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Los Alamos Public Schools is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to provide district-level leadership for all CTE programming in grades 7–12. This position establishes a single point of leadership for CTE program quality, state and federal grant administration, industry and postsecondary partnerships, dual credit, and the 7–12 career pathway continuum.
The Director coordinates resources so that CTE teachers can lead students enrolled in CTE programs receive education and training of sufficient excellence to enter the workforce, an apprenticeship, the military, or postsecondary training with well-developed technical and employability skills. The Director serves as the primary administrator for Perkins V and NM Next Gen CTE funding, leads district-wide efforts to improve secondary CTE pathways, programming and instruction, and cultivates partnerships with local and regional employers that expand internships, dual credit, and work-based learning for LAPS students.
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Reports to: Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.
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Supervision exercised: Contributes to the evaluations site CTE staff. Provides program direction and instructional support to CTE teachers at each school site; site principals retain supervisory and evaluative authority over building staff.
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Works closely with: Site principals, secondary counselors, the district business office, and district assessment and data staff.
The following describes the general nature of the work performed. Other duties may be assigned.
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Coordinate the development of a comprehensive, modern program of Career and Technical Education for grades 7–12 that meets NMPED standards and reflects New Mexico's economic priority sectors.
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Direct the design, approval, sequencing, and continuous improvement of Programs of Study, ensuring each pathway progresses from career exploration through advanced coursework, industry credentials, and postsecondary credit.
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Implement CTE state standards to ensure a guaranteed and viable curriculum across all pathways.
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Lead the district-wide effort to improve secondary CTE instruction and learning, in alignment with district and state instructional priorities.
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Align 7th- and 8th-grade career exploration courses with high school pathways, working directly with middle school administration and staff to build district-wide CTE awareness.
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Co-chair the CTE instructional materials review and adoption process using established district procedures.
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Make recommendations for long-term adjustments, additions, and deletions to CTE program offerings to meet changing labor market trends and student interest.
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Monitor and analyze regional and state labor market data as it relates to LAPS CTE pathways and local job opportunities for graduates.
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Support the effective use of instructional technology within CTE, coordinating with district technology staff.
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Ensure CTE instructional facilities, labs, shops, equipment, and supplies meet program, safety, and industry standards on and off district campuses; plan for equipment replacement and capital needs.
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Serve as the primary administrator for Perkins V, NM Next Gen CTE, and other state, federal, legislative, and corporate CTE funding sources, ensuring meticulous documentation and compliance.
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Lead the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) and associated stakeholder engagement required under Perkins V, and prepare all applications, budgets, amendments, narrative reports, and reimbursement requests.
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Develop and administer CTE budgets across multiple restricted funding sources in compliance with state and federal law; monitor expenditures and maintain audit-ready records.
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Write and manage local, state, federal, and private grant proposals to expand CTE programming.
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Develop and maintain systems to monitor grant expenditure compliance and communicate application and award status to district leadership.
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Oversee the purchasing of equipment and supplies as prescribed by funding sources, following district procurement guidelines, and work with district inventory control to track grant-purchased assets.
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Attend statewide Perkins and NMPED planning meetings and maintain current knowledge of rules and regulations affecting Career and Technical Education.
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Coordinate the collection, review, and timely submission of all CTE forms and reports required by NMPED and federal agencies.
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Track and report CTE performance indicators, including participant and concentrator counts, industry certifications earned, work-based learning participation, and postsecondary placement.
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Coordinate CTE enrollment reporting and ensure accurate CTE course coding, credential, and completer data in state reporting systems.
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Coordinate and administer CTE technical skills assessments and industry certification testing, and report results.
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Collaborate with district assessment and data staff to analyze CTE data and use it to drive program improvement decisions.
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Annually evaluate CTE program progress against NMPED program standards and develop program improvement plans where indicated.
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Report the results of CTE initiatives to district leadership and the Board of Education.
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Cultivate and sustain relationships with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), UNM–Los Alamos, and local businesses to create internships, dual-credit opportunities, and advisory boards.
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Convene and facilitate a district CTE Advisory Council and pathway-level advisory committees on a regular schedule, ensuring active employer voice in program design.
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Coordinate and oversee dual credit and concurrent enrollment for LAPS, including agreements and memoranda of understanding with UNM–Los Alamos and other institutions of higher education.
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Support the operational side of dual credit: promotion, course selection, registration, textbook coordination, placement, and ongoing follow-up with enrolled students, in collaboration with secondary counselors.
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Build and manage a district work-based learning system, including job shadowing, internships, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities, senior capstone experiences, employability skills instruction, and associated agreements, safety, transportation, and liability requirements.
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Oversee Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), ensuring they are properly organized and actively engaged in authorized activities; support advisors with competitions, conferences, and student travel.
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Coordinate career fairs, postsecondary recruitment events, guest speakers, and industry classroom presentations for CTE students.
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Interpret and market CTE programs to students, families, and the community, and inform all stakeholders about the CTE pathways available across the district.
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Coordinate professional learning that supports effective implementation of CTE, and serve as a catalyst to acquaint CTE staff with current research and promising practices.
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Conduct informal observations of CTE teachers, provide formative feedback and instructional coaching, and make recommendations to site principals regarding areas for growth.
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Serve as a resource in the recruitment, screening, alternative licensure, mentoring, and retention of CTE teachers, including industry professionals entering the classroom.
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Coordinate and lead regular CTE staff meetings and communicate CTE initiatives to building administration.
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Maintain membership and active participation in professional organizations devoted to the advancement of CTE.
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Serve as a member of the district leadership team and advise the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent on CTE strategy, staffing, and facilities.
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Partner with principals and counselors on master scheduling, course offerings, Next Step Plans, and graduation requirement pathways so that CTE options are accessible and well understood by students and families.
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Provide coordination of CTE career counseling in partnership with school counseling staff.
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Ensure equitable access to and success in CTE programs for all students, including students with disabilities, English learners, students from economically disadvantaged families, and students preparing for nontraditional fields.
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Work with NMPED, the regional CTE consortium, workforce development boards, and state legislative committees to support CTE programming and funding.
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Assist the Superintendent in promoting Career and Technical Education throughout the district and community.
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Comply with the state-approved New Mexico Administrative Code of Ethical Responsibility of the Education Profession and District employee standards of conduct, and uphold Board policy and local, state, and federal regulations.
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Maintain records and required information in a secure location; maintain confidentiality of all student and personnel information.
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Other duties as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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New Mexico Administrative License (Level 3-B Instructional Leader), or the ability to obtain licensure upon appointment, is required.
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Current New Mexico Level 3-A Teaching License preferred.
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Valid driver’s license and ability to travel among district sites, industry partner sites, and state meetings using own transportation.
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Successful completion of background check and fingerprinting as required by the State of New Mexico.
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Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Career and Technical Education, or a related field.
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Minimum of 5 years of successful school teaching experience (CTE setting preferred).
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Minimum of 3 years of school or district leadership experience; secondary Principal or Assistant Principal experience preferred.
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Experience administering federal or state education grants, preferably Perkins V or NM Next Gen CTE, strongly preferred.
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Demonstrated experience building partnerships with employers, postsecondary institutions, or workforce agencies preferred.
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CTSO advising experience preferred.
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Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.
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Ability to communicate clearly in oral and written form.
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Ability to read, analyze, and interpret educational research, grant regulations, financial reports, and legal documents.
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Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from the community, regulatory agencies, or staff.
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Outstanding presentation and facilitation skills, including the ability to present to the Board of Education, advisory boards, industry partners, and community groups.
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Ability to calculate and chart education data, figures, amounts, and budget estimates.
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Knowledge and experience analyzing budgets and expenditures, including multiple restricted funding sources.
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Ability to analyze program performance and labor market data and use it to drive program improvement decisions.
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Thorough knowledge of Career Clusters and Pathways and demonstrated experience implementing CTE programs.
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Working knowledge of Perkins V accountability requirements, industry-recognized credentialing, and CTSOs.
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Strong understanding of New Mexico educational standards, policies, and initiatives, including graduation requirements and dual credit.
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Demonstrated ability to design, plan, and implement effective professional development.
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Understanding and use of continuous improvement processes and large-scale project planning and execution.
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Thorough knowledge of the purposes and functions of Professional Learning Communities.
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Excellent change management skills and the ability to lead through influence across multiple schools without direct supervisory authority over site staff.
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Effective problem-solving, organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
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Strong computer and educational technology skills.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, staff, families, industry partners, and the community.
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Ability to apply knowledge from secondary Special Education settings to meet students' unique needs in CTE coursework and work-based learning placements.
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Knowledge of site-based decision-making and collective bargaining.
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Ability to perform duties in compliance with District, State, and Federal requirements and Board policies.
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Commitment to an inclusive environment, with an understanding of Northern New Mexico's cultural context.
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Standard office equipment, computers, and educational technology.
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Familiarity with equipment and machinery commonly found in CTE labs and shops sufficient to evaluate program safety and equipment needs.
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District-owned vehicles, if assigned.
This position requires: the ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, occasionally carry (up to 50 pounds), push, and pull. In this position, there is a mix of standing, prolonged sitting, and walking. Requires ability to perceive sound correctly, and ability to tolerate moderate to high levels of noise. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The work environment characteristics described here represent what an employee encounters while performing essential job functions. This position is typically performed indoors in a district office and school setting, with regular travel to school sites, CTE labs and shops, and industry partner worksites. Some evening and occasional weekend work is required for advisory board meetings, CTSO events, and community engagement. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required. This position works in close proximity with adults and students, and requires the ability to work under deadline and reporting pressure.
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Pay: administrative salary schedule based on experience and education.
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Schedule: 207 days per year, with 10 additional days available.
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Status: EXEMPT, Certified.
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Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually by the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in accordance with District policy and applicable state requirements.
