Director of Vocational Services

Cardinal Cushing Centers; Hanover (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover, MA, seeks a Director of Vocational Services to provide day-to-day leadership and strategic oversight of the organization's vocational programming within the School Programs division.

The role requires expertise in IEP development, curriculum planning, and supervising multidisciplinary teams, ensuring high-quality, compliant instruction for a diverse student population.

Qualifications

• Requires a Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• Massachusetts licensure as a Transition Specialist or eligibility to obtain preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management and strategic leadership of vocational programming.
• Lead curriculum development and alignment with standards and work-based learning.
• Supervise staff including instructors and job coaches to ensure quality and growth.
• Foster collaboration with educators, operations, and external partners for student success.

Skills

Education leadership

Curriculum development

Team leadership

IEP development

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education or Educational Leadership

Massachusetts Transition Specialist licensure eligibility

Job description

JOB TITLE: Director of Vocational Services, Cardinal Cushing Centers, Hanover

DEPARTMENT: Student Services Division: School Programs

REPORTS TO: Associate Vice President of Marketing and Program Development Date Revised: August, 2026

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt

SUMMARY (Summarize the nature of the work performed)

The Director of Vocational Services is responsible for the day-to-day management and strategic leadership of Cardinal Cushing Centers’ Vocational Programming. This position ensures the delivery of individualized, high-quality vocational instruction aligned with academic standards and the developmental needs of a diverse student population. Cardinal Cushing Centers provides a structured, supportive learning environment using a multi-modal, project-based instructional approach designed to support a wide range of learning profiles.

This role requires a hands‑on leader who collaborates closely with vocational staff, educational leadership, business operations, and external partners to provide meaningful work-based learning experiences that prepare students for successful transition into adulthood. The Director also plays a vital role in compliance, curriculum development, staff supervision, and fostering a student‑centered, team‑oriented culture.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (List key areas of responsibility, major job duties and key objectives for this position)

• Uphold and actively support the Mission, Vision, and Values of Cardinal Cushing Centers.
• Provide daily oversight of program operations, offering educational leadership and direction to instructors, job coaches, and staff
• Supervise, observe, and coach Vocational Instructors and Job Coaches to ensure instructional quality and professional growth.
• Partner with Marketplace Business Operations to coordinate services and maintain effective site operations
• Collaborate with the Associate Vice President of Marketing and Program Development in the interview and hiring process for vocational staff.
• Design, implement, and evaluate curriculum that is responsive to the unique needs of the student population, aligning with educational standards and project-based learning principles.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Vocational Site and Job schedules which meet individual student needs
• Ensure full compliance with DESE documentation and licensing requirements.
• Support and participate in DESE licensing and site review procedures as needed.
• Maintain open, professional, and effective communication with families, guardians, advocates, school districts, state agencies (e.g., DCF), and other stakeholders.
• Lead and facilitate regular staff meetings for the Vocational team, preparing agendas and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Manages district relationships and student schedules for the Vocational Alternatives Program
• Conduct or support Transition and Job Readiness Assessments as needed
• Serve as an active member of the Educational Leadership Team, collaborating with peer directors and reporting to the Associate Vice President of Marketing and Program Development
• Ensure consistent attendance and punctuality to model professional expectations.
• Take on additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Vocational Instructors
• Job Coaches
• Administrative staff

QUALIFICATIONS

Related Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in special education or vocational programming, with progressive leadership responsibilities preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with IEP development, curriculum planning, and supervision of multidisciplinary teams.

Formal Education, Certification, Licensing

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required.
• Current Massachusetts licensure as a Transition Specialist (or eligibility to obtain) preferred

Skills/Abilities/Competencies

• Deep understanding of intensive special education theories and individualized learning strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective curriculum and vocational programing for students with diverse needs
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to build and lead effective teams.
• Professionalism and emotional intelligence in working collaboratively with students, families, staff, outside agencies, and members of the local business community.
• Familiarity with DESE regulations and procedures, including documentation, compliance, and program review processes.

Physical Demands (List the physical requirements necessary to perform this job)

• Responds to behavioral situations when necessary according to Safety Care procedures
• Assists when a student when there is a search for a missing student regardless of weather conditions

Working Conditions (Describe the conditions in which the work is performed)

• Office work, observations in classrooms, vocational sites, and job sites. Occasional travel to observe potential students. Paper work related to IEP’s and DESE regulations

Salary Range: $75,000-$90,00

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE

My signature below verifies that I am able to complete the primary duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. Additionally, I have received training on all topics outlined in the primary duties and responsibilities and I have received a copy of this document.

Employee Signature: Date: