Director of Pathways chez CareerWise Colorado

Who we are:

CareerWise is a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization that creates life-changing opportunities for the youngest generation of America’s workforce. We build industry-led, student-centered, modern youth apprenticeships through classroom and on-the-job learning providing flexible, alternative pathways to economic mobility. We have hundreds of CareerWise apprentices in the workplace, charting new paths to academic and career success. In addition, workforce and education leaders from across the country have visited CareerWise to learn about our youth apprenticeship model. As a result, our programs have launched in multiple states, leveraging our institutional knowledge, technology, and infrastructure

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a leader who can see both the big picture and the path to get there. As CareerWise Colorado’s Director of Pathways, you’ll design and scale apprenticeship programs that expand opportunities for students while helping industries meet urgent talent needs. You bring experience leading high-performing teams, managing complex initiatives, and building lasting partnerships across education, workforce, and industry. You thrive on collaboration, are energized by problem-solving, and can inspire others to see apprenticeship as a transformational tool. You’ll excel if you can balance strategy with execution, bring people together around bold ideas, and keep equity and access at the center of your work.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Pathways leads CareerWise Colorado’s work to create new apprenticeship pathways in high-demand fields. You’ll oversee a team of experts in educator apprenticeship, higher education, data compliance, and industry development, aligning their efforts to deliver programs that are scalable and sustainable. You’ll partner with stakeholders across sectors to design operational models, manage and report on grant deliverables, and remove barriers that stand in the way of opportunity. You’ll also serve as a public-facing ambassador for CareerWise, representing the organization at events, with policymakers, and in conversations that shape the future of workforce and education in Colorado.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coalition Builder | Build strong partnerships with community organizations, industry leaders, employers, school districts, higher education, chambers, unions, and government partners. Coordinate efforts to achieve shared goals and use your expertise in work-based learning to identify opportunities and navigate constraints.

• Innovator | Design apprenticeship pathways in fields with urgent talent shortages. Work with stakeholders to ensure apprentices experience meaningful, high-quality opportunities in sectors such as education, healthcare, construction, tech, business, and finance.

• Communicator Extraordinaire | Serve as a connector and problem-solver across systems. Align with state offices and national/local partners, while coordinating with internal teams like IT, marketing, and operations to sustain initiatives. Represent CWC publicly, tailoring your message to diverse audiences.

• People Leader | Lead and inspire a team rooted in boldness, creativity, integrity, and collaboration. Create an environment where staff feel valued and motivated to take on complex and groundbreaking work.

• Barrier-Breaker | Identify and remove roadblocks that prevent pathways from developing. Partner with agencies, schools, and industry groups to propose creative solutions to challenges like licensure, entry requirements, and age restrictions.

• Ambassador | Represent CWC in public forums, conferences, and convenings. Share insights, highlight successes, and position apprenticeship as a critical workforce solution.

May perform other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies to Be Successful in This Role

• Build and advance apprenticeship pathways in high-growth industries

• Understand training and talent development systems, opportunities, and constraints; apply judgment and technical skill to pathway design

• Design project and program plans with employers that integrate into business and staffing needs

• Minimize barriers and maximize benefits of apprenticeship for both students and employers

• Lead pilot projects from design through launch, while guiding staff who support these initiatives

• Partner across CWC teams to share expertise and document learnings to strengthen the model

• Serve as a mentor, leader, and professional resource to your team

• Champion CWC’s mission and values, with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion

• Confidently engage in public speaking with audiences from educators and policymakers to industry leaders and students

Additional Proficiencies

• Proven experience leading high-performing teams on complex initiatives

• Strong interpersonal skills; confident facilitating, presenting, and engaging both 1:1 and in large groups

• Collaborative by nature, with a record of building partnerships and networks

• Knowledge of work-based learning, apprenticeship, or career development in education and/or business contexts

• Creative thinker with the ability to design innovative solutions to barriers

• Skilled communicator and storyteller who can inspire diverse audiences and make complex models accessible

• Experience managing large, complex grants and projects with accountability for outcomes

• Data-driven decision-maker with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (experience with Slack, Monday, Salesforce, or Lucid Spark a plus)

The above statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  The duties listed are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.  All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.  With the evolution of the organization and this role, the responsibilities of this position may change at any time.

Location:

This role is based in Denver, Colorado. CareerWise staff typically work a hybrid work schedule with varying days in the office and other days remote. Remote work is not guaranteed and the schedule must be approved by the supervisor. There may be occasions (possibly 1-3 times per year) for staff to gather in person. Exceptions will be made for special circumstances. 

Compensation:

The starting salary range for this role is: $82,750 - $124,469 annually; this role is not covered by the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the FLSA. CareerWise offers a generous benefits package including group medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term disability, 100% vested 401k plan with a 3% employer contribution, and flexible time off.

How to Apply:

Please upload your resume with a cover letter letting us know why you are interested in working at CareerWise along with what specific experience you have that uniquely qualifies you for this position. We are excited to review your application materials!

Application Window:

CareerWise anticipates the application window closing approximately 30 days from the date this notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require CareerWise to shorten or extend the application window.

Working conditions and physical requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Usual office environment with frequent sitting, walking and standing. Frequent use of eye, hand, and finger coordination for use of standard office equipment. Oral and auditory capacity required for interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone and online video conference platforms (like Google, Zoom, MS Teams, Webex, etc.)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals are encouraged to apply. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at: [email protected]