BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Director of C.A.P.E (Career and Alternative Pathways to Education)
SUPERVISOR: Director of Academics
LOCATION: Benton Harbor High School
JOB SUMMARY: The Director of the C.A.P.E. The center provides visionary leadership, administrative direction, and operational oversight for Benton Harbor Area Schools' alternative education programming serving students in grades 6–12. The Director is responsible for creating an innovative, student-centered learning environment that supports academic achievement, credit recovery, career readiness, social-emotional development, and successful graduation.
Operating on a 211-day contract, the Director oversees both summer planning and the traditional academic year while leading two distinct educational pathways: a restorative middle school re-engagement program (Grades 6–8) and a career- and graduation-focused alternative high school program (Grades 9–12). The Director ensures compliance with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements while promoting equitable access to rigorous instruction, individualized learning opportunities, and post-secondary success.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in education, or a related field
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Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate
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Three (3) years of experience as a building principal, including an instructional leadership role
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Three (3) years of classroom teaching experience
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Extensive knowledge of curriculum & instruction
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Administrative, budgeting, planning, and leadership skills
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Ability to organize, interpret, and present conceptual models to users in a manner appropriate to users' skill sets and needs
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Demonstrated independent critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills
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Ability to successfully communicate at all levels of the organization
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Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with senior-level decision-makers
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Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated experience giving presentations to a variety of audiences
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Strong attention to detail and accuracy, excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, coordinate, and simultaneously maintain multiple projects with a high level of quality and productivity Demonstrated experience with tools used for evaluating, developing, and implementing ideas and concepts
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Ability to think strategically and execute tactically and tactfully
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Proficient computer skills in all Microsoft Office suites, as well as multiple platforms relevant to education, i.e. PowerSchool, Illuminate
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Strong communication skills.
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Proven ability to meet the challenges of an urban school district
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Proven ability to meet the challenges of an urban, multi-racial, multi-ethnic school district.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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Ph.D or Ed.D. in Supervision and Instruction or related field.
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Five (5) successful years of teaching experience
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Five (5) years of experience as a building principal, including an instructional leadership role
JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Instructional Leadership & Program Development
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Provide leadership for all instructional programming serving students in grades 6–12 within the C.A.P.E. Center.
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Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of blended, virtual, and personalized learning models aligned with district priorities and Michigan Academic Standards.
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Ensure instructional practices promote high expectations, differentiated instruction, fidelity to prescribed curricula, and equitable learning opportunities.
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Visit classrooms regularly to monitor curriculum implementation, instructional quality, and assessment practices.
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Assist instructional staff with aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessments to state and local learning goals.
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Support innovative instructional practices that accelerate learning, close achievement gaps, and improve graduation outcomes.
2. Student Success, Culture, & Restorative Practices
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Develop and maintain a restorative, trauma-informed, and safe school culture that promotes student belonging, accountability, physical/emotional safety, and positive relationships.
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Implement early intervention strategies and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to address chronic absenteeism, behavioral concerns, academic deficiencies, and social-emotional needs.
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Coordinate comprehensive support services with counselors, social workers, behavioral specialists, and community agencies.
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Ensure students receive individualized academic and growth plans that support graduation and post-secondary readiness.
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Partner with families through regular communication, conferences, and collaborative planning to bridge home and school efforts.
3. Career & Postsecondary Readiness
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Expand career exploration, workforce development, and work-based learning opportunities for students.
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Develop active partnerships with Career and Technical Education (CTE) providers, local businesses, community colleges, and workforce organizations.
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Support opportunities for students to earn industry certifications and dual enrollment credits.
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Monitor student progress to ensure timely completion of diploma requirements.
4. Personnel Leadership & Evaluation
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Supervise, mentor, coach, and evaluate certified and support staff in accordance with district procedures and legal responsibilities.
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Facilitate ongoing professional development and learning aligned with district initiatives and alternative education best practices.
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Assist staff in developing required student growth plans and identifying valid, reliable sources of evidence for instructional effectiveness.
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Promote accountability while fostering a collaborative, professional environment built on mutual respect and shared leadership.
5. Operations, Compliance, & Summer Administration
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Oversee daily operations of the C.A.P.E. Center to maintain a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment.
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Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local laws, Board policies, and Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements.
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Manage human and fiscal resources transparently to maximize impact on teaching and learning.
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Monitor enrollment, attendance, graduation progress, and complete all required state reporting for alternative and virtual education programs.
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Coordinate state testing programs including M-STEP, PSAT, SAT, and other assessments.
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Utilize designated summer contract days to coordinate student referrals, intake meetings, scheduling, staffing, and operational planning for the upcoming school year.
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Facilitate smooth student transitions between traditional and alternative educational settings.
6. Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
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Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a data-driven plan for increasing student achievement.
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Analyze student performance, attendance, graduation, and behavioral data to guide classroom teaching, modify instruction, and set school improvement goals.
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Present program updates and evidence-based performance reports to district leadership as requested.
7. Leadership, Ethics, & Community Relations
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Consistently demonstrate high moral, ethical, and professional standards, personal integrity, and open, honest communication.
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Model and promote trust, enthusiasm, respect, and openness; celebrate the successes and achievements of staff and students.
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Actively participate in district meetings, workshops, and school activities (academic, athletic, co-curricular) to advocate for the C.A.P.E. Center.
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Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Academics or Superintendent.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
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Commitment to Equity: Passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, receives an excellent education
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Leadership: Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles and challenging situations.
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Focus on Data-Driven Results: Relentlessly pursues the improvement of central office performance and school leadership, instruction, and operations, and is driven by a desire to produce quantifiable student achievement gains.
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Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative problem solving; takes initiative to explore issues and find potential innovative solutions.
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Adaptability: Excels in constantly changing environments and adapts flexibly in shifting projects or priorities to meet the needs of a dynamic transformation effort; comfortable with ambiguity and non routine situations.
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Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning, and supporting others; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others.
Communication and Customer Service Skills: Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders in both oral and written forms; anticipates and responds to customer needs in a high-quality and courteous manner.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
This is a 211-day contract position.
Salary based on education and experience according to the Benton Harbor Area School Board policies and collective bargaining agreement for any position that falls under collective bargaining.
EVALUATION: The performance of this job will be evaluated by the Director of Academics and/or Superintendent
FUNDING SOURCE:
If this position is funded using Title dollars, federal regulations do not allow a promise of employment beyond the current year of allocated funds. If this position is funded using state program dollars, the district is not obligated to fund the position beyond the current year's allocation. This position, at any time, may be dissolved based on funding availability and data collected from a comprehensive needs assessment.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts
Benton Harbor Area Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
