City Colleges of Chicago
Executive Director - Alternative Education & Initiatives
City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Executive Director - Alternative Education & Initiatives
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION & INITIATIVES
TRUMAN COLLEGE
Truman College is seeking an Executive Director Alternative Education and Initiatives. The Executive Director Alternative Education and Initiatives is a visionary and strategic leader responsible for expanding and supporting high-quality alternative education programs across the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). This position provides districtwide leadership to ensure that alternative education models are innovative, student-centered, and aligned with CCCs mission to advance equity, access, and student success. The Executive Director also serves as the acting school principal when one is not assigned, managing day-to-day operations, instructional leadership, and compliance at school sites. Performs related duties as required.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership and Strategic Direction
Leads the design, development, and implementation of districtwide alternative education models and reengagement strategies.
Aligns alternative education programs with CCCs strategic goals, equity priorities, and student success metrics.
Serves as the lead advisor to senior leadership on all matters related to non-traditional education pathways.
Collaborates with local administration at Middle College campuses.
Program Development and Oversight
Collaborates with existing alternative education programs across CCC, including Truman Middle College and others.
Ensures continuous improvement through performance monitoring, feedback loops, and program evaluations.
Expands programming to include innovative models such as competency-based education, accelerated learning, and credit recovery.
Principal of Truman Middle College Duties
Provides strategic academic and instruction leadership to ensure alternative high school programs are aligned with district, state, and accreditation standards and grounded in student-centered best practices.
Oversees school operations and compliance, including daily program oversight, implementation of policies and procedures, and adherence to accreditation, fiscal, and regulatory requirements.
Supervises and develops faculty and staff, establishing performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and promoting a collaborative culture focused on instructional quality and continuous improvement.
Strengthens student outcomes through data-informed decision making, monitoring academic progress, evaluating program effectiveness, and supporting implementation of improvement strategies.
Cultivates strong partnerships with parents, community organizations, and college stakeholders to expand opportunities, enhance program quality, and support student success.
Partnership and Community Engagement
Builds and maintains partnerships with CPS, community-based organizations, social service agencies, and workforce development partners.
Leads outreach and recruitment efforts for disconnected youth, adult learners, and other underserved populations.
Represents CCC in local and state conversations on alternative education and reengagement strategies.
Compliance, Data, and Reporting
Ensures compliance with all relevant policies, laws, and reporting requirements, including those of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Utilizes data analytics to drive decision-making, monitor progress, and produce regular reports for stakeholders.
Manages student records, attendance tracking, and academic progress monitoring systems in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.
Staff Management and Professional Development
Recruits, hires, and supports staff for alternative education programs, including principals, instructors, counselors, and support personnel.
Provides leadership for professional learning focused on trauma-informed instruction, culturally responsive practices, and student engagement.
Cultivates a collaborative culture among staff committed to educational equity and innovation.
Budget and Resource Management
Develops and manages budgets for alternative education initiatives, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource alignment with program goals.
Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities, including grants and philanthropic partnerships.
QUALIFICATIONS
Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Secondary Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required.
A minimum of seven years of supervisory experience within an educational setting OR a minimum of five years of teaching experience, preferably at the secondary level, with at least three years of administrative or leadership experience within a charter school, public school, or comparable educational environment.
Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Principal Endorsement required.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered at the discretion of management, as long as the IL Professional Educator License with Principal Endorsement requirement has been met.
Experience cultivating cross-functional relationships with academic affairs, student services, institutional research, and community partners to support program implementation.
Experience securing and managing grants, philanthropic funding, or external resources for educational programs.
Experience using data systems at a district or network level to evaluate program effectiveness, identify opportunity gaps, and inform strategic planning.
Proven track record in improving academic outcomes in an urban environment, educational leadership, program development, and managing alternative education programs.
Demonstrated expertise and experience in curriculum design, development, and implementation aligned with standards-based and student-centered instructional practices.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Highly self-directed, innovative, and solution-oriented, with the ability to assess current operations and implement strategies that advance the schools goals.
The ability to proactively lead and support school staff.
Proven ability to organize and manage school operations, including budgeting, scheduling, compliance, and staff supervision.
Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
The starting salary for this position is between $130,000.00 - $135,000.00.
Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as other factors such as internal equity. Benefits information is found at
https://www.ccc.edu/departments/Benefits/
WE OFFER:Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement.
Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Thank you for your interest in City Colleges!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Truman College is seeking an Executive Director Alternative Education and Initiatives. The Executive Director Alternative Education and Initiatives is a visionary and strategic leader responsible for expanding and supporting high-quality alternative education programs across the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC). This position provides districtwide leadership to ensure that alternative education models are innovative, student-centered, and aligned with CCCs mission to advance equity, access, and student success. The Executive Director also serves as the acting school principal when one is not assigned, managing day-to-day operations, instructional leadership, and compliance at school sites. Performs related duties as required.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership and Strategic Direction
Leads the design, development, and implementation of districtwide alternative education models and reengagement strategies.
Aligns alternative education programs with CCCs strategic goals, equity priorities, and student success metrics.
Serves as the lead advisor to senior leadership on all matters related to non-traditional education pathways.
Collaborates with local administration at Middle College campuses.
Program Development and Oversight
Collaborates with existing alternative education programs across CCC, including Truman Middle College and others.
Ensures continuous improvement through performance monitoring, feedback loops, and program evaluations.
Expands programming to include innovative models such as competency-based education, accelerated learning, and credit recovery.
Principal of Truman Middle College Duties
Provides strategic academic and instruction leadership to ensure alternative high school programs are aligned with district, state, and accreditation standards and grounded in student-centered best practices.
Oversees school operations and compliance, including daily program oversight, implementation of policies and procedures, and adherence to accreditation, fiscal, and regulatory requirements.
Supervises and develops faculty and staff, establishing performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and promoting a collaborative culture focused on instructional quality and continuous improvement.
Strengthens student outcomes through data-informed decision making, monitoring academic progress, evaluating program effectiveness, and supporting implementation of improvement strategies.
Cultivates strong partnerships with parents, community organizations, and college stakeholders to expand opportunities, enhance program quality, and support student success.
Partnership and Community Engagement
Builds and maintains partnerships with CPS, community-based organizations, social service agencies, and workforce development partners.
Leads outreach and recruitment efforts for disconnected youth, adult learners, and other underserved populations.
Represents CCC in local and state conversations on alternative education and reengagement strategies.
Compliance, Data, and Reporting
Ensures compliance with all relevant policies, laws, and reporting requirements, including those of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Utilizes data analytics to drive decision-making, monitor progress, and produce regular reports for stakeholders.
Manages student records, attendance tracking, and academic progress monitoring systems in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.
Staff Management and Professional Development
Recruits, hires, and supports staff for alternative education programs, including principals, instructors, counselors, and support personnel.
Provides leadership for professional learning focused on trauma-informed instruction, culturally responsive practices, and student engagement.
Cultivates a collaborative culture among staff committed to educational equity and innovation.
Budget and Resource Management
Develops and manages budgets for alternative education initiatives, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource alignment with program goals.
Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities, including grants and philanthropic partnerships.
QUALIFICATIONS
Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Secondary Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required.
A minimum of seven years of supervisory experience within an educational setting OR a minimum of five years of teaching experience, preferably at the secondary level, with at least three years of administrative or leadership experience within a charter school, public school, or comparable educational environment.
Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Principal Endorsement required.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered at the discretion of management, as long as the IL Professional Educator License with Principal Endorsement requirement has been met.
Experience cultivating cross-functional relationships with academic affairs, student services, institutional research, and community partners to support program implementation.
Experience securing and managing grants, philanthropic funding, or external resources for educational programs.
Experience using data systems at a district or network level to evaluate program effectiveness, identify opportunity gaps, and inform strategic planning.
Proven track record in improving academic outcomes in an urban environment, educational leadership, program development, and managing alternative education programs.
Demonstrated expertise and experience in curriculum design, development, and implementation aligned with standards-based and student-centered instructional practices.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Highly self-directed, innovative, and solution-oriented, with the ability to assess current operations and implement strategies that advance the schools goals.
The ability to proactively lead and support school staff.
Proven ability to organize and manage school operations, including budgeting, scheduling, compliance, and staff supervision.
Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
The starting salary for this position is between $130,000.00 - $135,000.00.
Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as other factors such as internal equity. Benefits information is found at
https://www.ccc.edu/departments/Benefits/
WE OFFER:Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement.
Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Thank you for your interest in City Colleges!
#J-18808-Ljbffr