The Community Education Director

The community education director or coordinator of any program is the key person in the development and success of the community education program. This individual should be trained in the field of community education, or be allowed to become knowledgeable through workshops, visitations and awareness sessions. This person must be able to effectively organize time, programs and resources. Community education directors must work with many different groups and be assertive in his/her dealings with people, follow through with their commitments and always be mindful of the group he/she is serving. Successful programs will have directors that are outgoing, energetic and have a firm sense of the community education concept.

The following job description may be used by school districts and communities that have decided to employ a community education director.
•Develop a curriculum of learning and leisure opportunities for adults.
•Be responsible for the adult basic education program, the General Educational Development testing program, and the development of approved programs.
•Be responsible for scheduling school facilities “after hours” – during evenings and weekends.
•Be responsible for promoting and publicizing community education.
•Conduct periodic assessments of community needs and interests with the assistance of the advisory council and develop activities accordingly.
•Identify and use community resources to meet community needs.
•Develop working arrangements for involving and cooperating with public and private agencies, service groups and other community organizations in identifying and serving the needs of the community.
•Plan, implement, and coordinate a balanced, year-round program that includes activities for children, youth and adults.
•Prepare budget(s) for approval; secure grants, funds, and other appropriate resources to implement the programs and services of the community education department.
•Be responsible for an on-going evaluation of the various components of the community education program, i.e. activities, services and staff.

CE Directors from across the state