The Director of Service Strategy is a new position to Michigan College Access Network. We are excited to expand the leadership team to include a focus of using service as a strategy to increase college access and success. Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Director of Service Strategy will support 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.
MCAN hosts an incredibly successful AmeriCorps program (AdviseMI) that places well-trained, near-peer college advisers in high schools across the state. The Director of Service Strategy will supervise the AdviseMI Director. In 2020, MCAN plans to launch a new, yet-to-be-named AmeriCorps program that will place success coaches on Michigan’s community college campuses. The Director of Service Strategy will help launch this program and hire its first staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Director of Service Strategy performs a wide range of duties including, but not limited to, the following:
- Seek opportunities to leverage service as a strategy to increase college access and success internally and with partner organizations.
- Lead all efforts to achieve MCAN’s strategic plan using service to increase college access and success.
- Support all aspects of the AdviseMI program and including its staff.
- Ensure programming and activity within the department is aligned, connected and representative of the organization and its mission.
- Plan, launch and monitor a new success coach program with support from staff, consultants and others. The design phase of this work is currently underway.
- Support all aspects of the success coach program and supervise its staff.
- Build, maintain, and expand MCAN’s relationship with the Michigan Community Service Commission, the Corporation for National and Community Service and other AmeriCorps programs.
- Build, maintain and expand MCAN’s relationship with current and future funders and higher education and K-12 partners.
- Work with the Executive Director and the directors of AdviseMI and the success coach program to ensure appropriate funding for the department and its programs.
- Design and launch a strategy that engages alumni of AdviseMI and the success coach program.
- Ensure appropriate training for AmeriCorps members and others within the service strategy.
- Manage MCAN’s use and deployment of AmeriCorps*VISTA members.
- Partner with staff as they design and launch new programming to include service as a potential component.
- Serve as a trailblazer on building an anti-racist internal and external culture.
- Work with and support Local College Access Networks, Promise Zones, and other partner organizations to assist their efforts.
- Employ Targeted Universalism to move the needle on MCAN’s college access dashboard metrics.
- Create and advance a portfolio of work that you will be responsible for and manage.
- Gather and analyze pertinent data to use in decision-making and presentations.
- Perform other duties as needed to advance the mission of the Michigan College Access Network.
Required Qualifications
The hired candidate must:
- 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 required 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.
- Service as an AmeriCorps member is preferred.
- Direct and extensive experience managing AmeriCorps programs, preferably within Michigan.
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.
To Apply:
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.