Associate Director-Center for Learning, Education and Employment- UTK

The Associate Director plays a pivotal role in advancing statewide preschool improvement initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and other funding agencies. This role directly supports TDOE’s P-AALN, which is dedicated to increasing inclusive, least restrictive environment opportunities for children ages 3 to 5 (not in kindergarten), expanding access to developmentally appropriate environments, and ensuring high-quality instruction for all students. In line with CLEE's mission of facilitating continuous improvement and equitable access in education, the Associate Director will work to build capacity and forge partnerships that transform visions into reality through systems change and strategic support.

 

This leadership position demands a blend of visionary planning, financial stewardship, and team management to enhance early childhood education across Tennessee. The Associate Director will help foster inclusive learning environments and equitable access to quality preschool education, closely aligned with CLEE's vision to empower every individual with limitless opportunities to thrive throughout all stages of life. The role also involves upholding and advancing CLEE’s core values, ensuring alignment with its strategic priorities and initiatives. These values include empowerment, inclusion, growth, excellence, and relationships, all of which are central to the work the Associate Director will lead.

 

Additionally, the Associate Director will be responsible for spearheading the development and execution of project strategies that comply with state and federal education priorities. This includes overseeing fiscal operations such as budgeting, funding allocations, and financial reporting to ensure responsible financial management. In alignment with CLEE’s commitment to excellence, the Associate Director will lead the recruitment, training, and performance evaluations of staff, fostering a high-performing team that embodies CLEE’s value of growth and adaptability. They will also be responsible for supporting the expansion of the project and actively working to extend the contract's duration through strategic planning, relationship management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

 

Strengthening partnerships with state agencies, school districts, and educational organizations will be integral to this role, ensuring that CLEE's commitment to inclusion is reflected in collaborative efforts to create a culture of belonging in all educational environments. Furthermore, the Associate Director will assess project outcomes, implement continuous improvement measures to maximize program effectiveness, and actively represent the Center in professional forums while remaining engaged in educational policy advancements. In doing so, they will help reinforce CLEE's dedication to building relationships that are at the heart of the organization’s success.

 

Program Planning, Implementation, and Management 

• Oversee program goals, scope of services, and alignment with the funding agency’s objectives.
• Develop long-term planning strategies aligning with the Center and TDOE mission.
• Collaborate with TDOE and school districts to design services addressing federal and state education priorities.
• Maintain ongoing communication with TDOE leadership to assess needs, evaluate progress, and meet contract requirements.
• Represent the project and the Center in professional interactions with local and state organizations.

Financial and Budgeting Accountability 

• Serve as Principal Investigator (PI), overseeing financial accountability for assigned projects.
• Lead contract statement of work and budget proposal negotiations in collaboration with University and state leadership.
• Manage approved contract budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with University policies.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities in collaboration with the Director and the Center Management Team.

Staff and Personnel Leadership 

• Supervise and provide leadership to contract staff located across Tennessee.
• Conduct team meetings, provide ongoing support, technical assistance, and training.
• Evaluate job performance, conduct reviews, and facilitate merit-based decisions.
• Recruit and hire staff in collaboration with the UT Office of Human Resource Management.
• Engage in Center-wide strategic planning and contribute to the development of policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, master’s or doctoral degree preferred in education or a related field. 
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in education.