Company Summary

College Living Experience supports young adults with varying exceptionalities to prepare for life as independent adults. The CLE Program includes educational support services, training in independent living skills and social skills, and support services for transitioning into the workforce.

Young adults with autism, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and other special needs can successfully transition to independent adulthood with tailored support provided by CLE.

Job Summary

CLE is currently seeking a Program Director for the San Diego, CA site to guide the center in administering, directing, and coordinating all activities of the program. This opportunity is a truly unique opportunity in which you will be able to design and implement programming, while taking part in the organizational development of an up and coming company who leads the industry is post-secondary supports.

We are seeking applicants who are not only passionate about working with this unique population, but who crave flexibility and autonomy. Applicants must excel in organization, administration and leadership with an ability to exercise sound decision making. Impeccable written and oral communication skills, and ability to foster new relationships are a must! In addition, to supporting the student population, you will also be responsible for supervising employees to meet the objectives of student services and the attainment of financial and operational goals.

If you have envisioned yourself working within the private sector while still making a positive impact on the community at large, then this is the right position for you! From supporting students towards their short-term and long-term goals to working with families and community partners within the transition arena, the possibilities are endless.

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Essential Responsibilities

  • Oversees, either directly or through subordinates, the daily operations and activities of the Center, including staff and student schedules and activities, programming, financial and/or budgetary operations, enrollment, and student outcomes.

  • Establishes and implements goals and objectives for program and staff in accordance with organization’s goals and objectives.

  • Maximizes efficiency and effectiveness of program operations and activities within budgetary guidelines without compromising quality of service by consistently monitoring established procedures, methods, and techniques.

  • Achieves financial objectives by assisting in forecasting revenues, preparing a budget, maintaining payroll statistics, limiting authorization of overtime, and managing expenditures. Compiles, prepares, and distributes financial reports as required.

  • Works in collaboration with the transition support team to oversee the admissions process to assure all inquiries (QIC) are answered, general prospect information is captured, brochures and applications are forwarded to prospects, and follow-up on inquiries are made within an appropriate time frame. This includes assuring prompt responses to questions, providing authorized references to applicants as requested, and assuring timely completion of application and psychological and educational testing needed prior to Admissions Meeting.

  • Participates in Information Sessions and Admissions Meetings with applicants and families and helps determine appropriateness of candidate for admission.

  • Oversees the development and maintenance of relationships with independent educational consultants, high school guidance counselors and transition coordinators through direct contact and participation in select professional conferences.

  • Assures through the appropriate CLE staff that partnering with academic institutions occurs to assure that all required testing is completed, required documentation is provided, enrollment process and proper orientation of student to campus services and college community is completed, and CLE staff are acting as advocates for students as appropriate.

  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Professional staff include: psychologist, residential advisors, academic liaisons, administrative personnel, independent living instructors, mentors and tutors.

  • Conducts weekly staff meetings to keep staff well informed and keep lines of communication open among staff and management.

  • In coordination with the marketing team, develops strategic/marketing/operational plans and initiatives as well as capital and operating budgeting.

  • Oversees and participates with respect to academic progress reporting and parent communications.

  • Develops effective community relationships for the school by acting as liaison to educate the community about our program and services and by participating in local community activities and civic groups.

  • Compiles, prepares, and distributes reports and communications as required, and assures maintenance and confidentiality of required files.

  • Ensures compliance with the company’s quality assurance process in accordance with standard operating procedures.

  • Establishes and maintains good relationships with students, parents, community, and staff by representing the company in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner at all times. Attends all parents’ weekend meetings. Returns phone calls and emails from parents, students, staff, and instructors.

  • All other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. An individual must be able to perform their duties in a positive work mode and serve as a positive role model and influence for clients and peers. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Education
    Bachelor’s degree in related field (Master’s preferred) with 3-5 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in secondary, postsecondary, or special education; outreach, marketing, and post secondary transition services are preferred. Direct experience working with families of students with special needs and training or experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis are helpful. Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint is required.

  • Integrity
    Iron Clad. Remains consistent in terms of what one says and does working others. Maintains high confidences. Does what is right, not what is politically expedient.

  • Passion
    exhibits enthusiasm, charisma, excitement, and positive ‘can do’ attitude.

  • Excellence
    Sets high standards of performance for self and coworkers. Exhibits conscientiousness and high sense of responsibility.

  • Resourcefulness
    Seeks out and seizes opportunities, goes beyond the ‘call of duty’, passionately finds ways to surmount barriers. Action-oriented, achieving results.

  • Independence
    Ability to work independently alongside the CLE team working towards shared goals. Anticipates needs, identifies areas of improvement without being given a task or directive to do so.

  • Communication Oral & Written
    Communicates effectively one to one, in small groups, and in public speaking contexts. Demonstrates fluency, ‘quick on one’s feet’. Articulates the CLE missions and standards keeping people informed. Writes clear, precise, well-organized emails and proposals while using appropriate and professional vocabulary, grammar, and word usage.

  • Intelligence
    Demonstrates ability to acquire understanding and absorb new information rapidly – intellectual capacity with motivation that results in learning.

  • Organization / Planning
    Proactively plans, organizes, schedules, and budgets in an efficient, productive manner. Focuses on key priorities. Effectively juggles multiple projects. Pays attention to detail.