Education Division Director - College & Career Readiness Job Listing at State of Vermont in Montpelier, VT (Job ID 717A378A-94C1-4)

Description

Overview

The Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as the Division Director of College and Career Readiness. Reporting directly to the Chief Academic Officer, this role is a cornerstone of the Agency's Academics division. The position will lead the College and Career Readiness "Home Team," overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes Adult Education, Career Technical Education (CTE), Flexible Pathways (Act 77), and Expanded Learning Opportunities.

This is not a standalone administrative role; it is a critical leadership position designed to embed college and career navigation into our broader system improvement efforts. The Division Director will be responsible for ensuring that career-aligned learning is a fundamental component of PreK-12 academic proficiency rather than a secondary "overlay" to the traditional curriculum.

 

Key responsibilities and strategic priorities

• Strategic Leadership & System Alignment
  
  • Develop and execute a strategic plan for college and career readiness that aligns with the Agency's vision and core pillars.
  • Lead the systemic redesign of educational pathways to ensure K-12, CTE, higher education, and workforce systems are seamlessly aligned to remove structural barriers for students.
  • Drive initiatives that elevate multiple, equally valued postsecondary pathways, including industry credentials, apprenticeships, and technical careers alongside traditional college enrollment.
• Policy, Legislation, and Advocacy
  
  • Develop and promote policy statements for CTE, Act 77, and Adult Education that uphold state standards while advocating for necessary legislative shifts.
    Implement model career navigation policies that embed grade-level competencies into core instruction, starting as early as elementary school to ensure developmentally appropriate career exposure.
  • Maintain extensive interaction with the State Board of Education, State Legislature, federal officials, and other external stakeholders to support statewide educational transformation.
• Equitable Access & Fiscal Oversight
  
  • Establish budget priorities that address the needs of Local Education Agencies (LEAs), specifically focusing on removing barriers in rural and under-resourced areas.
  • Address "oversubscribed" programs by identifying and securing state and federal funding (including Perkins) to expand program capacity and resolve scheduling and transportation challenges.
  • Ensure absolute fidelity to federal requirements while maximizing resource flexibility to support local innovation.
• Data-Driven Success & Accountability
  
  • Define and measure success broadly by developing tools to track longitudinal outcomes 2–5 years post-graduation, moving beyond simple graduation rates to measure credential attainment and  career persistence.
  • Utilize Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) as a primary mechanism for tracking both academic proficiency and student-defined success.

 

The ideal candidate will have:

• Thorough knowledge of workforce trends, CTE, and Adult Education programs.
• Proven skill in managing complex change processes related to Act 77 and new statewide graduation requirements.
• Ability to serve as an active member of the Extended Leadership Team and build partnerships with business groups and higher education.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills for representing the Agency to the public and the educational community.

Who May Apply

This position, Education Division Director - College & Career Readiness (Job Requisition #54928), is open to all State employees and external applicants. 
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Erin Davis at erin.davis@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Normal office working conditions generally prevail. Incumbent must be able to interact, work, and deal with Department staff, educators, state, federal, and local officials, and the general public. Evening and weekend work may be required. Considerable travel is necessary for which private means of transportation must be available.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in education, public or business administration, or a related field AND three (3) years or more of professional level program development, supervision, or leadership experience in a large public or private organization OR professional level experience in a state or local education agency at or above the school principal level.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D or Ed.D

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.

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