Description
The Director of Alternative Pathways provides leadership, administration, and oversight for the district's Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) programs and other alternative educational pathways designed to support student success. The Director ensures compliance with state and district requirements, promotes innovative and personalized learning opportunities, and fosters strong partnerships among students, families, staff, and community organizations. The position is responsible for supervising program staff, monitoring student achievement and enrollment, supporting instructional quality, and ensuring that alternative programs provide meaningful pathways toward academic success, graduation, and post-secondary readiness.
Representative Duties
Program Leadership and Administration
Provide leadership and oversight for all district Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) programs and alternative educational pathways.
Develop, implement, and evaluate program goals aligned with district strategic priorities and student needs.
Ensure compliance with Washington State ALE regulations, district policies, and applicable federal and state laws.
Oversee student enrollment, attendance, progress monitoring, and documentation requirements.
Monitor and maintain program accountability measures and reporting requirements.
Instructional Leadership
Support high-quality instructional practices and personalized learning experiences for students.
Write and guide the development and implementation of Specialized Learning Plans (SLPs) and individualized student supports.
Monitor student academic performance and program effectiveness through data analysis and continuous improvement processes.
Support staff as needed in SLP meetings.
Support the implementation of interventions and strategies to improve student achievement, engagement, attendance, and graduation outcomes.
Foster innovative instructional practices and alternative approaches to student learning.
Personnel Supervision
Supervise, support, and evaluate assigned staff in accordance with district policies and collective bargaining agreements.
Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for staff.
Facilitate staff collaboration and promote a positive, student-centered program culture.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, and retention of program personnel.
Family and Community Engagement
Establish and maintain positive relationships with students, families, and community partners.
Communicate program expectations, opportunities, and student progress with families.
Collaborate with community agencies, higher education institutions, and workforce partners to expand student opportunities.
Represent the district and program in meetings, committees, and community forums.
Program Development and Compliance
Develop and maintain program procedures, handbooks, and operational guidelines.
Monitor program budgets and resource allocation as assigned.
Prepare reports and presentations regarding program outcomes and effectiveness.
Ensure compliance with student privacy, safety, and recordkeeping requirements.
Coordinate state audits, reviews, and program evaluations as required.
Develop new Pathways program.
Other Duties
Participate as a resource to the district leadership team as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:
Washington State ALE laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Educational leadership principles and effective school administration practices.
Curriculum, instruction, assessment, and intervention strategies.
Student-centered and personalized learning models.
MTSS, special education, Section 504, and student support systems.
Data analysis and continuous improvement processes.
Budget development and resource management.
Federal and state education laws and regulations.
Effective family engagement and community partnership practices.
Skills in:
Instructional leadership and program management.
Personnel supervision, coaching, and evaluation.
Building collaborative relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders.
Data analysis and using evidence to improve program outcomes.
Strategic planning and organizational leadership.
Effective written and verbal communication.
Conflict resolution and problem-solving.
Managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to:
Lead and manage alternative education programs effectively.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Analyze complex information and make sound decisions.
Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Work collaboratively with diverse groups and perspectives.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
Communicate effectively with varied audiences.
Promote equitable educational opportunities and positive student outcomes.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Valid Washington State Principal Certificate or Program Administrator Certificate.
Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of successful certificated educational experience.
Demonstrated leadership experience in education.
Knowledge of Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) programs and state requirements.
Successful completion of criminal history and background checks as required by law.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience serving as a principal, assistant principal, program administrator, or instructional leader.
Experience working within an ALE, online, alternative, or personalized learning environment.
Experience supervising and evaluating certificated and classified staff.
Knowledge of Washington State ALE reporting and compliance requirements.
Experience supporting students who are academically at-risk, credit-deficient, or in need of alternative pathways to success.
Experience developing community partnerships and career-connected learning opportunities.
Training or experience in MTSS, restorative practices, and trauma-informed approaches.
