Career Opportunities

EdSystems is currently accepting applications for two positions: a program implementation manager and a CTE manager.

Career and Technical Education Manager

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Manager will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, and scaling of high-quality CTE policies and practices across Illinois, aligning with the state’s vision for College and Career Pathway Endorsements and work-based learning. This role requires a strong understanding of state and federal CTE policy, including Perkins V, and a proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including state agencies, K-12 districts, community colleges, and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

Program Implementation and Technical Assistance (60%)

Provide expert technical assistance and capacity building to regional and local consortia, school districts, and community colleges on effective CTE program implementation, pathway development, and continuous improvement.
Facilitate the adoption of equitable practices in CTE to increase access and success for historically marginalized student populations.
Develop and deliver professional development and resources for practitioners focused on key CTE components, including dual credit, employer engagement, and the implementation of Illinois’ work-based learning continuum.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration (30%)

Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key partners, including the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Convene and facilitate meetings, workgroups, and learning communities (e.g., the Success Network) focused on advancing CTE and pathway initiatives.
Represent EdSystems at state and national forums, presenting on best practices and policy insights related to CTE.

Policy and Strategy Development (10%)

Analyze and interpret current state and federal CTE policies (e.g., Perkins V, PWR Act, work-based learning) to develop strategic recommendations for EdSystems and its partners.
Design and refine high-quality models and frameworks for career pathways, including instructional sequences, curriculum alignment, and competency-based education elements.
Contribute to EdSystems’ overall policy agenda, particularly within the pillars relating to future readiness and student experience.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of of professional experience in education policy, CTE administration, program management, or workforce development.
Skills:
- Demonstrated knowledge of the K-12 and postsecondary education systems and their intersection with CTE and workforce preparation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy into clear guidance and present effectively to diverse audiences.
- Proven experience in project management, group facilitation, and consensus building.
- Possession of a valid Illinois Driver’s license and or access to reliable transportation to local, regional, and statewide engagements.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Direct experience with Illinois-specific CTE initiatives such as the College and Career Pathway Endorsement system, the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act, and the Illinois work-based learning continuum.
Familiarity with data analysis and using data to drive equitable program evaluation and continuous improvement.

Program Implementation Manager

The Program Implementation Manager will be a critical team member in translating EdSystems’ evidence-based policy work into effective, equitable, and scalable practices at the local and regional level. This role involves the day-to-day oversight of complex projects, ensuring they are implemented with fidelity, meet established outcomes, and align with EdSystems’ commitment to systemic change and equity in education. The Manager will serve as a primary contact for key local and regional partners, providing technical assistance, facilitating cross-sector collaboration, and managing project resources, timelines, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Implementation (60%)

Lead the planning and execution of assigned EdSystems programs and initiatives (e.g., College and Career Pathway Endorsements, transitional instruction, work-based learning networks) from conception through evaluation.
Provide intensive, high-quality technical assistance and capacity building to local stakeholders, including K-12 districts, community colleges, regional intermediaries, and employers, to support the adoption and continuous improvement of innovative practices.
Manage project work plans, budgets, and timelines, ensuring all activities are on track, deliverables are met, and grant requirements are strictly adhered to.
Facilitate and coordinate regional and statewide convenings, workgroups, and network meetings for diverse partners, driving consensus and shared action toward common goals.
Develop and refine implementation resources, tools, guides, and professional learning materials to support practitioners in applying state policy and evidence-based practices.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership (25%)

Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with local leaders, state agency personnel, foundation representatives, and other partners, serving as the trusted point person for program implementation.
Act as an intermediary between state-level policy development teams and local practice teams, ensuring local needs inform policy and state mandates are effectively translated into practice.
Represent EdSystems at external meetings, conferences, and public forums to share project successes, lessons learned, and expertise in postsecondary and career systems.

Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning (15%)

Collaborate with the Data & Impact team to establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluation metrics for programs.
Oversee and contribute to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of program data to inform continuous improvement cycles, measure equity outcomes, and assess overall impact.
Prepare and submit timely, high-quality progress and final reports to funders, university leadership, and state partners, clearly articulating program outcomes and financial stewardship.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, implementation, or a related role within the K-12, postsecondary, or workforce development sectors.
- Demonstrated experience translating policy or strategic vision into actionable, on-the-ground program plans.
- Proven experience facilitating complex, multi-stakeholder collaborative initiatives.
Skills:
- Exceptional project management skills, including budget oversight, timeline management, and grant reporting.
- Strong facilitation and communication (written and verbal) skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Commitment to equity and experience applying an equity lens to program design and implementation.
- High proficiency in utilizing productivity software and project management tools.
- Possession of a valid Illinois Driver’s license and or access to reliable transportation to local, regional, and statewide engagements.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Direct experience working with or implementing Illinois-specific education initiatives (e.g., Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act, College and Career Pathway Endorsements).
Experience in a policy-to-practice organization, research center, or non-profit setting.

Why Join EdSystems?

Education Systems Center (EdSystems) is a mission-driven policy development and program implementation center dedicated to shaping and strengthening education and workforce systems. EdSystems helps create a world where students have clear, unambiguous paths to college and career opportunities that equip them for meaningful participation in the global economy. We collaborate with state and local education agencies, workforce boards, community colleges, universities, and other stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate policies and practices that ensure successful transitions to and through postsecondary and career opportunities for students, with a particular emphasis on historically marginalized populations.

Impactful Work: Be part of a team that is dedicated to driving systemic change and improving educational and workforce outcomes for students and communities.
Collaborative Environment: Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and innovation is encouraged.
Professional Development: Access opportunities for professional growth and development through training, workshops, and conferences.
Flexible Work Options: Enjoy a flexible work environment that promotes work-life balance, including a hybrid work schedule.
Competitive Benefits: NIU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition waivers, and more.

Northern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please describe your experience with work-based learning or a related field. Your cover letter and resume should be combined into a single file for upload and submission via the form below. Uploads should be 10 MB or less and be in .pdf (preferred), .doc, or .docx format.

Thank You

You have successfully submitted your application. If your application is a potential fit, the EdSystems team will be in touch regarding next steps.