs, using data-driven methods to assess program effectiveness and suggest improvements.
• Conduct regular reviews of local job market trends to ensure district programs align with in-demand career skills.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Must demonstrate service commitment to Harvard CUSD 50

• Must maintain positive and respectful relationships with other employees and the general public 
• Must demonstrate a record of effectiveness in their work
• Must have excellent planning and organization skills
• Must have the ability to work collaboratively with others
• Must model a desire and willingness to learn continually
• Must be able to perform several tasks concurrently under varying deadlines
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including clear, polite telephone communication skills
• Must be able to work efficiently under minimum supervision

Physical Demands:

The physical demands of this position include frequent sitting and standing for extended periods. Depending on class/student assignment, the employee may occasionally lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds. Repetitive bending at the waist and kneeling, stooping, and crouching to assist students are also required. Employees may reach overhead as well as above the shoulders and horizontally.

ADA:

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

This job description is intended to describe the minimum qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of employees assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The District reserves the right to amend and change the position responsibilities to meet District needs as necessary.