Title: Director of Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Gateway Coordinator

Position Type: Administrative, Professional, and Technical (APT) - Full Time

College: Colorado Northwestern Community College CNCC

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: Adult Education/Gateway Programs

Campus: Craig 

Location: 2801 West 9th Street Craig CO 81625

Salary Range: $60,000-$68,000

Who We Are:

College Advertising Details
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) is a small, rural community college located in beautiful Northwest Colorado, with campuses in Craig and Rangely. CNCC is committed to educational excellence, student success, community engagement, and workforce development.

CNCC offers a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the communities we serve.

The Director of Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Gateway Coordinator position is based at the Craig Campus and plays an essential role in expanding educational opportunities for adult learners throughout the region.

This position provides leadership and coordination for programs that help adult learners strengthen foundational academic skills, pursue high school equivalency credentials, prepare for postsecondary education, and explore career pathways.

The successful candidate will work closely with students, faculty, staff, community organizations, and workforce partners to increase access to education and support student achievement.

Located in Northwest Colorado, Craig offers access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and numerous year-round recreational opportunities.

Join CNCC and help create educational pathways that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Job Summary:

The Director of Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Gateway Coordinator provides leadership, coordination, and oversight of adult education and Gateway programs at Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC), primarily serving the Craig campus and surrounding communities.

This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational services that support adult learners in developing foundational academic skills, earning high school equivalency credentials, preparing for postsecondary education, and transitioning into career pathways.

The Director coordinates program operations, instructional services, student recruitment, enrollment, retention, and community partnerships while ensuring compliance with applicable institutional, state, and federal requirements. The position works collaboratively with faculty, staff, community organizations, and educational partners to expand access to educational opportunities and promote student success.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, communication, and program management skills, with a commitment to serving diverse adult learners and advancing CNCC's mission.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide leadership, direction, and daily operational oversight of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Gateway programs at Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC), primarily serving the Craig campus and surrounding communities.
- Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate adult education programs that support foundational academic skills, high school equivalency preparation, college readiness, and career pathways.
- Coordinate Gateway program activities to support adult learners transitioning into postsecondary education, workforce training, and employment opportunities.
- Oversee student recruitment, intake, orientation, assessment, placement, enrollment, retention, and completion processes.
- Develop and implement strategies to improve student engagement, persistence, academic achievement, and successful transitions into higher education or employment.
- Coordinate instructional schedules, course offerings, classroom resources, and program activities to meet student and community needs.
- Provide guidance, training, and support to instructional personnel and program staff, including supervision and performance evaluation when assigned.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local school districts, workforce centers, community organizations, employers, and other educational partners.
- Work collaboratively with CNCC faculty, academic departments, student services, and enrollment personnel to create accessible pathways for adult learners.
- Monitor program effectiveness through student achievement data, enrollment trends, completion rates, and other established performance measures.
- Ensure accurate collection, maintenance, and reporting of student and program information in accordance with applicable institutional, state, federal, and grant requirements.
- Assist with the preparation, administration, monitoring, and reporting of program budgets, grants, and other funding resources, as assigned.
- Maintain current knowledge of adult education requirements, instructional practices, state initiatives, workforce trends, and relevant educational regulations.
- Develop and support outreach, marketing, and community engagement activities to increase program awareness and participation.
- Identify barriers to student success and coordinate appropriate academic, institutional, and community resources.
- Participate in institutional planning, professional development, committee assignments, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain confidentiality of student and employee information in accordance with FERPA, institutional policies, and applicable laws.
- Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, sound judgment, and accountability in interactions with students, colleagues, and community partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission, goals, and operational needs of CNCC.

Competencies/KSAs:

Competencies / Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Knowledge of adult education principles, instructional practices, and learning strategies that support diverse adult learners.
- Understanding of Adult Basic Education (ABE), high school equivalency preparation, college readiness, and workforce development programs.
- Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations, educational standards, reporting requirements, and institutional policies.
- Ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate educational programs to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement.
- Strong leadership and program management skills, including the ability to coordinate instructional activities, support staff, and manage competing priorities.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, community organizations, workforce partners, and educational agencies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to individuals with varying educational backgrounds.
- Ability to recruit, engage, and support adult learners while promoting student persistence, retention, and successful educational outcomes.
- Proficiency in using student information systems, learning management systems, Microsoft Office applications, and other educational technologies.
- Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and report program data to evaluate performance, identify trends, and support informed decision-making.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, confidentiality, and established deadlines.
- Ability to manage program resources, monitor budgets, and support grant requirements and reporting, as assigned.
- Demonstrated problem-solving, critical-thinking, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and collaborate effectively across departments.
- Commitment to student success, educational access, professionalism, accountability, and CNCC's mission and values.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Adult Education, Educational Leadership, Human Services, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in adult education, postsecondary education, workforce development, student services, or a related educational setting.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating educational programs, student support services, or community-based learning initiatives.
- Experience working with adult learners, including individuals with varying academic backgrounds, educational goals, and learning needs.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet established deadlines.
- Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn institutional student information systems and educational technology platforms.
- Ability to interpret and apply institutional policies, program guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
- Ability to travel locally and between CNCC locations as required.
- Valid driver's license or ability to meet position-related transportation requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Adult Education, Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or a closely related field.
- Five (5) or more years of professional experience in adult education, postsecondary education, workforce development, or educational program administration.
- Experience administering or coordinating Adult Basic Education (ABE), high school equivalency preparation, or college and career readiness programs.
- Experience with Gateway programs or similar initiatives designed to support transitions from adult education into postsecondary education and workforce training.
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience, including staff development, program evaluation, and performance management.
- Experience with state or federally funded educational programs, including grant administration, budget management, compliance monitoring, and reporting.
- Familiarity with Colorado adult education initiatives, workforce development programs, and applicable state reporting requirements.
- Experience developing partnerships with community colleges, school districts, workforce centers, employers, and community organizations.
- Demonstrated success improving student recruitment, retention, completion, and transition outcomes.
- Experience using student information systems, educational assessment platforms, and data reporting tools.
- Experience serving rural communities, nontraditional students, and individuals facing barriers to educational access.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Selection Process:

Selection Process
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) is committed to a fair, equitable, and consistent selection process. Applications will be reviewed based on the qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies relevant to the position.

Applicants must submit a completed online application through the CNCC employment portal, including the following materials:
- Current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Cover letter outlining relevant qualifications, professional experience, and interest in the position.
- Contact information for three (3) professional references.
- Unofficial transcripts documenting required educational qualifications. Official transcripts may be required upon employment.
Qualified applicants may be invited to participate in interviews and additional assessments relevant to the position.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a background check and verification of credentials.

CNCC reserves the right to modify or extend the recruitment process as necessary to meet institutional needs.

Application Instructions: 

All interested and qualified applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation, along with a completed Colorado Northwestern Community College application for exempt employment to the Department of Human Resources.

CNCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

After filling out your application, please save it as a PDF and email it along with cover letter and letters of recommendation to cncc_hr_pr@cncc.edu

Additional Information/Benefits:

Additional Benefits and Information
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, supporting their health, financial security, professional growth, and work-life balance.

Benefits for eligible full-time Administrative, Professional, and Technical (APT) employees include:
- Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement: Participation in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA), subject to eligibility requirements.
- Paid Leave: Vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays in accordance with CNCC policies.
- Life Insurance: Employer-provided basic life insurance and optional supplemental coverage.
- Disability Coverage: Short-term and long-term disability benefits, as applicable.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources supporting employee well-being.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and professional growth.
- Tuition Assistance: Educational benefits for eligible employees and qualifying dependents in accordance with applicable policies.
- Additional Benefits: Access to voluntary benefit programs and other employee resources, subject to eligibility.
Additional Employment Information
This position is based at the CNCC Craig Campus in Craig, Colorado. Occasional travel may be required to support program operations, community partnerships, professional development, and institutional activities.

CNCC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive educational and employment environment.

Position Classification: If designated as an Administrative, Professional, and Technical (APT) position, this position has been reviewed pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-50-135(1) and is exempt from the State of Colorado Personnel System. It is not covered by the State classified employee system or the COWINS collective bargaining agreement. This designation is separate from the position's classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements.

Final benefits, leave accrual rates, and classification language should be confirmed against the approved position details before publication.