via Lensa
$141K - 141K a year
Lead statewide adult education programs with strategic, fiscal, and equity oversight to improve educational attainment and workforce outcomes.
Master's degree with 5+ years in education or related field, experience with adult learners and equity-driven leadership, legislative and policy expertise, and strong organizational management skills.
Salary: $141,408.00 Annually Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA Job Type: Exempt Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 15500 Department: State Board for Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC) Division: Business Operations Opening Date: 03/31/2026 Closing Date: 5/8/2026 4:59 PM Pacific Description View the complete description on our Jobs page. Position Overview The provides statewide leadership for Basic Education for Adults (BEdA) across Washington's 34 community and technical colleges, advancing the mission of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and its 2020-2030 Strategic Plan. This position leads the Transitional Studies team within the Education Division to increase educational attainment, strengthen equitable access and outcomes, and expand pathways to economic mobility and family-sustaining employment. The office administers federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title II state grant funds (Basic and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education, or IELCE), the Interagency Agreement with the Department of Corrections providing education services in state correctional facilities, and related state budget provisos. Programs supported include English Language Acquisition (ELA), Adult Basic Education (ABE), High School+, GED preparation, Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST), and postsecondary certificate and degree programs offered in correctional settings. Headquartered in Olympia, the Director ensures high-quality, equitable, and accountable BEdA services statewide through policy leadership, legislative coordination, fiscal oversight, performance management, and professional development. Some Hybrid work can be negotiated. The position reports to the Deputy Executive Director of Education. SBCTC Mission and Vision Statement Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities. We challenge, empower and embolden ourselves and our colleges to deliver equitable higher education through anti racist policies that ensure economic vitality across Washington. Our values are focused on racial equity and social justice, accountability, community and culture building, service, humor, collaboration and innovation. Duties Strategic Leadership and Equity • Lead the development and implementation of an equity-centered statewide vision for adult education aligned with the SBCTC Strategic Plan, prioritizing guided pathways and seamless transitions to apprenticeships, workforce training, and academic programs. • Advance policies and practices that strengthen equitable access, participation, and attainment so all student populations, including English language learners and justice-impacted individuals, can meet statewide performance targets. System Coordination and Advocacy • Serve as the state's lead advocate and liaison for BEdA with state and federal agencies, legislators, community-based organizations, workforce and economic development partners, and national associations. • Coordinate legislative strategy and policy development related to Transitional Studies. Team and Organizational Leadership • Lead and develop the Transitional Studies team, aligning staff work with agency priorities and fostering a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on results and continuous improvement. Accountability, Planning, and Performance • Oversee development and implementation of the WIOA Title II portion of the state plan and related state workforce strategies (e.g., Talent and Prosperity for All). • Oversee statewide competitive grant processes, including the WIOA Title II Request for Proposals (RFP). • Monitor provider performance; analyze and report state and federal accountability data; negotiate performance targets; and promote data-informed continuous improvement across colleges and community partners. Fiscal and Operational Oversight • Direct allocation and oversight of state, federal, and grant funds supporting BEdA. • Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. Professional Development and System Capacity • Lead statewide professional development to strengthen instructional quality, leadership capacity, and innovation in adult education. Division Leadership • Serve as a member of the Education Division leadership team, contributing to agency-wide strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and student success initiatives. Qualifications The successful candidate is a collaborative, equity-driven leader with strong communication, policy, and organizational skills. Required: • Master's degree or higher and five years of experience in instruction or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Experience in community or technical colleges or with adult learners, including BEdA populations. • Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. • Experience with legislative processes and/or state or federal policy development. • Experience designing and implementing strategies that improve outcomes for historically underserved populations. • Proven ability to build partnerships, lead cross-functional teams, manage complex initiatives, and deliver results in a dynamic environment. • Strong project management, fiscal oversight, and performance management skills. Supplemental Information HOW TO APPLYInterested candidates may apply by submitting the following items: • Letter of formal application that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement. • Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications. • List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. Apply at More than Just a Paycheck! Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 01-07-2026
This job posting was last updated on 4/6/2026