Director of Career and Technical Education (2025-2026 School Year)

The Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Aspire Trade High School (ATHS) plays a critical leadership role in developing, managing, and improving high-quality CTE programs that prepare students for post-secondary success in skilled trades and workforce pathways. Reporting directly to the Principal, the Director of CTE will collaborate with administrative staff, industry partners, instructors, students, and families to ensure alignment between ATHS’s mission and evolving workforce needs.

This position requires extensive experience in CTE leadership, industry-aligned curriculum design, teacher development, and state/federal CTE compliance. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in instructional leadership, NCCER standards, credentialing pathways, and community partnership building to support student success in career readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of all CTE programs, ensuring alignment with local, state (NC CTE), and federal (Perkins V) guidelines.
• Ensure all CTE offerings meet or exceed industry and credentialing standards, particularly NCCER, OSHA, and other relevant trade certifications.
• Collaborate with school leadership to integrate CTE instruction with core academics to promote a seamless and supportive learning environment.
• Maintain compliance with NC DPI and state/federal CTE reporting, including student credential tracking, course rosters, program monitoring, and workforce development initiatives.
• Supervise CTE instructors, providing instructional coaching, formal evaluation, and ongoing professional development tailored to the unique needs of trade and technical educators.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with business and industry partners to enhance internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and employment opportunities for students.
• Collaborate with the Principal on staffing, resource allocation, curriculum acquisition, equipment procurement, and facilities planning related to CTE instruction.
• Lead the collection and analysis of CTE data to inform program improvement, student success, and long-range planning.
• Represent the school in local, regional, and state-level CTE planning meetings, workforce boards, and community events.
• Assist in recruiting and retaining high-quality CTE instructors through partnerships with industry professionals and educator prep programs.
• Support marketing and outreach efforts to promote CTE pathways, including student recruitment events, parent information sessions, and community showcases such as Trade Days.
• Ensure all students in CTE programs receive equitable access to opportunities and support services.
• Support student transitions to post-secondary programs, military service, apprenticeships, and employment aligned with CTE pathways.
• Contribute to schoolwide leadership and planning activities as a member of the administrative team.

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for all CTE-related matters.
• Monitor and support the school’s use of CTE-specific funding, including Perkins and other grants.
• Oversee and support the maintenance, safety, and compliance of all trade labs and instructional environments.
• Maintain and manage industry certifications, curriculum licenses, and related instructional materials.

Requirements

• Five years of experience in CTE program leadership or administration (school or district level).
• Master’s degree in Career and Technical Education, School Administration, or a related field.
• Valid NC CTE license or eligibility for one; experience with NCCER certification and credentialing preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing CTE programming in a secondary school setting.
• Strong understanding of industry and workforce development trends.
• Proven ability to build partnerships with local businesses, community colleges, and workforce boards.
• High-level communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• A passion for hands-on, trade-based learning and the mission of preparing students for meaningful careers.
• Experience in a charter or nontraditional school setting is preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Huntersville, NC 28078 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Huntersville, NC 28078: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person