Director of Higher Education Innovation
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Director of Higher Education Innovation leads some of MCAN’s newest strategies supporting college success across Michigan’s higher education system. Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Student Success, this senior leader oversees the development and execution of statewide initiatives, professional learning, and grantmaking designed to shift the higher education system to improve postsecondary education outcomes for Michigan residents. The director works collaboratively across departments and with external partners to align programs with MCAN’s strategic plan and equity priorities.
Essential to this role is an understanding of Michigan’s higher education structure and an interest in empowering stakeholders engaged in Michigan’s existing network. This leader understands the vital role of a student support staff and the importance of administrative leadership and faculty buy-in to ensure Michigan’s vast higher education landscape is student-ready. The Director will work hand-in-hand with leaders across all Michigan higher education institutions, inclusive of community colleges, tribal colleges, and public and private 4-year colleges and universities, who are working toward increasing successful postsecondary educational outcomes for Michigan’s residents. The director understands the pivotal role higher education systems play in transforming a community’s prosperity and an individual’s economic independence. This leader will have a broad understanding of Michigan’s diverse higher education institutions and their differing needs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Higher Education Innovation performs a wide range of duties including, but not limited to, the following:
Supervisory Responsibilities
As a Department Director, this role carries the responsibility of leading and guiding the Higher Education Innovation team, managing workflow, professional development, performance management, conflict resolution, problem solving, team building and ensuring compliance. This position supervises a Strategy Assistant and Strategy Manager for Higher Education Innovation
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Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, team check-ins, and quarterly engagement conversations to provide feedback, coaching, and support.
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Set clear goals, expectations, and accountability structures aligned with departmental and organizational priorities.
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Lead the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes for new team members within the department, in partnership with the Administration and Human Resources Department.
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Support the professional growth of direct reports by identifying development and skill-building opportunities and promoting a culture of continuous learning.
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Delegate projects and responsibilities effectively to maximize team strengths and ensure balanced workload
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Collaborate with other department leaders to foster cross-functional alignment and learning across the organization.
Strategic Leadership and Expertise
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Lead and advance MCAN’s Higher Education Innovation strategy and department. Support the existing strategy and oversee departmental budget.
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Lead efforts to achieve MCAN’s strategic plan goals within the higher education sector to increase college readiness, access, and success.
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Seek opportunities to leverage and transform the higher education system as a strategy to increase college access and success internally and with partner organizations.
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Gather and analyze pertinent data to use in decision-making, program design, and presentations.
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Develop and monitor departmental goals and performance indicators, ensuring continuous improvement across all programs and initiatives.
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Manage external contractors engaged in departmental projects, including onboarding, scope alignment, performance monitoring, and ensuring deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
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Serve as a thought partner with the Senior Director of Student Success and the Deputy Director to ensure strong program funding, cross-departmental collaboration, and mission alignment.
Programmatic Oversight
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Oversee multiple statewide initiatives and programs, including but not limited to: Gateway Course Redesign Faculty Academy, Higher Education Strategy Council, Registrar Policy Institute, and Academic Advisor Fellowship.
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Lead the development and delivery of a professional development strategy for higher education professional, and other individuals providing college success support to students.
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In partnership with the Director of Educated Workforce Strategy, lead the expansion of the Roadmap to Opportunity series focused on highlighting education pathways for in-demand, high-wage careers through video, printed collateral, and professional development.
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Lead the development and implementation of a higher education systems change-focused grant strategy including ongoing support and coaching to the grantees.
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Serve as a technical assistance partner, alongside Detroit Regional Chamber, and Michigan Community College Association for Detroit Drives Degrees Community College Collaborative (D3C3).
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Support data tool usage and validation including the Impact Map.
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Provide support and lend expertise and guidance to the College Completion Corps program led by the Service Strategy department.
Equity and Inclusion
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Serve as a champion of equity-focused strategy development and program implementation.
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Lead internal and external efforts to close equity gaps in postsecondary readiness and attainment for low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color.
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Apply Targeted Universalism and data disaggregation to guide strategic action and support implementation across institutions.
Partnership and Coordination
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Build and maintain relationships with key national, state, and local partners including higher education professional and membership associations.
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Ensure programming and activity within the department is aligned, connected, and representative of the organization and its mission.
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Strengthen and deepen relationships within higher education institutions alongside the Senior Director of Student Success and the Deputy Director.
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Work with and support Local College Access Networks, Promise Zones, and other partner organizations to assist their efforts in connection with the higher education system.
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Represent MCAN in regional collaboratives such as D3C3 and at statewide meetings or task forces.
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Lead regular communication, reporting, and convenings with grantees, higher education leaders, and external consultants.
Other Responsibilities
Required Skills/Abilities:
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Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing complex programs aligned to strategic goals.
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Strong understanding of higher education systems, especially the role of academic advisers, student success professionals, and institutional leadership.
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Ability to analyze data, synthesize insights, and inform practice.
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Strong project management, communication, and public speaking skills.
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Deep commitment to equity and understanding of the systemic barriers affecting students historically excluded from postsecondary opportunity.
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Have an ability to collaborate across departments on multiple projects and timelines and work independently with minimal management to effectively perform duties in a fast-paced environment.
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Have ability to think critically to solve problems, pay attention to detail, and follow through on tasks assigned through completion.
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Work efficiently and adhere to established deadlines.
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Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
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Have a passion for working in the nonprofit and education sector, especially for postsecondary attainment.
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Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Participate in internal strategic planning, budgeting, and departmental alignment processes.
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Manage departmental financial administration, including submitting timely and accurate invoices, check requests, and expense reports to the finance team for processing.
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Use QuickBooks and related tools to monitor budgets, track grant expenditures, and review expenses to ensure compliance with organizational policies and processes and grant agreements.
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Lead the drafting and preparation of grant agreements and vendor contracts related to departmental work, using organizational templates and coordinating with relevant staff to ensure accuracy, alignment, and timely execution.
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Present MCAN’s work and outcomes at state and national conferences.
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Other duties as needed to advance the mission of the Michigan College Access Network.
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Ability for regular in-state and national travel and overnight stays.
Education and Experience:
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Master’s degree in higher education or other related field required; PhD preferred.
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Five to eight years of experience working in higher education, college success, or related nonprofit/public service leadership.
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Direct experience working in or with higher education systems, ideally in advising or administration.
Physical Requirements:
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Prolonged periods of working on a computer either in a sitting or standing position.
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Must be able to lift 20 pounds at times.
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Must be able to access and navigate organization’s office facilities.
Salary: $92,700
Benefits: Full benefits package includes platinum health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Also includes education support program, employee development program, 403b retirement plan (with standard 4% employer contribution and up to an additional 3% match), 240 hours of PTO, 13 paid holidays, 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, employee assistance program, downtown Lansing parking permit and cell phone reimbursement.
Please upload a copy of your resume, cover letter and 3 professional references of past or present coworkers or supervisors.
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment....