Executive Director of the Center for Adult Education

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About Northern Essex Community College:

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) serves more than 5,000 students annually across its campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Massachusetts, conveniently located within easy reach of Boston and the scenic beaches and state parks of New England's coastline.  Recognized as one of the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges by NISOD (National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development), NECC's success is driven by a mission-centered culture and a highly engaged workforce.  As the first federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution in New England, NECC remains committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that reflects and supports the communities it serves.

Rooted in the Merrimack Valley, NECC plays a vital role in strengthening the region through workforce development, expanded access to affordable higher education, increased degree attainment, and strong partnerships with businesses.

NECC employees are united by a shared commitment expanding access to educational opportunities, supporting students in completing their academic journey in a timely and equitable manner, and preparing graduates for long-term success in the workforce.  The college invests in its people through ongoing professional development opportunities, collaborative leadership, and a supportive work environment.

Job Description:

POSITION: Full-Time Executive Director of the Center for Adult Education (Executive Director): Center for Adult Education; Lawrence Campus (45 Franklin Street); 37.5 hours per week, Non-Unit Professional Position Non-Unit Professional Position.

SUMMARY: The Executive Director (ED) serves as the College's senior leader for adult education, providing strategic leadership, institutional vision, and executive oversight for the College's adult education portfolio. The ED leads two distinct adult education verticals under the Center for Adult Education (CAE): CAE Lawrence and Corrections Education, delivered in collaboration with the Essex County Sheriff's Department (ECSD). Across both verticals, the ED is responsible for advancing adult learner access and success, the quality and effectiveness of academic and instructional programming, externally funded initiatives, and community and institutional partnerships.

CAE Lawrence provides Adult Basic Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), High School Equivalency (HSE), Spanish and family literacy, Transition to College, and other adult learner initiatives that support educational advancement, postsecondary transition, and employment and career opportunities.

Corrections Education, delivered through the College's partnership with the Essex County Sheriff's Department, provides adult education, English-language, foundational skills, and workforce development programming at Middleton House of Correction, The Farm, Women in Transition, STAR Lawrence, and STAR Lynn. These programs help learners build skills, pursue credentials, and advance toward education, employment, and career goals.

The ED serves as a member of the senior leadership team within Institutional Advancement and reports to the Associate Vice President of Strategic Relations & Resource Development. The ED works in collaboration with Institutional Advancement leadership to advance the strategic direction, quality, growth, and sustainability of the College's adult education portfolio.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the College's adult education portfolio, in collaboration with Institutional Advancement (IA) leadership, to advance the College's mission, strategic priorities, enrollment goals, and commitment to expanding equitable access and opportunity for diverse adult learners.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for adult education pathways that support learners in developing foundational skills, earning high school equivalency credentials, improving English language proficiency, transitioning to college, and achieving personal and professional goals.
• Collaborate with academic affairs, student services, enrollment management, institutional research, and other College departments to strengthen pathways and supports for adult learners transitioning into credit and noncredit programs.
• Provide oversight of compliance and accountability requirements associated with state and federal adult education programs and funding, including DESE Adult Education requirements, ECSD contract requirements, performance indicators, reporting expectations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure effective systems for data collection, documentation, reporting, record management, and program evaluation.
• Use data-driven decision-making to assess program effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and guide strategic planning in collaboration with Institutional Advancement leadership.
• Identify potential risks and challenges affecting program success and develop strategies to mitigate risk while maintaining program quality and participant safety.

Planning & Development

• Design, manage, and implement program initiatives, ensuring effective delivery and continuous improvement across the College's adult education portfolio.
• Provide leadership for the effective administration and delivery of the ECSD contract, including program quality, compliance, performance, and partnership coordination.
• Provide strategic oversight, in collaboration with College leadership, for the development, management, and evaluation of the Center for Adult Education's operating budget, grant budgets, contracts, and external funding resources.
• Lead the development and sustainability of public and private funding opportunities that advance adult education priorities.
• Collaborate with the Grants Office, Finance, and College leadership to develop competitive proposals, establish sustainable funding strategies, and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
• Oversee the financial planning and effective allocation of resources across adult education programs, including federal- and state-funded programs, corrections education, and grant-supported initiatives.

Institutional Collaboration

• In collaboration with Academic Affairs, help develop and oversee a transition plan for Center for Adult Education students interested in continuing their education in Northern Essex Community College academic programs. Work closely with academic deans, academic advisors, faculty, and staff to design educational programs and support services for adult learners.
• In collaboration with Corporate and Community Education, represent CAE's interests and advocate for adult education and ESOL workforce training programs, and develop a continuum of educational and career opportunities that align with needs.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with community organizations to enhance program effectiveness and expand opportunities for adult learners.
• Contribute to the broader goals and priorities of the Strategic Relations and Resource Development team, collaborating across Career Services, Grants, and Corporate and Community Education to advance integrated strategies, partnerships, and opportunities that support student and institutional success.
• Contribute to the broader priorities of Institutional Advancement, working collaboratively with College and Institutional Advancement leadership to strengthen external relationships, identify opportunities for resource development, and advance the College's strategic goals.

Team Management and Development

• Provide overall leadership, mentoring, professional development, and performance evaluations for all CAE staff.
• Collaborate with coordinators and staff to develop and implement a cohesive plan of professional development activities within all grants/programs.
• Coordinate mandated DESE professional development activities within all grants/programs.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that supports staff growth and engagement through teamwork, excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Set clear expectations and goals for the team and ensure their successful implementation.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.