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.

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: careers@careerwisecolorado.or

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