Vice President of Pathways Implementation

About the Linked Learning Alliance

The Linked Learning Alliance (“the Alliance”) leads a movement to help every young person determine their own future through Linked Learning. It’s a proven approach to education that integrates rigorous academics with real-world learning and strong support services to prepare all students for success in college, career, and life. Our role is to advance research and practice, policy, and communications in support of Linked Learning for students and the field of K–12 districts, higher education institutions, and employers dedicated to establishing these accelerated, seamless learning experiences that lead to postsecondary success and high-opportunity careers.

About the Position

In partnership with the President and other members of the Senior Leadership Team, the Vice President for Pathways is responsible for strategy and execution of all state, regional, county, and district efforts designed to expand a high standard for college and career-ready educational experiences. The position plays a key role in driving equity at scale through the expansion and certification of high-quality pathways, providing direct services to educators and educational leaders, advocating for supportive and aligned policies, and building public will in support of high-quality Linked Learning that improves student outcomes. It requires working collaboratively with a team of experienced practitioners to provide direct support in implementing the Linked Learning approach. This individual will help elevate the Linked Learning and Alliance brands and design and lead implementation of all governmental stakeholder and policymaker engagement strategies

Essential Roles and Functions

Partner with K–12 System Leaders at the County, Regional, and District Level

• Cultivate, build, and manage relationships with new clients and partners (K–12, postsecondary, and community partners), aligning on vision for high school redesign through Linked Learning. Identify enabling conditions and strategies for building system-wide capacity to achieve local goals for success and to further Alliance aspirations for expanding exemplars of high-quality college and career pathways for students.

• Effectively engage in and manage ongoing relationships with existing clients and partners (K–12, postsecondary, and community partners) to advance systemic expansion of high-quality college and career pathways, maintain ongoing support through consistent connection, communication, and continuous improvement efforts within pathways.

Professional Development and Coaching

• Support system leaders to identify proven practices, drive quality implementation, and make data-driven decisions leading to increased student engagement and positive student outcomes. Provide frameworks, tools, and resources as well as ongoing feedback to support continuous growth and achievement.

• Coach local educational leaders to build system-wide capacity to launch and continuously improve Linked Learning pathways.

• Inform and expand dual enrollment partnerships embedded in high-quality pathways. Provide guidance and technical assistance on dual enrollment, most specifically College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnerships. Develop and sustain postsecondary partnerships that support high quality early college opportunities and accelerated transitions to college.

Lead Networks and Communities of Practice

• Lead field advancement through careful design and facilitation of impactful and engaging communities of practice that advance shared learning across the Linked Learning network. Host impactful convenings and workshops to advance shared learning. Create content tailored to partner needs and to drive successful implementation of the Linked Learning framework.

• Partner with Alliance colleagues to ensure Linked Learning’s high-quality standards (through our Gold and Silver Certification system) are understood as a key lever in advancing access to and equitable delivery of high-quality experiences that prepare all young people for college AND career, not one or the other.

• Serve as lead for Gold Certification reviews, ensuring schools and districts understand the process, requirements, and value of certification. Assess and provide feedback on Silver and Gold Linked Learning certifications.

• Support pathways in integrating and leveraging community resources to ensure an integrated approach to learning focused on the whole child.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in an educational setting working to advance educational and economic justice.

• Experience implementing and supporting college and career pathways, including student-centered practices, curriculum development and assessment, school and district accountability systems, student outcome measures, and continuous improvement practices.

• Develop and manage workstreams and resources to further strategic goals, deepen high-quality implementation, and broaden access to quality pathways.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support long-term collaboration with diverse education partners.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a blended environment—balancing working virtually and in-person.

• Ability to work positively and collaboratively with team members at all levels.

• Willingness to learn and a genuine interest in the mission of the Alliance.

• Ability to proactively identify and address needs, multitask, and juggle competing priorities.

• Demonstrated record of advancing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Experience

• Successful track record as an administrator in an educational setting.

• Experience working in, or partnering with, the community college and postsecondary systems.

• Experience working in an educational setting that incorporates integrated CTE and academic pathway designs and delivers interdisciplinary curriculum.

• Experience in and familiarity with successful high school redesign initiatives. 

Compensation

The salary range is $145,000–$165,000 and will be determined commensurate with experience. Location and Travel This position is based in California, with staff balancing working virtually and regularly in person. The position requires travel throughout California based on project needs (up to 40% during peak periods) as well as monthly travel for team meetings in our San Francisco headquarters. 

Status

Exempt

To Apply

Please send your resume and a cover letter as separate attachments to Write “VP, Pathways Implementation” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please share how your experience, competencies, skills, and interests are a good match for this position. For questions, please contact

Priority deadline: 07/31/2025.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants may apply after the priority deadline if the position is not yet filled.

The Linked Learning Alliance is an equal-opportunity employer.

The Alliance is committed to equity, embraces diversity as an asset, and practices inclusivity. These values strengthen our culture, help us fulfill our mission, and contribute to a better world. We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.