Director of Virtual Services

Job Description

Job Description : n nDescription : About Zero Dropouts : Zero Dropouts LLC is a leading organization dedicated to tackling the issue of high school dropout, graduation, and postsecondary success rates.

Our mission is to provide innovative solutions and support systems that empower students to stay engaged in their education and graduate successfully.

We work closely with schools, educators, community organizations, and policymakers to create sustainable strategies for improving outcomes and ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Zero Dropouts takes an innovative, non-traditional approach to learning and development of young adults grounded in the belief that all students can be successful in education and life.

We are an educational social enterprise that partners WITH youth and communities in pursuit of equitable opportunities for all.

We distinguish ourselves by being data and research oriented, goal focused, relationship based, and willing to dive into difficult areas to achieve exemplary results and redefine success.

Position Overview : Zero Dropouts is seeking a visionary and dynamic Director of Virtual Services to lead our efforts in developing and implementing virtual educational initiatives.

As the Director of Virtual Services, you will be responsible for designing and implementing engaging and impactful virtual learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of our communities.

In addition to collaborating with internal teams, educators, and partners to leverage cutting-edge tools and platforms to deliver high-quality educational content, you will also oversee the development of strategic partnerships.

These partnerships will be essential in expanding our reach, accessing additional resources, and fostering innovative approaches to virtual education.

Our inaugural virtual program, Next GED Plus Online, is a leading online education platform committed to providing accessible and high-quality General Educational Development (GED) preparation courses and academic interventions.

This statewide program is specifically designed to serve highly mobile youth and communities throughout Colorado. We prioritize interconnectedness, sustainability, and community engagement in all aspects of our program, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among our students and their communities.

With a strong focus on postsecondary and workforce readiness, our mission is to empower individuals to obtain their GED credential and unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

We offer comprehensive support services, innovative curriculum, and strategic partnerships to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in postsecondary education and the workforce.

The Director of Virtual Services will play a crucial role in developing and implementing innovative strategies to ensure the success and scalability of Next GED Plus Online, overseeing all aspects of program operations, including Drop-In Centers, curriculum, assessment, student support services, partnership communications, compliance with funding requirements, and postsecondary and workforce readiness initiatives.

Additionally, the Director of Virtual Services will teach synchronous classes and oversee asynchronous learning platforms, ensuring the delivery of high-quality instruction to our diverse student population.

This is a hybrid position (anticipated at approximately 40% in-person / 60% remote) based in Denver, Colorado, and reports to the Managing Director of Learning, Development & Evaluation.

Key Areas of Responsibility : Leadership : Provide visionary leadership to drive the strategic direction and growth of the Next GED Plus Online Program, as well as future virtual programming initiativesHire, train and supervise a team of e-Teachers and Outreach & Engagement CoordinatorsFoster a culture of collaboration, interconnectedness, and continuous growth within the team through team meetings and use of virtual communication platformsMonitor and evaluate program outcomes in order to assess the program's effectiveness Actively participate in panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities to showcase the organization's expertise and advance its visibility within the education community and broader ecosystem of stakeholders Partnership Management : In collaboration with Extended Leadership teams,Oversee and pursue partnerships for services with schools, districts, judicial districts, workforce centers, McKinney-Vento liaisons, and community partners throughout ColoradoRegularly report to contracted partners, including student engagement, progress, and outcomeSeek out and foster partnerships with community organizations, institutions of higher education, and businesses to develop and implement initiatives that address the unique needs of highly mobile youth and communities, expand program reach and impact, leveraging resources, networks, and expertise to create sustainable support systems for students and the communityCommunicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders, including funders, partners, regulatory agencies, and the broader community, to share program updates, solicit feedback, and build support for program initiatives Administration : Oversee daily operations of virtual programming, including enrollments, scheduling, assessment, outreach, engagement, data collection, attendance reporting, and instructionEnsure compliance with the school year calendar and alternative instruction requirements mandated by state and district regulations to ensure that students meet requirements for full-time PPR fundingManage student enrollments, scheduling, and wait-list processes in accordance with partner agreements and with support from Outreach & Engagement CoordinatorsOversee auditing processes with school and district partners for October Count PPR funding, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.

Maintain strict adherence to data privacy regulations and standards to protect the confidentiality and security of student information.

Ensure that online learning platforms and instructional materials comply with accessibility standards to accommodate students with disabilitiesSupport qualifying students with applying for accommodations with GEDTS Collaborate with partner schools and districts to ensure compliance with state-mandated testing and assessment requirementsProcure necessary resources for programming operations;

submit expense reports in a timely manner in accordance with Zero Dropouts policiesOversee operations of drop-in centers Curriculum & Instruction : Collaborate with e-Teachers and other instructional staff in Zero Dropouts to develop engaging and effective learning experiences Ensure that learning experiences integrate real-world contexts, such as workplace scenarios, community issues, and current events, to enhance relevance and applicability for students in order to equip students with practical skills and knowledge that are directly transferable to their lives and future endeavorsOffer career exploration and planning activities that help students identify their interests, strengths, and career goals, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future paths Oversee the design and implementation of synchronous online courses, ensuring that instructional materials reflect a commitment to interconnectedness and community, and meet the diverse needs of our student populationActively teach synchronous classes as a model for e-Teachers Oversee the implementation of asynchronous learning platforms to facilitate personalized and data-driven instruction, ensuring that students are assigned lessons and activities based on their individual learning needs Integrate digital literacy skill development in order to ensure that students are adequately prepared for engagement in virtual learning experiences as well as postsecondary contexts Student Support Services : Oversee Outreach & Engagement strategy and implementationDevelop and implement strategies to support student success, including academic advising, tutoring, and access to wraparound resources, with a focus on promoting student engagement and retentionImplement initiatives to prepare students for postsecondary education and workforce success, including access to career counseling, job readiness training, and opportunities for further education and training Data Collection and Analysis : Monitor student progress through ongoing assessment and data collection, utilizing insights to inform programmatic adjustments and interventionsMaintain accurate records of student attendance, academic performance, and other relevant metrics to track program outcomes and measure the impact of educational initiativesSupport staff in collecting qualitative and quantitative data and information related to program outcomes for reporting purposes Professional Development : Support internal teams throughout Zero Dropouts to leverage virtual opportunities and ed tech for professional learning and collaborationEngage in ongoing professional development and coaching to maintain alignment with regenerative and living systems approaches, staying abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and innovative methodologies in the fieldCollaborate with ZD staff to develop professional development plans, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Stay abreast of evidence-based practices, research, and trends in GED preparation, online learning, and highly mobile youth initiatives to inform program enhancements Collaboration & Communication Meet regularly with the Extended Leadership team and relevant ZD staff to coordinate and align services and support each otherCoordinate enrollments in Next Online with Next brick-and-mortar sites whose students request a virtual optionUtilize all available communication platforms (Outlook, Teams, Trello, etc.

to engage with co-workers, students, and other stakeholders in a timely manner consistent with professional expectationsMeet regularly with teams to develop and maintain consistent practices across platforms, evaluate ed tech tools, analyze data, etc.

Provide insights and analysis on program impact and effectiveness to inform future funding opportunitiesParticipate in ZD meetings, team-building experiences, and professional development activities Develop district and community partnerships through participation in community events to support program improvements, student recruitment, postsecondary opportunities, extracurricular / enrichment experiences, service-learning projects, etc.

• Participate on Zero Dropouts Design Teams for product development, particularly as they pertain to expanding virtual programming and services Other duties as assignedRequirements : Required Qualifications : Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social work, human services, or a related fieldMinimum of 5 years of experience in education or program management Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholdersDemonstrated knowledge of curriculum development, instructional design principles, and online learning technologiesExperience with program evaluation and data analysis, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvementExperience working with trauma-impacted individuals or communities, with sensitivity to the unique needs and challenges they may faceKnowledge of trauma-informed and restorative approaches to communication, engagement, and support;
• ability to support people impacted by secondary traumaAbility to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentProficient computer skills in the Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications Knowledgeable and comfortable working with technology;

able to competently and persistently apply problem solving skills towards technology issues.Demonstrated appreciation of clear and appropriate boundaries with youth Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, effectively manage competing priorities, pivot and shift priorities as a result of emergent outcomes, and foster a culture of agility and resilience within the team.

Ability to embrace change and uncertainty, guiding the team in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities for growthExperience building and maintaining relationships and community in virtual environmentsCommitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a passion for improving education outcomes for underserved communities and advancing social justice within the broader context of interconnectedness and collective well-beingPassionate and committed belief that youth can rise above seemingly insurmountable obstacles and return to school, graduate, and enter into post-secondary education or the workforce Preferred Qualifications : Colorado Teaching License (7-12)Colorado Administrative licenseKnowledge of GED testing requirements and standards.

Knowledge of Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness programming, including transitions, scholarships, concurrent enrollment, career coaching, internships, apprenticeships, and job placement servicesBilingual - English and SpanishExperience working with highly mobile youth and communitiesExpertise in developing and implementing complex schedules Experience in leading and coaching a team of educators;

strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team to achieve program goals.Experience leading and managing a remote teamExperience managing a budgetExperience engaging families and communities in educational endeavors WORK SCHEDULE This is a full-time, year-round position that may require flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of of participants COMPENSATION This is an exempt position with a salary based upon qualifications, knowledge, and relevant experience with a range is $90,000-110,000 / year BENEFITS Company 401K plan with Employer Contribution Match, Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage, Paid Time Off (Sick Time, Holidays, Flexible Vacation), Not PERA eligible.

HOW TO APPLY Visit the following link, ZD Application Link. Along with your application, please submit your cover letter, resume, and three references.

For any inquiries or assistance, please contact us via email at [email protected]. Zero Dropouts is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.