Career and Technical Education; CTE Manager

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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, work groups, 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.

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in education policy, CTE administration, program management, or workforce development.
• 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.

• 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.