Executive Director Vacancy Announcement

The South Carolina Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, & Advancement (CERRA) is seeking a dynamic and innovative Executive Director. CERRA was established in 1985 by the SC General Assembly, through the SC Commission on Higher Education, upon the passage of the Education Improvement Act. CERRA is funded annually by the South Carolina General Assembly and is considered to be the oldest and most established teacher recruitment program in the country. CERRA’s mission is to provide state-wide leadership in identifying, attracting, placing, and retaining well-qualified individuals for the teaching profession in South Carolina.  CERRA is designed to be an independent, strategic, flexible, and innovative force that unifies efforts to enhance the teaching profession in South Carolina. To fulfill its mission, CERRA facilitates collaborations with other state agencies, professional organizations, universities, Pk-12 public schools, and the business community.
 
CERRA supports a variety of programs and services aimed to increase the number of students in the education pipeline and to recruit and retain qualified, caring, and competent teachers for the state of South Carolina. The Center’s target groups are middle (the ProTeam program) and high school students (the Teacher Cadet and Teaching Fellows Programs), college students, and adults interested in changing careers.  CERRA also targets groups of accomplished teachers through programs including mentoring and induction, teacher leadership, and National Board Certification support. Services directed toward public school districts include the annual Educator Supply and Demand Survey, the Online Educator Employment System, statewide teacher expos and the Rural Recruitment Initiative.
 
The CERRA Board of Directors serves as the chief advisory and governing body for CERRA and advocates for the teaching profession in the areas of teacher recruitment, retention, and advancement. The CERRA Executive Director is employed, supervised, and evaluated by the Board of Directors on recommendation from the Board’s Executive Committee. The Board is comprised of 22 members who represent the various constituents—PK-12, higher education, professional organizations, business, and legislature.
 
CERRA offices are located in the Stewart House on the Winthrop University campus in Rock Hill, South Carolina.  Winthrop University serves as the fiscal agent for CERRA. 
 
Major Responsibilities:

1. Directs and manages all CERRA programs and services, including ProTeam, Teacher Cadet, Teaching Fellows, Mentoring and Induction, National Board Certification Support, Teacher Leadership, State Teacher Forum, SC Teacher of the Year, Online Educator Employment System, Teacher Expo, Rural Recruitment Initiative, and the Annual Supply and Demand Report.
2. Reports to a 22-member Board of Directors, as well the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) and the SC Education Oversight Committee (EOC) regarding CERRA activities, accomplishments, and impact.
3. Collaborates with the South Carolina Department of Education, CHE, EOC, universities, and other education entities on joint programs and projects.
4. Plans and administers budgets in excess of $14 million.
5. Supervises a complex organizational structure and evaluates a staff of 16 full- and part-time employees, some of whom work off-site covering every region of the state.
6. Works cooperatively with school districts, teacher education institutions, education agencies, the state legislature, business and regional agencies in developing and implementing teacher recruitment, retention, and advancement programs and policies in South Carolina.
7. Informs all stakeholders, including appropriate committees of the South Carolina Legislature, of the status and progress of CERRA’s programs and services.
8. Responds to requests for information about CERRA programs and services, as well as teaching profession data.
9. Represents the interests of CERRA in South Carolina and nationally.

 
Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master's degree, doctorate preferred;
• At least ten years’ experience and evidence of success working in one or more of the following: 1) public school district, 2) state department or other education agency, 3) teacher education program, or 4) education-related entity;
• Educational administration experience, state-level preferred;
• Budget development and oversight experience;
• Ability to work effectively with local school districts, teacher education institutions, state department of education, state legislature and other education entities;
• Knowledge of and experience with public education policy, advocacy, legislatures and school systems, South Carolina-based preferred;
• Strong communication skills (interpersonal, written, and public speaking);
• Strong organizational skills;
• Willingness to travel extensively on behalf of the CERRA;

 
Employment Conditions:

• A 12-month full-time appointment
• Salary commensurate with qualifications 
• The position includes the comprehensive benefits package that is available to all state employees.
• Expected to maintain a regular presence in CERRA office in Rock Hill, SC

 
Position Availability: July 1, 2021
 
Application Deadline:  March 19, 2021.  Application materials received after this date may be considered if an acceptable candidate has not been selected.

Application Procedures:

1. Submit the following materials: 

a. A letter of application describing the applicant’s interest in the position,  qualifications, and commitment to quality education in South Carolina.
b. A current resume or curriculum vitae.
c. Names and contact information for at least five professional references.
d. Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work/degrees earned (unofficial acceptable for application phase).

Note: Applications will only be considered when all required materials are received. Additional materials may be requested during the review process.

2. Applications must be submitted electronically, including all supporting material. This application is  now closed.                                      

Additional information about the SC Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement may be found at www.cerra.org.
 
Inquiries should be directed to:                      
Amanda Darden, Chair, CERRA Board of Directors
Coastal Carolina University
[email protected]
Phone:  843/349-2699

CERRA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. CERRA is committed to building a diverse educational environment. Individuals from under-represented groups or with experience working with under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.