Continuing Education | High School Equivalency Special Program Leader

High School Equivalency Special Program Leader

The High School Equivalency (HSE) Special Program Leader coordinates and manages grant funded orientations and sessions that support adult learners pursuing an adult HSE diploma through Fort Wayne Community Schools Continuing Education program. This position provides leadership for adult student recruitment, retention, and orientation. The HSE Special Program Leader collaborates with HSE instructional staff to improve student outcomes, increase enrollment, increase HSE diploma attainment and ensure compliance with state and federal adult education requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Education, Human Services, Workforce Development, Counseling, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Preferred experience working in adult education, program coordination, workforce development, student services, or a related field.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles, engagement strategies, educational pathways, workforce readiness concepts, and community resources that support adult learners.
• Experience working with diverse populations and demonstrated ability to establish positive relationships with adult learners from varying educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with adult students, instructional staff, community partners, and external agencies.
• Experience utilizing data management systems, adult student information systems, spreadsheets, and other technology platforms to maintain accurate records, monitor outcomes, and prepare reports.
• Ability to analyze program data and use information to support student success initiatives, program improvement efforts, and grant compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of state and federal adult education performance measures, grant-funded programs, and reporting requirements preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, database management systems, and virtual communication platforms.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when working with adult student records and sensitive information.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate and oversee intake/orientations designed to support adult learners in achieving High School Equivalency diplomas.
• Develop, implement, and monitor adult student engagement, retention, and persistence strategies to improve measurable skill gains, diploma attainment, and program completion rates.
• Orient and support students participating in HSE instruction and HSE testing.
• Assist students with educational planning, workforce readiness activities, and referrals to community resources that support academic and career success.
• Monitor program performance metrics, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports required by FWCS and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
• Utilize student information systems and data management platforms to document services, track participant outcomes, and ensure compliance with grant funded program requirements.
• Coordinate outreach and marketing efforts, engagement activities, and recruitment campaigns.
• Collaborate with HSE instructors and administrative staff to identify student needs and implement support services that promote adult learner success.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of program policies, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate orientations, classes, information sessions, and other activities related to adult education.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment that supports adult learner success and reflects the mission of FWCS Continuing Education.
• Supports the FWCS Schools of Success mission to empower all students to reach their potential through equitable and relevant community-connected experiences to ensure students achieve at least one of the 4E's - (Enrollment, Employment, Enlistment, or Entrepreneurship.)
• Positively promotes and embodies the FWCS Schools of Success six core…