Program Administrator – Next Arvada

Location: Arvada CO In-Person

Zero Dropouts exists to deliver innovative student development opportunities in a way that invites school districts communities and students to co-create unique solutions that recognize foster and unleash students unrealized potential so that their lives are transformed as they thrive in their education and work.

Next GED programs provide youth ages 17-20 with flexible supportive pathways to earn a high school equivalency credential while gaining essential life skills and exploring future career and education addition to academics we prioritize wraparound support and connect students with resources that address barriers to learning and engagement. At no cost to youth including GED testing fees Next GED creates an accessible and empowering environment equipping young people with the tools and confidence to thrive.

We Believe Mysteries are Opportunities.

We are inspired to solve the deeply complex mysteries that face our world. Our innovative approach drives us to uncover hidden truths and create tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of our clients and communities.

We Believe in Anti-Deficit Ideology.

Anti-deficit ideology is an approach that focuses on recognizing and valuing the strengths abilities and potential of individuals and communities rather than highlighting their shortcomings or deficiencies.

We Believe in a Sociocultural Model for Learning.

Students develop knowledge and skills through an active learning process that encourages interactions with teachers peers and their communities. Educators meet students where they are in their learning journeys centering student experiences and identities in the process to foster both independent learning and collaboration.

We Believe in a Power With Approach to Relationships.

We use a power with approach that emphasizes collaboration mutual support and collective empowerment in our relationships with youth partners and each other. Instead of hierarchical or competitive dynamics it focuses on sharing power fostering partnerships and working together to achieve common goals.

We Believe Organizations are Living Systems.

Organizations are not complicated machines and shouldnt be managed like they are. Organizations are living systems capable of maintaining themselves within boundaries of identity where emergence and resilience are recurring outcomes of their underlying health.

The Program Administrator for Next Arvada will lead the implementation and growth of a GED program located on a shared campus in Arvada a former elementary school that now houses a diverse set of community partners and educational services. The Program Administrator is responsible for managing daily operations overseeing enrollment ensuring compliance and building strong relationships across Jefferson County School District (Jeffco) and a broader network of community partners.

The Program Administrator also helps shape a learning environment grounded in ZDs foundational beliefs where students experiences and identities are centered learning is active and collaborative and power is shared across the team as much as with students.

The ideal candidate is resourceful flexible and relentless in finding ways to connect with youth and families that traditional systems have already written off. They dont wait for students to show up ready they create the conditions that make showing up worth it and they bring others along in doing the same.

You are a leader who believes that learning should be active relational and grounded in students lived experiences. You thrive in collaborative environments and are skilled at building partnerships across schools systems and communities. You bring a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on program leadership with a deep commitment to equity flexibility and innovation. Youre energized by the opportunity to co-create a space where young people feel seen supported and inspired to pursue their goals.

• Actively recruit students through direct outreach using district-provided 40-code lists.
• Coordinate referral processes with Jeffco and other partners to connect students with the program.
• Conduct information sessions orientations and enrollment meetings with prospective students and families.
• Oversee the daily operations of the program ensuring alignment with ZDs purpose beliefs as well as campus safety and security processes.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with co-located partners and educational services on the shared campus.
• Implement systems and procedures that reflect the adaptive nature of living organizations.
• Manage logistics scheduling and coordination with district and community partners.
• Ensure the site meets student enrollment projections for October Count and maintains relevant documentation for auditing purposes.
• Coordinate wraparound services including 504 plans GED waivers testing accommodations etc.
• Ensure compliance with all partner district and organizational requirements.
• Prepare reports for truancy court graduation processes and other required documentation.

• Provide direct support to students offering mentorship guidance and resources for their academic and personal growth.
• Collaborate with program staff to determine how teaching coaching and student support responsibilities are shared based on team strengths and student needs.
• Implement teaching and learning strategies that center students experiences identities and collaborative learning.
• Foster a program environment that encourages a strong sense of community belonging and mutual support.
• Empower students to reclaim their educational journeys by focusing on their strengths and potential.
• Coordinate programming to prepare enroll and support students in postsecondary opportunities.

• Collaborate with ZD teams to innovate and develop programming that responds to evolving student and community needs.
• Stay informed of evidence-based practices research and trends in education to inform program enhancements.
• Contribute to design teams and development efforts within ZD reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement.
• Work to expand services through additional partnerships and funding opportunities (e.g. postsecondary institutions geographically-near school districts WIOA AEFLA grants etc.).

• Monitor and assess student progress through ongoing data collection and analysis.
• Use insights from data to inform programmatic adjustments and interventions.
• Maintain accurate records on student attendance academic performance and other relevant metrics.
• Collaborate with project teams to collect and analyze data related to priorities and outcomes.

• Build and maintain authentic relationships that foster trust and collaboration with students families community partners and co-located organizations on the shared campus.
• Foster partnerships with local educational institutions community organizations and other stakeholders.
• Leverage the multi-partner campus ecosystem to create integrated sustainable support systems for students.
• Participate in community events to enhance program visibility and support student recruitment.

• Lead with a principled approach ensuring that all decisions and actions align with Zero Dropouts foundational beliefs purpose and priorities.
• Act as a nodal leader understanding the interconnected nature of the work and adapting processes to support collective progress and resilience.
• Participate in ZD meetings team-building experiences and professional development activities.
• Stay adaptive and responsive to the evolving needs of the program and organization recognizing that flexibility and resilience are key components of success in a living system.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree
• 35 years of experience in program administration or management preferably within an educational or social services setting.
• Demonstrated experience in managing program operations and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple priorities maintain detailed records and keep complex operational systems running smoothly and reliably.
• Strong customer service orientation responsive welcoming and consistent across every point of contact with students families and partners.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a track record of building trust across diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in student recruitment and enrollment.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements related to educational programs and funding.
• Experience working with students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) 504 plans and English Language Development (ELD) populations.
• Proficiency in data management and analysis including experience with relevant software and tools (e.g. Excel Coda Student Information Systems etc.).
• Understanding of GED and alternative education programs including relevant policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices and trends in youth services education and social-emotional learning.
• Proficiency in Spanish.
• Understanding of systemic issues affecting educational outcomes and strategies to address them.

WORK SCHEDULE - This is a full-time in-person year-round position Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-5:30PM

SALARY - This is an exempt position with a salary range of $70000-$90000 based upon qualifications knowledge and relevant experience

BENEFITS - Company 401k plan with Employer Contribution Match Medical Dental & Vision Coverage Paid Time Off (Sick Time Holidays Flexible Vacation). This position is not PERA eligible.

HOW TO APPLY Follow this link to apply. If you have any questions please contact HR at