Position Description for Colorado River Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES), Parachute, Colorado 

The Colorado River BOCES Board of Directors is seeking a highly qualified Executive Director. The Board wishes to have the successful candidate assume the responsibilities of the position July 1, 2025.

 

McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development, in association with the Colorado Association of School Boards, has been engaged as the consultant in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the board of directors in identifying and screening the candidates.

 

Colorado River BOCES has been serving school districts in the Roaring Fork Valley to De Beque since 2017. Our main office is located in Parachute, Colorado. The organization provides special education services, administers Yampah Mountain High School, provides alternative licensure, manages regional Career and Technical Education programs, and

administers Colorado’s supplemental and blended learning program. BOCES are an important and vital part of public education systems in Colorado. The Colorado River BOCES helps to provide opportunities for rural districts that otherwise may not be able to provide. Member districts include Aspen, Roaring Fork, Garfield Re-2, Garfield 16, and De Beque.

 

Location: 200 miles west of Denver

 

Position Overview

The Executive Director of Colorado River BOCES is responsible for leading and managing a multi-district educational service agency dedicated to enhancing educational services, supporting  member districts, and ensuring successful student outcomes. This role involves strategic planning, program development, fiscal management, stakeholder engagement, cascading communication, and operational leadership to address the diverse educational needs within member districts.

 

In addition to overseeing BOCES programs and operations, the Executive Director serves as an influential leader within the broader Colorado educational landscape, engaging in statewide associations, advisory councils, and providing mentorship to emerging leaders in education.

 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership and Vision

Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with BOCES goals and the needs of member districts.

Facilitate an annual strategic planning retreat with the BOCES Board to review goals, gather feedback, and set new priorities.

Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration across member districts.

 

Program Development and Oversight

Oversee specialized programs within the BOCES that currently include the EPIC Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, Alternative Licensure, Special Education, Yampah Mountain High School, Rebound, and Colorado Empowered Learning (CEL) and work with BOCES leaders in each of these areas.

Work with district leaders and superintendents to ensure programs meet specific district needs, support at-risk students, and drive positive student outcomes.

Pursue funding opportunities and grants to support program sustainability and expansion.

Colorado Empowered Learning (CEL) Program Management

Lead the Colorado Empowered Learning (CEL) program to provide high-quality online and blended learning opportunities for students within the BOCES member districts.

Partner with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and other stakeholders to align CEL program offerings with state standards and district-specific goals.

Facilitate training for educators on digital learning tools, instructional strategies, and best practices in online education.

Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, collect data on student performance and satisfaction to guide program enhancements.

Operational and Financial Management

Manage the BOCES budget, ensuring effective allocation of funds to meet operational and programmatic needs.

Directly oversee staff responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Secure and manage grant funds, such as those allocated for the EPIC CTE program and CEL program, including budget tracking and reporting.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Act as a liaison between BOCES, member district leaders, the Colorado Department of Education, and other educational organizations.

Engage with stakeholders to understand district needs, gather input on current programs, and identify opportunities for new services.

Build partnerships with community organizations, local governments, and businesses to enhance educational opportunities and resources.

Monthly Job-Alike Meetings

Organize and facilitate monthly job-alike meetings with departments from around the region to promote collaboration, share best practices, and address common challenges.

Engage leaders from departments such as technology, transportation, facilities, human resources, and accounting to foster a cohesive network of support among districts.

Use these meetings to identify cross-district opportunities for resource sharing, problem-solving, and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Statewide Leadership and Advisory Roles

Actively participate in statewide educational leadership groups that bring support to the member districts and Colorado River BOCES such as the Colorado BOCES Association, the Business Experiential Leadership Council, the Colorado School Finance Project, the Colorado Association of School Executives Board, the Commissioner’s Rural Council, and the Commissioner’s Superintendent Advisory Council.

Contribute expertise and advocacy to advance educational priorities for rural and multi-district BOCES entities, influencing policy and program development at the state level.

Accessibility and Compliance

Lead accessibility planning efforts, working with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to ensure the Colorado River BOCES is compliant with accessibility standards.

Develop procedures for accommodations, inclusive operations, and accessible communications for all students and staff.

Human Resources and Leadership Development

Hire, train, and manage BOCES staff to ensure effective delivery of services and support to member districts.

Foster professional development opportunities for educators and administrators, promoting best practices and supporting career advancement.

Housing and Infrastructure Advocacy

Participate in forums and advocate for affordable housing solutions to support the recruitment and retention of teachers and staff in rural districts.

Partner with local housing authorities and organizations like Habitat for Humanity to explore and support housing initiatives for educators.

Qualifications

Education ~ Master’s degree in Education Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required; Doctorate preferred

Experience ~ Minimum of 10 years in education leadership roles, with demonstrated experience in program administration, strategic planning, and fiscal management

Skills ~Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; proficiency in financial management and grant writing; ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders

Knowledge ~ In-depth understanding of rural education challenges, CTE programming, alternative licensure, digital learning, and special education requirements

Salary Range

Salary and Benefits: $135,000 - $160,000

 

Search Timeline: 

Contact information:

McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C. 11725 Arbor St., Suite 220

Omaha, NE 68144

888-375-4814

Email: apps@macnjake.com

 

 

BOCES Website: https://www.crboces.org/

 

 

Consultants: Dr. Christy L. Sinner c_sinner@macnjake.com

 

 

 

Colorado River BOCES is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The BOCES does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability and, when needed, will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Anyone requesting reasonable accommodation in the application or recruitment process please contact McPherson & Jacobson at the address/phone/email above.