Executive Director, Career Education

Executive Director, Career Education and Workforce Development

Lead the Future of Career Education in Orange County! The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) is seeking an exceptional and visionary Executive Director, Career Education and Workforce Development to lead one of the most impactful initiatives shaping the future of students across Orange County. This is more than an educational leadership position, it is an opportunity to transform lives. As Executive Director, you will champion innovative career pathways, strengthen connections between education and industry, expand workforce development opportunities, and help ensure that every student has access to meaningful experiences that prepare them for college, career, and lifelong success. At OCDE, we believe that students thrive when learning is connected to purpose and opportunity. Through partnerships with school districts, community colleges, universities, workforce agencies, and business and industry leaders, our Career Education and Workforce Development team is building a future where students graduate with the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to succeed in an evolving economy. We are seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who can inspire teams, cultivate partnerships, drive innovation, and advance a shared vision for career-connected learning. The ideal candidate is passionate about expanding opportunities for students, understands the power of education to transform communities, and is committed to creating pathways that lead to economic mobility and workforce success. If you are ready to make a lasting impact on students, schools, and the future workforce of Orange County, we invite you to join us in this exciting leadership opportunity.

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Educational Leadership, Career Technical Education, Workforce Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in Career Technical Education (CTE), workforce development, educational administration, college and career readiness, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of administrative and supervisory experience leading complex programs, initiatives, departments, or organizations.
• Demonstrated experience developing and sustaining partnerships with K-12 school districts, postsecondary institutions, workforce development agencies, business and industry leaders, and community organizations.
• Experience overseeing grant-funded programs, strategic initiatives, budgets, and personnel.
• Experience leading collaborative efforts that support career pathways, work-based learning, workforce readiness, and student success.

Licenses and Credentials:

• Valid California Administrative Services Credential required.
• Valid California credential authorizing service in a public school setting required.

Application Requirements: To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must submit the following:

• A current résumé detailing education, experience, and qualifications relevant to the position
• A cover letter describing your interest in the position and how your experience and leadership philosophy align with the responsibilities of the Executive Director, Career Education role.
• Three (3) current letters of recommendation

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual's identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability. We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position. AA/EOE/ADA