Position Type:
Administration
Date Posted:
3/18/2026
Location:
St. James Community Education
Closing Date:
04/27/2026
St. James Public Schools Community Education Director
St. James Public Schools
Position Opens: Tuesday, March 17th
Position Closes: April 27, 2026
Status: Exempt
Reports To: Superintendent
Primary Office Location: St. James, MN (serving St. James, Madelia, and Butterfield school districts)
Position Overview
St. James Public Schools is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary Community Education Director to lead and coordinate comprehensive community education programming across Watonwan County, including St. James, Madelia, and Butterfield school districts.
This position provides strategic leadership, financial oversight, and program development for early childhood, youth, adult, and community-based education initiatives. The Director works across district and community lines to build partnerships, secure funding, and ensure programs meet the evolving needs of students, families, and community members.
Contract & Compensation
- Contractual Days: 260-day contract
- Salary Range: $90,000 – $105,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, and other district benefits in accordance with master agreement.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Administration
- Direct and oversee all Community Education programs and budgets across participating districts
- Serve as liaison to Superintendents and Community Education Advisory Boards
- Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate Community Education staff
- Provide leadership across district boundaries to ensure strong inter-district collaboration
- Maintain compliance with Minnesota Department of Education requirements
- Attend and participate in local, regional, and state trainings and professional development
Financial Management & Grant Development
- Develop and manage Community Education budgets (UFARS knowledge preferred)
- Oversee fiscal coordination between districts
- Lead grant writing and fundraising efforts to sustain and expand programming
- Serve as fiscal host for designated inter-district initiatives
Early Childhood & Family Programming
- Supervise ECFE, School Readiness, Preschool, and Preschool Screening programs
- Oversee School Age Childcare and community childcare programs
- Support Family Literacy initiatives and Welcome Baby programming
Adult & Youth Programming
- Direct Adult Basic Education (GED, ESL, Citizenship, workplace literacy)
- Oversee adult enrichment and recreation programming
- Supervise youth recreation, summer recreation, and afterschool programming
- Coordinate swimming pool programming, lessons, and certifications
- Support youth development initiatives, including Teen Court and grant-funded programming
Inter-District & Countywide Initiatives
- Serve as Inter-District Coordinator for the Madelia Area Integration Collaborative (MAIC)
- Coordinate inter-district programs including:
- Youth Frontiers Retreats
- Pay It Forward Trip
- STEAM Camp
- MLK Staff Development
- Support Learning Unlimited (Adults with Disabilities)
- Serve on relevant boards and children’s cabinets
- Collaborate with community organizations and municipalities
Community Engagement
- Support community leadership development and community-building initiatives
- Coordinate candidate forums and civic engagement opportunities
- Maintain strong relationships with community partners and organizations
- Provide oversight to arts, theater, and cultural programming
Minimum Qualifications
- Minnesota Community Education Director Administrative License (or ability to obtain)
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the region
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of early childhood programming and community education systems
- Experience managing budgets and working within UFARS
- Demonstrated success in staff supervision and leadership
- Grant writing experience
- Experience working across multiple districts or community organizations
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong organizational and financial management skills
- Ability to understand and manage diverse program budgets
- Skilled at collaborative leadership across district and community lines
- Ability to identify and secure new funding opportunities
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and support staff
- Ability to balance direct involvement with effective delegation
- Commitment to community visibility and relationship-building
Work Environment
- Flexible schedule including frequent evening and weekend commitments
- Regular travel within Watonwan County and occasionally statewide
- Main office located in St. James with responsibilities in Madelia and Butterfield
- Highly collaborative environment requiring strong community engagement
Physical Requirements
- Ability to travel to meetings, community events, and regional/state conferences
St. James Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals.