JOB
This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied. The first review of applications is expected to occur on 04/08/2024 and will be ongoing. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council? At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school. To achieve our mission, we: Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment. https://wsac.wa.gov/strategic-action-planAdminister programs that help people access and pay for college.Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.Learn more about the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council and our equity statement at www.wsac.wa.gov.At WSAC Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs.If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities—including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system; people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay or bisexual; veterans; and people with disabilities—you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don’t meet all the desired/preferred qualifications listed.Learn more about WSAC’s mission and our commitment to equity. Our Commitment to EquityAbout Career Connect WashingtonCareer Connect Washington (CCW) is a public-private coalition of industry, labor, education, government, and community leaders who create and expand access to work-based education programs for young people to earn money and academic credit. At the same time, they explore, prepare for, and launch into careers. We believe all students in Washington deserve a future of purpose and prosperity—and the support necessary to achieve it. That is why we build opportunities that launch every Washington student into post-secondary pathways and careers in Washington’s high-growth sectors and occupations. By weaving real-world work experiences into education, every student is supported by a comprehensive system of career-connected learning. Washington is a state where every student can work and thrive.As part of WSAC’s commitment to improving educational outcomes for Washington students, the agency is taking on an increasing leadership role to support the statewide Career Connect Washington (CCW) initiative. Within CCW, WSAC is critical as the coordinating hub for state government. This includes but is not limited to leading the CCW cross-agency workgroup (RCW 28C.30.030) to coordinate statewide implementation efforts, as well as preparing regular performance updates for and making recommendations to the Workforce Education Investment and Oversight (WEIA) board (RCW 28B.77.310). Working ConditionsThis is a full-time, exempt position, eligible for benefits, leave, and retirement. Work is hybrid, with most of the work currently done from home. You will be expected to travel throughout the state for select meetings/engagements as needed. This position will also have opportunities for occasional travel outside of the state for national convenings and community of practice events. WSAC will provide equipment and supplies required to work from home, including a computer, monitors, keyboard, mouse, and office chair. About the PositionThe Associate Director will be critical in supporting CCW, which is comprised of state agency, non-profit, and private industry leaders. This position's responsibilities will include building and strengthening relationships with state agencies, industry, labor, education, and non-profit partners, facilitating meetings of high-level agency and cross-sector leaders, and managing the CCW initiative budget. The Associate Director will report to and closely collaborate with the Director of CCW at WSAC.The successful candidate will have project management, budget management, and forecasting skills in a collaborative working environment. You may come from a business background with a systems outlook and excellent interpersonal skills, or your background could be in the workforce, education, or a combination of these.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
CCW system partnerships and career-connected learningDevelop a broad understanding of CCW and build relationships with stakeholders. Key stakeholders include but are not limited to: State agency partners (especially the Employment Security Department, the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Labor and Industries, and the Department of Commerce)Education leaders (including senior leaders within 2- and 4-year postsecondary institutions, the Council of Presidents, and the Independent Colleges of Washington)Non-profit and community-based organizationsEmployers and industry leadersOrganized laborCCW Sector LeadersCCW Regional NetworksProgram builders (i.e., Career Launch, Registered Apprenticeship, Career Prep, and Career Explore programs leads).Enhance existing understanding of and / or develop new expertise in work-based learning, demand-driven job training, industry sector workforce partnerships, and other strategies to support reaching Washington’s career-connected learning and state credential goals. This includes developing an understanding of best practices and innovations in different states and countriesCollaborate with CCW stakeholders to ensure system improvement and implementation strategies are intentionally focused on students furthest from opportunity – in particular, students of color, Indigenous students, low-income students, rural students, and students with disabilities Career Connected Learning growthWith the Director and in support of the CCW Leadership Team, develop strategies and provide targeted technical assistance to grow career-connected learning programs and enrollment within postsecondary institutions (including Registered Apprenticeship programs and programs within K-12, 2-year, and 4-year institutions) CCW cross-agency workgroupWith the Director and in support of the CCW Leadership Team, lead regular cross-agency workgroup meetings (see RCW 28C.30.030), including the development of meeting agendas, preparing meeting materials, recruiting and preparing speakers from within state agencies and across CCW’s statewide coalition, leading meeting facilitation, recording critical decisions and conversations, and project managing any necessary next stepsWith the Director, lead coordination and alignment of roles, annual goals, and plans across each cross-agency workgroup member (see RCW 28C.30.030)Collaborate with the WSAC Research division to analyze and communicate CCW program, enrollment, and outcome data. Support continuous improvement efforts of CCW’s data collection, reporting, and communications in collaboration with the CCW Leadership TeamCo-lead with CCW implementation partner the development of the annual CCW report to the Governor and LegislaturePolicy and budget leadershipWith the Director, and in support of the CCW Leadership Team and cross-agency workgroup, support the identification and development of policy, budget, and implementation priorities based on stakeholder feedback from across the CCW coalitionServe as team lead for the CCW budget. This includes partnering with the Director and CCW leadership team to develop legislative proposals and decision packages. This also includes close partnership with WSAC department leaders, ESD for the Career Connected Learning Grant Program (see RCW 28C.30.050), and SBCTC and OSPI for Career Launch enrollment fundingLead development of budget analyses and relevant materials to brief members of the Workforce Education and Investment Act (WEIA) board on CCW budget and policy needs and integrate into WSAC and WEIA legislative prioritiesWith the Director and in alignment with the CCW Leadership Team, serve as a resource to respond to information requests from legislative members and staff, the Governor’s Office, and OFM regarding budget needsUpdate CCW stakeholders on policy and budget proposals during and after the legislative sessionTrack annual CCW appropriations and spend across state agencies Public 4-year Career Launch enrollmentLead administration and continuous improvement of Career Launch enrollment funding for public 4-year institutions, including analyses of current spending and developing forecasts for future demandBuild awareness among public 4-year institutions of program grant and enrollment funding opportunities and solicit feedback on improvement areas
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Application ProceduresTo be considered for this position, you must possess the required qualifications listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov which must include the following: Letter of Application. A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may eliminate the application from further consideration.Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.References. Provide a list of the names, titles, emails, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.Please Note: A background check, including criminal record history, will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. QUESTIONS?For questions about this recruitment, contact Karen Moton-Tate at Karenm@wsac.wa.gov. EEO Statement The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email HumanResources@wsac.wa.gov