Director of High School Innovation

Michigan College Access Network•Lansing, MI

3d•$101,470•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of High School Innovation leads some of MCAN’s longest-standing strategies supporting college and career readiness across Michigan’s systems that support students completing their K12 education and transitioning to postsecondary education. Under the supervision of the Senior Director of College Access, this senior leader oversees the development and execution of statewide initiatives, professional learning, and grantmaking designed to shift the K12 education system to improve postsecondary education outcomes for all students earning a high school diploma or equivalency. The director works collaboratively across departments and with external partners to align programs with MCAN’s strategic plan [https://michigancollegeaccessnetwork.box.com/s/7hju4uyabdfsjphpfz58etuvdhse3xzi] and equity priorities. Essential to this role is an understanding of Michigan’s K12 education landscape and structure and an interest in empowering stakeholders engaged in Michigan’s existing network. This leader understands the vital role of school counselors and teacher buy-in to ensure Michigan’s K12 education sector is supporting all students to be academically, logistically, socially, and financially prepared for postsecondary education. The Director believes in the importance of administrative leadership in developing a college-going culture in a school and community. The Director will work hand-in-hand with leaders across Michigan’s school-based systems, inclusive of public school districts, public school academies, private schools, intermediate school districts, and adult education providers, who are working toward increasing successful postsecondary educational outcomes for Michigan’s high school students. The director understands the pivotal role school systems play in transforming a community’s culture. This leader has a broad understanding of Michigan’s diverse school communities and their differing needs.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing complex programs aligned to strategic goals.
Strong understanding of K-12 systems, especially the role of school counselors and building-level leadership.
Ability to analyze data, synthesize insights, and inform practice.
Strong project management, communication, and public speaking skills.
Deep commitment to equity and understanding of the systemic barriers affecting students historically excluded from postsecondary opportunity.
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.
Have ability to think critically 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 postsecondary attainment.
Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability for regular in-state and national travel and overnight stays.
Bachelor’s degree in education or other related field required.
Five to eight years of experience working in K12 education, college access, or related nonprofit/public service leadership.
Direct experience working in or with school systems, ideally in counseling, administration, or district support roles.
Prolonged periods of working on a computer either in a sitting or standing position.
Must be able to lift 20 pounds at times.
Must be able to access and navigate organization’s office facilities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and advance MCAN’s High School Innovation strategy and department.
Lead efforts to achieve MCAN’s strategic plan goals within the K12 education sector to increase college readiness, access, and success.
Seek opportunities to leverage and transform the K12 system as a strategy to increase college access and success internally and with partner organizations.
Gather and analyze pertinent data to use in decision-making, program design, and presentations.
Develop and monitor departmental goals and performance indicators, ensuring continuous improvement across all programs and initiatives.
Manage external contractors engaged in departmental projects, including onboarding, scope alignment, performance monitoring, and ensuring deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
Serve as a thought partner with the Senior Director of College Access and the Deputy Director to ensure strong program funding, cross-departmental collaboration, and mission alignment.
Oversee multiple statewide initiatives and programs, including but not limited to: School Counselor Fellowship, School Leadership Fellowship, FAFSA Specialists, College and Career Planning Course, and College Bound Michigan.
Lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive professional development strategy for school counselors, school leaders, college advisers, adult education practitioners, and other individuals providing college advising support to students.
Lead and support all aspects of the high school systems change-focused grant strategy including ongoing support and coaching to the grantees.
Lead MCAN’s strategy to increase opportunities for students to earn college credits in high school and to create more on-ramps, structured pathways, and smooth transitions for all students, particularly students with the most college-going barriers.
Provide tailored coaching, technical assistance, data support, and capacity-building to Southeast Michigan community colleges participating in D3C3 to strengthen K12 partnerships and expand structured on-ramps to college through dual enrollment and other college-in-high-school models.
Support data tool usage and validation, including FAFSA Tracker and Impact Map.
Provide support and lend expertise and guidance to the AdviseMI program led by the Advising and Coaching department.
Serve as a champion of equity-focused strategy development and program implementation.
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.
Apply Targeted Universalism and data disaggregation to guide strategic action and support implementation across schools and districts.
Build and maintain relationships with key national partners and state-based K12 professional associations.
Ensure programming and activity within the department is aligned, connected, and representative of the organization and its mission.
Work with and support Local College Access Networks, Promise Zones, and other partner organizations to assist their efforts in connection with the K12 system.
Represent MCAN in regional collaboratives such as D3C3 and at statewide meetings or task forces.
Lead regular communication, reporting, and convenings with grantees, school leaders, and external consultants.
Participate in internal strategic planning, budgeting, and departmental alignment processes.
Manage departmental financial administration, including submitting timely and accurate invoices, check requests, and expense reports to the finance team for processing.
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.
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.
Present MCAN’s work and outcomes at state and national conferences.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, team check-ins, and quarterly engagement conversations to provide feedback, coaching, and support.
Set clear goals, expectations, and accountability structures aligned with departmental and organizational priorities.
Lead the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes for new team members within the department, in partnership with the Administration and Human Resources Department.
Support the professional growth of direct reports by identifying development and skill-building opportunities and promoting a culture of continuous learning.
Delegate projects and responsibilities effectively to maximize team strengths and ensure balanced workload distribution.
Address performance challenges promptly and constructively, following organizational policies, processes, and best practices.
Promote a high-trust, inclusive, and equity-centered team culture aligned with MCAN’s values and strategic goals.
Collaborate with other department leaders to foster cross-functional alignment and learning across the organization.

Benefits

health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
education support program
employee development program
403(b) 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
cell phone reimbursement