26-27 Director of Postsecondary Success at Carmen Schools of Science and Technology

About Carmen

Carmen Schools of Science & Technology is a network of high-performing charter schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serving students in grades 6–12. We believe all students can succeed in college, build meaningful careers, contribute to their communities, and lead fulfilling family lives. We focus on academic excellence, community engagement, and student leadership, with a commitment to equity at the core of our mission.

Positioin Summary

Carmen seeks a proven leader to serve as the Director of Postsecondary Success, a mission critical role for helping prepare students for post-secondary education and workforce readiness, access, and success. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of college and workforce readiness and experience in collaborative program development and continuous improvement. This leader is a strategist and a coach who can build trusting relationships with our postsecondary success team and instructional leadership and establish strong partnerships with local and national colleges as well as college and career readiness organizations. This position is a full-time year-round role reporting to the Principal, leads a mid-sized team of post-secondary and alumni coordinators, and serves on the Southgate campus Leadership Team. In addition, the Director is responsible for working in partnership with the Chief College and Career Officer (CCCO) on strategic planning, professional development, and aligning and supporting the Postsecondary Success team across the network.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years experience working with high school students with demonstrated success helping students develop critical college readiness skills and mindsets
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year university required. Graduate degree in school counseling, higher education administration, or educational leadership preferred
• Experience with charter schools and/or with students in low-income environments preferred
• Belief and commitment to our mission and demonstrating a growth mindset that all students are capable of getting to and through college
• Strong analytical, organizational, and writing skills with well developed listening and collaboration skills and the ability to facilitate various size working groups
• Strong focus on results as well as the flexibility and willingness to do “whatever it takes”for every Carmen student to be college ready and successful in postsecondary life.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously and a strong ability to prioritize effectively and manage time well to accomplish goals and drive change
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing a high performing team required
• Spanish proficiency preferred
  
  

Essential Duties & Repsonsibilities

Staff Leadership and Supervision

• Lead, manage, develop, and evaluate the Southgate Postsecondary Success team. Provide direct supervision and coaching including regular check-ins, observations, and team meetings in alignment with team, school, and network goals and priorities
• Serve on the School Leadership Team, supporting school and network goals, including fostering a strong college readiness culture
• Plan, coordinate, and support team professional development at school-based and network PD Days as well as individual opportunities for growth and development
  
  

Partnership Building

• Develop and/or expand and maintain partnerships with organizations that can help prepare students for success in high school as well as college and careers, including enrichment and summer opportunities
• Cultivate, maintain, and leverage new or existing college or university partners to promote and ensure college access, success, persistence, and completion
• Regularly collaborate with the CCCO and the Director of Career Partnerships and Programs to align on college and career readiness initiatives
  
  

Internal Collaboration and Leadership

• In partnership with the CCCO, support Carmen’s strategic plan with a focus on career readiness
• Collaborate with the Director of Post-Secondary Success to support the Post-Secondary Coordinators in their respective roles and responsibilities
• Directly manage the Assistant Director of Career Readiness
• Plan, develop, and deliver career readiness PD for the Postsecondary Success Team in general, and specifically at network Data Days. Seek out a variety of PD opportunities related to career readiness for all team members
  
  

Program Development and Management

• Develop and implement effective reporting to track all programs and outcomes, including financial reporting for career readiness programming
• In collaboration with the CCCO, establish yearly priorities and goals for the Postsecondary Success team
• In collaboration with the CCCO, plan and develop 11th and 12th grade Seminar curriculum and provide input into 9th and 10th grade Seminar curriculum
• Provide ongoing content and technical assistance for more complicated aspects of college and career readiness
• Plan, develop, and oversee campus and district events such as parent nights, career fairs, college visits, and Senior Signing Day, etc.
• Align with the CCCO on college and career readiness initiatives
  
  

Data Review and Evaluation

• Lead the review and analysis of team data including student and alumni data, ensuring continuous improvement and rigorous progress monitoring against critical milestones, performance goals, and outcomes
• Help review, update, and maintain team resources, including dashboards, databases, and playbook
  
  

Culture and Mission Alignment

• In collaboration with the School Leadership Team, execute all school duties and responsibilities in alignment with the Carmen mission, vision, and goals
• Model and cultivate Carmen’s values of empathy, belief, and growth in every interaction
• Foster a reflective, feedback-driven staff culture grounded in equity, excellence, and belonging
• Build trusting relationships with students, families, and staff
• Engage in difficult conversation and hold adults and students accountable to values-aligned behaviors, norms, and expectations
• Follow through on commitments and focus on results
• Participate in other school-related activities and duties, as needed
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

Carmen Schools of Science and Technology provides salaries commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and worksite benefits, free life insurance, free employee assistance program (EAP), free short-term disability insurance, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, and generous paid time off.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Carmen complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, gender, disability, genetic information, marital status, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, lay-off, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Carmen expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Any actions or behaviors that create an uncomfortable work environment and prohibit an employee to perform their expected duties will not be tolerated.