Chief Education and Learning Officer

About Umoja Community Education Foundation (UCEF): Operating with over 75 campus programs in California and Washington and serving over 6,000 students, UCEF is a community of educators and learners committed to college success, personal growth, and self-actualization of African American and other students. UCEF seeks to educate the whole student–body, mind, and spirit. Informed by an ethic of love and its vital power, UCEF deliberately engages students as full participants in the construction of knowledge and critical thought and to help students experience themselves as valuable and worthy of an education.  

About the Chief Education and Learning Officer: The Chief Education and Learning Officer will work with the senior/executive leadership and play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of our educational programs, initiatives and driving organizational growth. You will lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative learning programs that align with our mission and values. The CELO will collaborate closely with internal teams, external partners, and community stakeholders to develop comprehensive learning solutions that meet the diverse needs of our community. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Leadership: Provide visionary leadership in the development and execution of Umoja Community's educational programs, learning and growth strategy. Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in education to inform organizational decision-making. 
• Curriculum Development: Oversee the creation and refinement of culturally responsive curriculum and educational materials across various disciplines and formats. Ensure alignment with industry standards, best practices, and learner needs. 
• Program Management: Direct the planning, implementation, and evaluation of campus and educational programs, workshops, and events. Monitor program effectiveness and impact through data analysis and feedback mechanisms. 
• Partnership Engagement: Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders. Collaborate on joint initiatives and resource-sharing opportunities. 
• Team Development: Build and mentor a high-performing team of learning professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Provide guidance and support to staff in achieving individual and collective goals. 
• Technology Integration: Explore and leverage technology solutions to enhance learning experiences, including e-learning platforms, micro-credentials, virtual reality, and other digital tools. Stay abreast of technological advancements and their potential applications in education. 
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within Umoja Community's learning programs and organizational practices. Ensure equitable access to educational resources and opportunities for all participants. 
• Community Engagement: Engage with community members, educators, learners, and other stakeholders to gather input, foster dialogue, and build relationships. Seek feedback to continuously improve learning offerings and address community needs. 

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in education, psychology, instructional design, organizational development, or related field.  
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in educational leadership, curriculum development, and program management. Community College or University experience preferred.  
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing culturally relevant and inclusive learning experiences.  
• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams in a collaborative environment. 
• Strong understanding of educational technology, instructional design principles, and adult learning theory. 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate vision, influence stakeholders, and build consensus. 
• Commitment to equity, social justice, and community-centered approaches to education. 
• Experience working in diverse communities or multicultural settings is highly desirable. 
• Flexibility to travel occasionally and work evenings or weekends as needed. 

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Training & Development
• Free Food & Snacks