Manager, Tech Career Pathways

Mission Statement: Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life‑long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world. Primary Purpose: The Manager, Tech Career Pathways aligns, designs, and oversees the implementation of Uplift Education's technology and trade pathways across campuses. This role leads the aligned & established strategy, design, and execution of core tech programming (~60%) and AI literacy programming (~40%) aligned to network workforce development priorities, managing CTE pathway coordination, campus clubs, certifications, and tech‑focused learning experiences to support Uplift's network‑wide workforce goals. Together, these responsibilities ensure scholar‑centered pathway offerings are delivered consistently and aligned to district goals for college, career, and workforce readiness in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Key Duties & Responsibilities Program & Project Management (Core Tech Career Focus ~60%) Lead the planning and execution of major tech career initiatives including the Uplift Tech Expo, summer tech experiences, and the annual conference for student tech clubs. Manage tech‑related projects from concept to completion, defining scope, deliverables, timelines, and metrics; track outcomes using project management tools. Supervise interns, volunteers, or contractors supporting events and digital initiatives. Align all tech programs with the broader RTCC and CTE strategic plan to ensure consistency, measurable impact, and scholar‑centered design. AI Literacy & Workforce Development Programming (~40%) Partner with the Director of Tech Careers to design and implement AI literacy strategy and programming across the network, ensuring programming is developmentally appropriate, equitable, and workforce‑aligned. Lead the development and execution of scholar‑facing AI literacy experiences, including workshops, learning modules, and career exploration activities that connect AI skills to real‑world workforce pathways. Drive integration of AI literacy into existing CTE and tech pathway structures, coordinating with teachers, counselors, and industry partners on AI‑relevant competencies and credentials. Serve as the network lead for AI literacy, providing strategic guidance and tools for scholars, families, and staff to build a shared understanding of AI’s role in the modern workforce. Define, track, and analyze participation, engagement, and outcome metrics for AI literacy programming and contribute to reporting and continuous improvement efforts in alignment with grant requirements and network goals. Campus & Scholar Engagement Partner with campus leaders to drive implementation and ensure fidelity of technology‑focused programming, CTE teachers, and advisors to implement technology‑focused clubs and competitions (TSA, VEX, CyberPatriot, etc.). Build a consistent system for identifying and nurturing scholars interested in tech, AI, and tech‑adjacent careers using SchoolLinks data and survey analytics. Collaborate with campus‑based teams, career, and alumni services to coordinate career readiness workshops, mock interviews, resume coaching, and speaker events that reflect both traditional tech pathways and emerging AI‑driven career fields. Family & Community Engagement Collaborate with the Family Engagement Center (FEC) to design parent workshops and Tech Nights that build understanding of tech and AI careers and postsecondary pathways. Lead the development of materials and presentations that make tech and AI fields accessible and relevant to families across diverse backgrounds. Industry & Higher Education Partnerships Develop and manage strategic partnerships with colleges, workforce boards, and local/national employers to create scholar internships, mentorships, and career experiences with intentional representation from AI‑adjacent industries. Lead collaboration with industry leaders to bring real‑world technology and AI applications into the classroom through panels, mentorship programs, and externships. Leverage partnerships to support alumni in job placement and career advancement in tech and AI‑enabled roles. Data, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement Define and track program success indicators across both tech career and AI literacy programming, including scholar participation, credential attainment, and postsecondary outcomes. Partner with the Tech Career Director to analyze workforce trends and determine program direction, reviewing tech and AI workforce trends to guide program evolution. Lead development of reports and presentations to communicate program impact, metrics, and next steps across both focus areas. Decision‑Making Authority Align technology and AI career pathway programming with established organizational strategy and scholar outcome goals. Help define, monitor, and maintain accountability toward KPIs, program outcomes, and success metrics tied to scholar achievement and workforce readiness. Exercise independent judgment in coordinating program implementation priorities, partnerships, and operational activities to support established network goals. Make recommendations regarding program improvements, stakeholder engagement, and implementation practices to support continuous improvement and measurable scholar outcomes. Education & Certification Bachelor’s degree required, and equivalent demonstrated experience in technology, education, workforce development, or a related field. Project Management Certification (PMP, CAPM, or equivalent) preferred or demonstrated experience managing complex, multi‑stakeholder programs to completion without a formal PM structure. Experience Minimum 3‑5 years of experience in technology, industry, education, workforce development, or project management. Use and familiarity with AI and applied use cases in regulated work environments. Experience in youth programming, career coaching, or managing partnerships across education and industry. Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and deliver measurable outcomes. Skills & Attributes Strategic and creative thinker who can translate vision into execution. Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills. Comfortable working with directors, educators, and K–12 scholars. Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suites, Canva, and collaborative project tools. Experience using data for continuous program improvement. Growth mindset, resourcefulness, adaptability, and cultural competence. Required Skills/Abilities Strong analytical, communication, and writing skills. Proficiency with Microsoft and Google Workspace and the ability to quickly learn new program‑related technology. Use of Artificial Intelligence and NIST‑compliant best‑practices for implementation. Strategic thinking and the ability to see the big picture while managing details. English or bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit and use the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, or balance and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work at a desk and computer screen for extended periods of time. Dallas‑Fort Worth district‑wide travel required. Occasionally, prolonged and irregular hours are required. Minimum in‑office 3 days a week, including Campus. Starting Salary $65,000 Equal Employment Opportunity Uplift Education is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Uplift Education