The Director of Community Mobilization is a recently-transformed position at Michigan College Access Network although our work in this strategy remains consistent. Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Director of Community Mobilization serves as a senior staff member and supports various initiatives and projects related to MCAN’s four priorities.
The ideal candidate is self-motivated, technically-capable, detail-oriented and has the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Having a tolerance for ambiguity and an adventuresome outlook will help ensure success within MCAN’s work and culture. A strong commitment and understanding of the role of college access in addressing racism and equity is essential.
Essential to this role is an understanding of how local communities collaborate to address critical challenges facing their citizens. The Director will work hand-in-hand with leaders across the state of Michigan who are working toward increasing college access in their communities. The concepts of entering and exiting communities respectfully will help MCAN build trust and strong relationships that are required to achieve our goals. As the person who leads MCAN’s efforts to invest money into local communities and organizations, an appreciation for the opportunities and the limitations of philanthropy is helpful. This leader will have or will develop a wide understanding of Michigan’s diverse communities and their differing needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage MCAN’s Community Mobilization Strategy Department: Supervise departmental staff and oversee departmental budget.
- Serve as a member of the senior staff team, assisting with management and success of the organization
- Fulfill strategic plan goals within the community systems category and those related to network development.
- Develop, manage, and deliver suite of training and technical assistance services to Local College Access Networks, utilizing the Collective Impact framework
- Troubleshoot with LCANs that encounter problems or setbacks
- Maintain and regularly update Charting the Course and the Collective Impact Benchmarks
- Serve as a regional liaison to assigned LCANs in a particular geography
- Oversee MCAN’s regranting strategy
- Manage the Community Ambassador contracting efforts to increase engagement between communities without LCANs and MCAN
- Represent the Michigan College Access Network and its Executive Director at public events, conferences and meetings, as appropriate and requested
- Present on strategies within the Community Mobilization Strategy at regional, statewide, and national conferences
- Engage in other such duties as may advance the organization’s mission
Qualifications
The ideal candidate should:
- Have an understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities.
- Have experience considering the impacts of college access on multiple communities, including communities of color, and those with low socioeconomic status.
- Have experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color, in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process.
- Prioritize work, multi-task, work independently with minimal supervision, and accurately perform duties in a fast-paced environment
- Have ability to solve problems, pay attention to detail, and follow through on tasks assigned through completion
- Work efficiently and adhere to established deadlines
- Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Have a passion for working in the nonprofit and education sector – especially for post-secondary attainment
- Have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Products and Gmail as well as knowledge of basic office and communication equipment and software
- Have strong written communication skills that demonstrate professional composition, proper grammar, clarity, and reflect the tone of the Michigan College Access Network
- Communicate clearly and professionally with MCAN staff and its partners
- Have a valid in-state driver license for local travel
Education, Job Knowledge, and Experience Requirements
A master’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of five years of professional experience is required.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to develop and give effective presentations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Effective time management and organizational skills, with ability to prioritize and multi-task
- Ability to work successfully independently and as part of a team
- This position requires access to a car and a valid driver’s license
Salary: $55,000 - $65,000
Benefits
This position is full-time and is eligible for MCAN’s full benefits package including generous health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, retirement benefits, significant paid time off, paid holidays, and a fun work environment.
MCAN believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
MCAN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply.
For questions related to this position, please email Vicky Wright, Director of Operations, at [email protected].
To apply, please submit résumé and cover letter to [email protected]. We encourage you to apply by January 13, 2020.
About the Michigan College Access Network
Established in 2010, the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) is a statewide nonprofit intermediary organization that mobilizes state and local leaders to increase college readiness, enrollment, and completion rates. Our efforts are oriented toward achieving the ambitious goal of increasing Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60% by 2030.
MCAN’s mission is to increase Michigan’s college readiness, enrollment, and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first generation college-going students, and students of color. MCAN aims to fulfill its mission through advocacy, capacity building, convening, dissemination of research and data, development of partnerships, and investment.
As per our recently adopted strategic plan, MCAN will focus its work on the following priorities:
- Foster a college-going culture
- Identify multiple postsecondary education pathways and facilitate smooth transitions
- Improve college affordability
- Support credential completion
Vision and Values
College is postsecondary education
MCAN uses the term "college" to refer to the attainment of valuable credentials beyond high school, defined as postsecondary certificates and academic degrees.
College is a necessity
Postsecondary education is a prerequisite to success in a knowledge-based economy. Everyone must pursue and complete a postsecondary credential or degree beyond high school.
College is for everyone
The postsecondary education attainment rates among low-income students and students of color are significantly lower than those of other students. MCAN is committed to closing these gaps.
College is a public good
Postsecondary educational opportunity and attainment are critical to a just and equitable society, strong economy, and healthy communities.
For more information, visit www.micollegeaccess.org.