EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CAREER AND COLLEGE SUCCESS

Applications will be received until August 19th, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org.

About this job:

Leads the development, implementation and growth of Career and College success programming to ensure that every student graduates career and college ready, is prepared for and has a plan for the future. Manages the day-to-day operations and expansion of programming in schools District-wide. Develops, evaluates and revises career and college success programs and implementation of career exploration, work-based learning, career and technical education (CTE), and higher education initiatives in alignment with District goals and graduation requirements. Cultivates strong relationships with external and internal stakeholders and partners with local businesses, policy makers to enhance student supports and exploration. Expanding opportunities and accomplishing ambitious district strategic goals in alignment with postsecondary and workforce readiness (PWR) including work-based learning experiences, industry-recognized credentials, and 12 college credits for all high school graduates. Collaborate with stakeholders to expand CTE innovation hubs aligned to district strategic roadmap vision.

Reports to the Chief of Academics. As part of a values-based organization, plays a critical role in achieving Board of Education ends and goals through our shared commitment to Students First, Integrity, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability and Fun. Plans, assigns and supervises the work performed in the areas of responsibility to ensure goals are accomplished. Ensures compliance with District policy and practices and appropriate federal, state and local rules and regulations.

The Executive Director Career and College Success must demonstrate a willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement. This role requires maintaining the highest level of confidentiality regarding all District matters, especially those involving the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, and the Board of Education. Ensuring trust and discretion is paramount to the success and integrity of this position.

What DPS Offers You:

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• $125,185 - $153,329. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement. For more information visit our New Employee Resources.

What You'll Do:

• Develops vision, change management and expansion plan for Career and College Success in alignment with the district priorities and goals
• Leads and administers all aspects of student support and career exploration offerings, including program development, implementation, evaluation, and modification; ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal guidelines
• Develops effective, contemporary, professional, and responsive programs to meet area economic and workforce needs.
• Works collaboratively with school-based and district leaders and staff to ensure cohesive implementation of all aspects of the Career and College Success student supports in alignment with district priorities; ensures effective implementation, support and build-out of individual career and academic plans (ICAP) as part of graduation requirements
• Determines mission, goals, objectives, staffing requirements, and infrastructure needs for successful student support and career exploration programming
• Oversees, coordinates, implements and maintains a staff development program that emphasizes connections between student learning and professional learning
• Collaborates with and seeks funding from public entities, private foundations, appropriate professional organizations and other resources to increase opportunities for students, and provide professional growth opportunities for staff
• Cultivates strategic partnerships with local, state and federal agencies and neighboring communities; serves on and leads as needed on district and state committees
• Applies national and international best practices and research for student support, engagement and work-based learning exposure, and provides leadership in determining the appropriateness for inclusion in the district's educational program
• Other duties as assigned

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field
• Master's Degree in Education preferred
• Five years of experience in leadership and educational setting
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
• Ability to effectively lead a function
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement long-range goals, establish priorities, and organize resources
• Demonstrated experience performing as an effective leader and team player, recognizing and resolving conflicts or potentially controversial situations through diplomacy
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to lead a high-performing team
• Superior leadership, coaching and mentoring skills
• Looks for ways to significantly improve business performance and growth
• Strong inter-personal skills and ability to work with individuals at all different levels in the organization
• Focuses function on strategic goals
• Encourages diversity and mutual respect among team members and demonstrates compassion and sensitivity

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.

DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.