Director - Tech Launchpad FT (Grant Funded)

DIRECTOR - TECH LAUNCH PAD FT (GRANT FUNDED)
KENNEDY-KING COLLEGE

City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), the largest community college system in Illinois, is made up of seven colleges and five satellite sites, providing more than 70,000 students each year access to a quality, affordable education.

Kennedy-King College (KKC) has launched an equity-focused technology initiative titled the Tech Launchpad. The Tech Launchpad initiative seeks to address equity gaps in the technology sector, by providing under-served students with access to high-quality academic and training experiences in new and emerging technology fields including Cloud Computing, Coding, Cybersecurity, Game Design, Networking and Infrastructure, and Productivity, and Web Development among other areas. The Tech Launchpad invests in wraparound support, work-based learning, and industry mentorship experiences that ensure students have a competitive edge in this evolving global industry.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, the Director - Tech Launchpad is responsible for the management of the equity-focused Tech Launchpad initiative, developing and implementing strategies that place a new academic, equity and workforce readiness focus on technology academic and career pathways through the college’s degree, certificate, and continuing education programs.

The Director - Tech Launchpad manages grant funds awarded to the Tech Launchpad initiative, directs project staff, and works with industry partners and key stakeholders within a framework that addresses the central issues of access and equity for under-represented populations in the IT sector. The Director - Tech Launchpad also partners with the CCC District Leadership team in Economic and Workforce Solutions, Academic Programs, and Continuing Education, to effectively roll out academic programs and sector-based initiatives. The Director - Tech Launchpad performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Accountable for delivering programs and outcomes that meet identified goals and objectives:
• Equity – Reduce the digital divide and address equity gaps currently reflected in underserved communities as well as the information technology industry.
• Access – Develop a skilled workforce to meet industry demand by providing relevant and exceptional academic experiences to students.
• Collaboration – Establish and cultivate meaningful partnerships with industry, academic, and community stakeholders.
• Innovation – Research emerging information technology industries to develop relevant curricular and training opportunities for students.
• Excellence – Become a choice provider of information technology academic offerings and training.
• Responsible for overall management of Tech Launchpad strategy including continued rollout of priority pillars – Training academies, Bootcamps, and Academic programs.
• Manages signature employer partners and Tech Launchpad Industry Advisory Council ensuring programs remain on the cutting edge of technology training, with an emphasis on access and success for diverse students.
• Works collaboratively with college administrators and faculty in strengthening existing and developing new academic programs for students pursuing degree, credit, or continuing education courses in information technology (IT).
• Assists college administrators in implementing business processes and procedures for the effective administration of the Tech Launchpad initiative.
• Works closely with college and district level admissions and recruitment staff, participating in outreach events and providing support to promote Tech Launchpad and recruit students from targeted populations.
• Monitors the academic progress of Tech Launchpad students, working with appropriate college staff to connect students with needed support services and other campus resources to ensure retention and successful completion.
• Develops and implements strategic plans and directs staff implementing grant funded projects associated with the Tech Launchpad initiative.
• Manages work operations, ensuring grant deliverables and outcomes are met, work is completed within budget, and in compliance with grant requirements and CCC’s policies.
• Prepares progress reports providing data and analysis relating to Tech Launchpad objectives, student outcomes and other key performance indicators.
• Participates in the hiring and selection of project personnel including contractual staff as budgeted within a project grant. Establishes work standards and expectations and monitors staff performance.
• Prepares and submits timely programmatic progress and financial reports in compliance with grant requirements.
• Works with Marketing Department and key stakeholders in preparing written content for print, digital and social media platforms to increase awareness of Tech Launchpad.
• Maintains working relationships with industry, academic, and community partners to cultivate and strengthen partnerships.
• Travels within KKC community, CPS high schools and CCC campuses as needed.
• Work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Business, IT, or a related field.
• Master's degree in an IT related discipline preferred.
• Five years of program or project administration work experience, preferably for a not-for-profit or higher education institution.
• A combination of education and experience may be taken into consideration based on the applicant’s credentials, provided the minimum degree requirement is met.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience implementing and managing grant funded projects.
• Strong collaborator able to work in a matrixed environment and team setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Must be able to travel to CPS high schools and CCC campuses as needed.
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be willing to travel regularly to various colleges and high school campuses throughout Chicago.
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends, as necessary.

This position is represented by Local 1600 Union.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Thank you for your interest in City Colleges of Chicago!