College and Career Readiness & Pathways Liaison

College and Career Readiness & Pathways Liaison

Job Description

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves and where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

Educational Vision of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Our educational vision describes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) aspiration for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This vision is anchored in our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning in the Commonwealth. We will continue to work with districts, schools, and educators to promote teaching and learning that is antiracist, inclusive, multilingual, and multicultural; that values and affirms each and every student and their families; and that creates equitable opportunities and experiences for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved. For more information on our vision, click here .

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is recruiting an Educational Specialist C to join the College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) team engaging in statewide activities focused on policies, programs, and secondary school technical assistance to ensure Massachusetts students graduate college and career ready.
Our Charge
The Office of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) within the Secondary Schools and Beyond Unit at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is responsible for supporting school districts and other educational institutions in developing, implementing, and continuously improving upon systems, policies, and programs that lead to students graduating high school and postsecondary career technical education programs ready for college, career, and civic engagement -especially for those learners who have been historically underserved. More information about the office's work can be found at College, Career and Technical Education - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education .
How you'd contribute:
• Function as a Liaison to school districts and postsecondary institutions to support developing, implementing, and continuously improving upon systems, policies, and programs that lead to students graduating high school and postsecondary career technical education programs ready for college, career, and civic engagement. Activities include:

• Support district development and continuous improvement of high-quality college and career pathways including Innovation Career Pathways, Career Connections, and state-designated Career Technical Education (Chapter 74) programs.

• Support in strategic planning and policy development for implementation of middle and high school systems for graduating students ready for college, career, and civic engagement aligned to school and district vision of a graduate, including state designated pathways and programs.

• Support schools and districts in implementation of various state middle and high school resources and policies (i.e. including MyCAP, MassCore , graduation requirements ) to consider and support districts in ensuring students graduate college and career ready.

• Develop state and local strategies for employing state-designated pathways and college and career readiness strategies, including work-based learning, in alternative schools and programs

• Support expansion and awareness of work-based learning opportunities for students in Massachusetts high schools aligned with Connecting Activities, Cooperative Education, Apprenticeships, and other state and local opportunities

• Facilitate access, use, and application of data resources available to districts for continuous improvement

• Strengthen programs, policies, and resources to close opportunity and achievement gaps

• Support schools in developing and executing strategic action plans to increase students graduating college and career ready.

• Provide coaching and technical assistance to assist LEAs, including through CCTE Quality Support System

• Develop and support resources for curriculum, instruction, and program implementation

• Partner with organizations, vendors, and other state agencies to deliver professional development and resources aligned to school and district needs and increase student and family engagement.

• Work as an owner/manager on special projects

• Participate in and facilitate, as appropriate, regular meetings of the department staff who work on related initiatives to support alignment.

• Contribute to a high performing culture by demonstrating initiative, a results-driven focus, effective collaboration, and in investment in improvement.

• Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth is required.

• Other duties as assigned.
This may be the role for you if:
• Are experienced and motivated to dissect complex problems, and develop and implement large scale solutions through partnerships with many stakeholders

• Have an ability to lead, facilitate, coach, and/or participate in teams working to develop and implement large scale programs and policies

• You understand that college and career readiness is comprised of a range of complex issues, including but not limited to academic and career development success on both the secondary and postsecondary levels and are committed to ensuring every student has a high-quality education and graduates ready for college and career.

• You have knowledge and expertise with racial equity, combating implicit bias, cultural competency and navigating issues and leading conversations related to race and culture in educational systems and public forums.

• You have strong written and verbal communication and a willingness to learn and adopt technology and processes as needed to facilitate your work. You may even be able to do so in multiple languages.
Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.

• Ability to work on multiple tasks and/or projects concurrently with multiple deadlines and outcomes.

• Ability to practice self-reflection and self-correction to solve problems.

• Ability to learn and build on the varying cultural and community norms of students, families, school districts and other community members through awareness of one's own cultural identity and views about difference.

• Bilingual or multi-lingual;

• Ability to work as part of a team and commitment to being part of a learning organization Demonstrated knowledge of career/vocational technical education under M.G.L. Chapter 74 and The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).

• Knowledge of Massachusetts laws, regulations, and policies regarding school and district accountability;

• Strong computer skills, including but not limited to: Microsoft WORD, Excel, and PowerPoint;

• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills;

• Ability to integrate customer/constituent services into daily work and ability to work with schools, districts, other government agencies and community partners;

• Understanding of the complex range of issues that leads to college and career readiness, including but not limited to academic and career development success on both the secondary and postsecondary levels;

• Ability to travel in-state and nationally (as needed) to support districts and attend relevant meetings/conferences.


Please include a cover letter and resume with your online application.

Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O'Brien @ maureen.t.o'View email address on click.appcast.io

This is a hybrid, full-time position based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett, MA. This position is currently expected to work in-person two days per week, increasing to three assigned days per week in-person beginning August 31, 2026. Travel around Massachusetts may also be required.

Qualifications:

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have a Bachelor's Degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific, relevant, or related content area, educational program/or service.

Substitutions: A Master's degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.


The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.