Job Summary
The Assistant Director of Academic Programming leads the design, alignment, and continuous improvement of academic programs at Pickens Technical College, ensuring high-quality, industry-aligned pathways for both secondary and postsecondary learners. This role serves as the primary conduit between Pickens and the Division of Teaching and Learning, ensuring coherence across curriculum, instruction, and student experience.
Working in close partnership with the Director and Assistant Directors across program areas, this role coordinates and aligns academic programming across the school—supporting instructors, career advisors, and student support staff to deliver a cohesive and high-quality student experience. As a member of the Pickens leadership team, the Assistant Director drives alignment across Career and Technical Education (CTE), College and Career Success, and workforce readiness to ensure students graduate with meaningful credentials, postsecondary momentum, and access to high-quality career pathways.
Responsibilities:
Academic Programming & Instruction (40%)
- ● In partnership with the Director and program Assistant Directors, lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic programming across all pathways
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Division of Teaching and Learning, ensuring alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment with APS priorities
- ● Partner with instructors, Teachers of Record, and program leadership to strengthen instructional quality, rigor, and student outcomes
- ● Support the integration of ICAP, credential attainment, and work-based learning within academic programs
- ● Monitor program performance (e.g., completion, credentials, transitions) and lead data-informed program improvement cycles
Pathways, Advising & Student Experience (20%)
- ● Collaborate with program Assistant Directors and career advisors to ensure coherent 9–12 to postsecondary pathways and strong student navigation systems
- ● Lead and support Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) across secondary and postsecondary programs
- ● Align academic programming with advising structures to ensure students have clear, supported pathways to credentials and careers
- ● Ensure equitable access to high-quality programs, work-based learning, and postsecondary opportunities
- ● Partner with staff to improve student persistence, engagement, and successful program completion
Partnerships & Workforce Alignment (20%)
- ● In collaboration with the Director, program Assistant Directors, and the APS CTE team, cultivate partnerships with industry, higher education, and community organizations
- ● Align internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities to academic programming and student pathways
- ● Ensure programs are responsive to regional workforce needs and aligned to high-demand, high-wage careers
- ● Support the development of articulated, concurrent enrollment, and credentialing opportunities across programs
- ● Engage industry partners to inform program design, equipment, and skill expectations
Student Support & Program Access (15%)
- ● Coordinate with program Assistant Directors and student support staff (e.g., social worker, school nurse, special services) to ensure student success and well-being
- ● Align academic programming with student support systems to remove barriers to access, participation, and completion
- ● Support inclusive practices within programs to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with IEPs and multilingual learners
- ● Monitor student data (attendance, engagement, persistence) to inform supports and program improvements
- ● Partner across teams to ensure a safe, supportive, and career-connected learning environment
Leadership, Organizational Contributions & Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
- Serve as an active member of the Pickens Technical College leadership team, contributing to school-wide strategy and decision-making
- ● Work in close partnership with the Director and Assistant Directors to ensure coherence across programs, systems, and student experiences
- ● Lead cross-functional collaboration between Pickens and the Division of Teaching and Learning
- ● Support accreditation and compliance efforts in partnership with school leadership, ensuring alignment to required standards
- ● Contribute to continuous improvement efforts aligned with APS priorities for college, career, and workforce readiness
Education and Training
- ● Master's degree plus additional coursework required for licensure.
- ● CTE Endorsement or attainment of your endorsement within one year
Experience
- Five years of experience in Career and Technical Education or Secondary Leadership, including teaching and supervision, with experience working with secondary students in a school setting
Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies
- ● Ability to promote and follow district policies and building and department procedures.
- ● Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- ● Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
- ● Advanced oral and written communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills.
- ● Expertise in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and group facilitation.
- ● Strong management, decision-making, and organizational capabilities.
- ● Demonstrated ability to work inclusively with students of various backgrounds and abilities.
- ● Proven ability to interact and negotiate effectively with private business organizations and agencies.
- ● Comprehensive knowledge of Colorado Department of Education rules and regulations for occupational and vocational education.
- ● Operational proficiency with personal computers and district software applications.
Certificates, Licenses & Registrations
- ● Valid Colorado Principal's License and CTE Director's License required (must be able to apply within 90 Days of employment).
- ● Criminal background check and fingerprinting required for hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, licenses, certifications, endorsements, designations, and other qualifications relevant to the position that are strongly preferred but not required at hire.
Supervision/Technical Responsibility
● Directly supervise employees. Direct reports include: Instructors, clerks, paraeducators, IT staff, TOSAs, Instructional Coaches, Administrative personnel, teachers of record, Career Advisors, Job Placement Coordinators, Clinical Instructors, Adjunct Instructors, Baristas, Social Workers, School Nurses, Campus Monitors, and SPED staff. Direct hiring, supervision, and evaluation of staff while managing human resources, staffing decisions, and performance appraisals.
Budget and Resource Responsibility
● Responsible for developing, administering, and monitoring department budget(s): Collaborate with the budget department to manage the overall school budget, including balancing and tracking revenue streams from grants, tuition, and operational expenses. Oversee program budgets to ensure funds are spent accurately, adhered to, and maintain compliance. Perform managerial responsibilities related to staffing, scheduling, budget, technology, and facilities.
Physical Demands, Mental Demands, and Work Environment
The demands described below are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
● Regularly: Stand, walk, sit, talk or hear, and utilize close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
● Frequently: Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
● Occasionally: Reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, taste or smell, and lift and/or move over 100 pounds.
Work Environment
● Frequently: Exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and outdoor weather conditions.
● Occasionally: Exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and risk of electrical shock.
● Noise Level: Moderate.
Mental Functions
● Regularly: Compare, analyze, communicate, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.
Our Priorities
Aurora Public Schools (APS) fosters a respectful, inclusive workplace where every employee is valued and empowered to advance our vision—Every Student Shapes a Successful Future—and our mission to accelerate learning for all students. In partnership with our community, we recruit, hire, and retain a diverse, highly qualified workforce, believing representation reflective of our communities best prepares students for a pluralistic society. APS is an equal opportunity employer: we provide employment opportunities in all phases of the process without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, pregnancy or related conditions, creed, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Pay: $121,000.00 - $164,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
