Description

The Ephrata School District is seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking leader to serve as the Director of Career & Technical
Education (CTE). This position provides leadership for CTE programs at both Ephrata Middle School and Ephrata High School,
ensuring students have access to high-quality, relevant, and engaging career-connected learning experiences.

The Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving CTE programs that prepare students for
graduation, postsecondary success, and entry into high-demand careers. This role requires close collaboration with middle school and high school administrators, teachers, and staff to ensure alignment, coherence, and strong program outcomes across the system. The ideal candidate is an innovative and organized leader who values relationships, communicates effectively, and balances program development with strong compliance and accountability systems.

In the Ephrata School District, we believe that students are extraordinary. Education is about KIDS and their LEARNING, and we are committed to ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and has a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

Responsibilities: (The responsibilities are representative, not exhaustive, and may be modified.)

Program Leadership & Development:

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of district CTE programs aligned to high-demand career pathways; implement program changes in coordination with building principals to ensure alignment with master scheduling, staffing, and school-level priorities.
• Oversee alignment of CTE programs across middle and high school; collaborate with building principals to ensure program implementation reflects site-specific scheduling, staffing, and student access considerations.
• Facilitate expansion of dual credit, industry-recognized credentials, and work-based learning opportunities; coordinate
  implementation with building administration to ensure feasibility within existing systems and resources.
• Promote equitable access and participation for all students.
• Support coherent implementation of district initiatives by aligning work with site-based school improvement priorities and systems.
• Coordinate programmatic decisions impacting staffing, scheduling, student access, or building operations with building principals prior to implementation.

Instructional Leadership & Staff Support:

• Support building administrators in strengthening CTE instruction; provide coaching, resources, and program guidance while formal supervision and evaluation of staff remains the responsibility of the building principal or designee.
• Support CTE staff to ensure alignment with district and state frameworks.
• Coordinate and facilitate professional development for CTE staff in alignment with district priorities and in collaboration with building principals to ensure coherence with school-wide instructional focus.
• Foster collaboration between middle school and high school CTE staff.

Compliance & Program Accountability:

• Lead and oversee compliance with all state and federal CTE requirements, including program approval, reporting, and monitoring, while coordinating with building administrators on site-level implementation.
• Lead the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) process and use data to guide decision-making.
• Monitor program performance, including enrollment, completion, credential attainment, and postsecondary outcomes.
• Collaborate with building administrators to align CTE programs with graduation requirements and High School and Beyond Plan expectations, ensuring integration with master scheduling and student planning systems.

Fiscal & Resource Management:

• Lead development and management of CTE budgets, including federal, state, and local funds, in coordination with building principals to ensure alignment with site-based program needs and priorities.
• Oversee grant development, implementation, and reporting.
• Oversee allocation and use of CTE resources, including equipment and facilities, in collaboration with building leadership to align with instructional programming and operational constraints.

Partnerships & Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain partnerships with local industry, workforce agencies, and postsecondary institutions; coordinate opportunities with building leadership to ensure alignment with student access and program capacity.
• Support advisory committees to ensure programs remain relevant and responsive to workforce needs.
• Expand opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning experiences.

Student Leadership & Engagement:

• Support Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) as an integral part of CTE programs.
• Promote student leadership, skill development, and career readiness.
• Ensure student voice and engagement are reflected in program development and improvement.

Operational Leadership:

• Work collaboratively with district and building administrators, using established leadership structures, to ensure aligned
  communication, decision-making, and implementation of CTE initiatives.
• Coordinate CTE program needs with building principals to inform master scheduling, staffing, and course offerings; final decisions regarding building-level scheduling and staffing remain the responsibility of the building principal.
• Maintain clear systems for organization and program oversight; ensure communication with staff related to programming,
  initiatives, or expectations is done in coordination with building administration.

Desired Leadership Characteristics:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Sound judgment and effective decision-making
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships
• Professionalism and integrity in all interactions
• Reflective and growth-oriented mindset
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and responsibilities
• Commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement
• Ability to follow through on commitments and problem-solve effectively

Requirements

• Valid Washington State Administrator Certificate
  Valid Washington State CTE Director Certificate or willingness to obtain
  Minimum of five (5) years of teaching experience (CTE experience preferred)
  Experience as an administrator preferred
  Experience as a CTE Director, coordinator, or program leader preferred
  Experience with grant writing and management systems (e.g., EGMS, EDS)
  Experience managing state or federal grants (Perkins preferred)