CTE and Cisco Academy Director (2025-2026)

CTE and Cisco Academy Director

ABOUT ACHIEVERS:

Achievers Early College Prep Charter School (AECP) is New Jersey’s first public charter school for students in middle school and high school that provides them with the unique opportunity to pursue one of four STEAM pathways (Health Sciences, Digital Media, Audio Engineering and Cisco Computer Networking). Students can have access to a program that allows them to earn up to 60 college credits, NOCTI credentials and workplace training. AECP is determined to ensure that students can enhance their journey through high school and graduate with content mastery, skills, and experiences that are essential to the current marketplace and the world beyond. 

ACHIEVERS FIT:

• Demonstrates a passion for and commitment to Achievers Early College Prep's mission
• Thrives in a small-school environment (comfort with change and ambiguity, takes initiative)
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Experience in school(s) which rely heavily on intervention, literacy, and learning as a means to dramatically increasing student achievement develop content knowledge and skills (preferred)
• Exhibits a laser-focus on rigorous instruction by emphasizing student engagement with complex texts, critical thinking, and comprehensive literary analysis
• Strong skill in analyzing student work and student data, coupled with a deep commitment to data-driven decision making
• Unwavering commitment to feedback, improvement, and notion of “I’M ALL IN!”
• Belief in and alignment with Achievers core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable!
• Culturally aware, culturally sensitive, and asset-based thinking a MUST!

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The CTE and Cisco Academy Director's role will be key in establishing research and developing multiple technology certification programs that students can access at the AECP high school. As the Cisco Academy director, you will direct CCNA, CCNP, CCIE courses, support with internship and job placement, and on-time graduation.

The CTE and Cisco Academy Director works closely with the middle & high school Principals and reports to the School Leadership Team (as appropriate).

The successful candidate will understand technology and its fast-changing landscape and will be passionate about bridging the digital divide for Black and Brown students. This person will be a proven leader with a commitment to AECP’s mission and vision of providing an early college education composed of academic excellence, career readiness, and character. This individual will be an exceptional manager, motivating leader, and strong relationship builder with demonstrated success in a similarly situated school or organization.

The CTE and Cisco Academy Director will work with the school directors, middle and high school principals, teachers and instructors, students, parents, polytechnics and multiple agents in the tech space, corporate partners, professional organizations in the following specific areas:

Academy Program Design and Leadership

• Visit other early college high school focusing on technology programs to understand the sequencing and work with the principal to improve certifications and on-time graduation rates
• Develop a robust Networking Engineering Program accessible for High School Students
• Research other IT credentials such as Juniper Network credentials that can be offered at the school; research pricing, sign MOUs and work with school directors to ensure that the offerings and viable and can be covered at little or no cost to students
• Help to develop admissions criteria and process for academy programs, as an exemplars for what satisfactory progress looks like in all of the academy programs over a four year high school, including summer internships
• Help students and parents understand the tracks of study being offered within the academy.
• Work with High School and Middle School principals to prepare students with prerequisites needed for academy programs (block-based coding, intro to python, etc.)
• Develop partnerships with shared time programs, colleges and other resources. (Ensure complete structure is in place from start to finish from enrollment into the Pathways, Transportation, etc)

Student Preparation and Management

• Work with High School principals to establish clubs that promote interest in and readiness for academy programs
• Work with the High School Principal, Cisco, and other resources to put the scope and sequences for the various certification programs
• Help students choose their CCNP concentration
• Prepare students to pass the core exam & receive certification. 

Staffing and Corporate Partnerships

• Help interview staff to teach CCNA, CCNP and other certification courses (remotely and in-person)
• Work with business partners to secure internships, summer and post-graduation employment opportunities for students completing certification programs
• Develop a baseline pathway that most students in the academy will be able to obtain by graduation, i.e. a CCNA Certification
• Develop pathway for advanced students to get on the CCNP Track (Enterprise, Security, Data Center, Service Provider, Collaboration)
• In the summer, coordinate summer internships and maintain relationships with employers.
• Conduct professional development for staff. 
• Other duties as assigned by the principal, school leadership or Executive Director

Qualifications:The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with an ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities effectively; ability to work independently and lead projects from start to finish.
• Exceptional communication skills with an ability to motivate staff, parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders;
• Experience forming, cultivating, and expanding partnerships with key constituents in the public and private sectors, such as foundations, individuals, and government agencies;
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws applying to public charter school
• An unwavering dedication to establishing and maintaining positive, respectful relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members;
• A Master's degree or other advanced professional degree strongly preferred
• At least 5 years of professional experience, preferably within the K-12 education sector or Post Secondary Education space
• A valid administrative or educational credential or license
• CTE certification
• Excellent organization, time management, and follow-through; a high sense of urgency.
• Outstanding problem-solving and critical thinking skills and desire to use data to drive decision-making.
• Ability to learn quickly, seek and incorporate feedback in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills particularly when communicating with senior leaders.
• Ability to learn existing systems quickly and demonstrate independent strategic thinking to improve systems as needed.
• Willingness to provide coverage and support as needed.
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others; strong interpersonal skills with students, parents, colleagues and community members.
• Ability to maintain a calm, solutions-oriented perspective in the face of competing demands and external pressures.
• Previous experience within a charter school environment is highly desirable.

Preferred Skills 

• Experience with Technology Systems
• Google Apps for Education Platforms
• Proficiency using computers, printers, copy machines, and fax machines
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written skills
• Ability to travel (for development opportunities) 

Physical Requirements 

• • Required to work from school everyday- setting up spaces
  • Set up for events in schools/other locations 

Compensation and Benefits: 

Achievers offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. This is a 12-month position which is exempt and therefore not eligible for overtime pay under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards. Achievers is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions will be made solely on the basis of the individual's qualifications as related to the requirement of the position being filled.