Title: K12 Strategist

Employee Classification: Other Professionals

Institution: TCAT-Knoxville

Department: 450000

Campus Location: TCAT Knoxville

Job Summary

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville is excited to announce a full-time opening for a K12 Strategist in our department of instruction, serving our Knoxville campuses. This 37.5-hour-per-week position plays a vital role in advancing the college’s mission to deliver high-quality technical education and strengthen workforce pathways across our region. This position is grant-funded.

The K–12 Strategist will collaborate closely with middle and high school counselors, administrators, and community partners—particularly at the 8th-grade level—to help students identify their strengths, interests, and career aspirations while aligning them with TCAT Knoxville’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. This role is instrumental in strengthening secondary-to-postsecondary transitions, supporting dual enrollment pathways, and expanding career-connected learning opportunities.

In addition, the Strategist will help coordinate and promote work-based learning experiences, including paid and unpaid apprenticeships, cooperative education, and industry engagement opportunities that connect students to real-world career pathways. The position supports Perkins V goals by improving pathway alignment, expanding access, and building strong partnerships that create seamless educational and workforce pipelines.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative professional who is passionate about guiding students through their educational journey and helping them discover meaningful career opportunities.

Job Duties

The K–12 Strategist conducts strategic outreach and builds relationships with middle and high school counselors, principals, teachers, and student support personnel to help students identify Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways aligned with their aptitudes, interests, and career goals. The position supports career awareness, exploration, and transition efforts that strengthen entry into CTE programs and improve the transition from secondary dual enrollment into postsecondary programs at TCAT Knoxville.

This role collaborates with secondary partners, postsecondary faculty and staff, and business and industry representatives to expand and enhance work-based learning opportunities, including apprenticeships, job shadowing, and cooperative education experiences. The Strategist promotes alignment between secondary dual enrollment pathways and postsecondary work-based learning to ensure seamless progression from career exploration to hands-on experiential learning.

In support of Perkins V initiatives, the position oversees the coordination and documentation of outreach and pathway activities that enhance program quality and expand access for all learners, including special populations. The Strategist monitors existing dual enrollment agreements with secondary partners, ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and grant requirements, and serves as a liaison between TCAT Knoxville and partner schools to facilitate the effective implementation of those agreements. The Strategist conducts workforce research and needs assessments to identify sustainable CTE pathways aligned with regional workforce demands and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to support student access, retention, completion, and workforce placement.

The position requires travel between campuses and occasional additional travel for events and training, as well as flexibility to work extended hours to support College events and initiatives. Other duties may be assigned as needed that specifically relate to career and technical education.

Professional Development: Acquire, maintain, and apply knowledge of current methodologies; attend scheduled college and department professional development and in-service activities; support related professional organizations. - (Essential)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferred degree in Education, Career and Technical Education, Workforce Development, Communications, Human Services, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of three years’ demonstrated leadership experience in a K–12 educational setting in a professional capacity (e.g., lead teacher, department chair, counselor, or school administrator).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in curriculum crosswalks, academic scheduling, and coordination of dual enrollment agreements.
• Familiarity with Tennessee Board of Regents policies, Perkins V compliance requirements, and/or TBR dual enrollment articulation frameworks.
• Experience working with special populations and underserved student groups in a secondary or postsecondary context.
• Experience with data tracking systems, reporting tools, or student information platforms such as Banner or similar CRM/SIS platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to clearly present information to individuals and large groups in both written and verbal formats.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related technology tools, including audio/visual equipment and digital platforms; ability to manage and safeguard confidential student information.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, dual enrollment, and work-based learning models.
• Ability to analyze data and workforce trends to support pathway alignment and program initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with K–12 partners, faculty, industry representatives, and community stakeholders.
• Cultural competence and the ability to engage diverse populations with professionalism and sound judgment while representing the College’s mission and values.
• Experience using websites and social media platforms to support outreach and engagement efforts.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and the positive impact of education on career and personal growth.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

This position is primarily performed in an office and educational setting but requires frequent travel between TCAT Knoxville campuses, secondary schools, and community or industry partner locations. The role involves extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and presenting to groups. Regular use of a computer and standard office equipment is required, along with occasional lifting and transporting of materials weighing up to 25 pounds (such as promotional materials, displays, or event supplies). The position may require evening or weekend hours to support College events, outreach activities, and training sessions. The work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, requiring flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience according to Tennessee Board of Regents guidelines, between $51,251 – $66,632. Salary funding is allocated as follows: up to 75% Perkins-funded and 25% college-funded, with time and effort distributed in accordance with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION & REVIEW: To be considered for a position at TCAT Knoxville, you must create and submit an online application that includes your required documents. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using what is recorded on your application. Please ensure that you include the complete start and end dates under your employment history. Scan and attach the required documents to the online application in Word or PDF format. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Resume
Educational transcripts/diploma

EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTS: Current federal law requires identification and eligibility verification prior to employment. Only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States may be employed. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check.