Director, National High School Institute

About the role

The Director of the National High School Institute (NHSI) leads and produces all activities for year-round and intensive summer experience, serving 600+ high school students. This includes preparation, recruitment, and execution of programs in debate (policy), theatre arts (performance, musical theater, and stage management/design), film and video (production, writing for stage/screen, animation, and acting for the camera), and playwriting.

Responsibilities

• Leads high school preparation/recruitment programs; works with area division directors, and full time NHSI staff to identify and implement dynamic curriculum opportunities aligned with the mission goals and educational direction of SoC. Determines program needs and allocates resources on an ongoing basis.
• Oversees in-school playwriting residencies in Chicago and Los Angeles area high schools and acts as Director of the Summer Playwriting Institute;
• Collaborates with colleagues in the School of Communication and staff that manage SoC facilities including the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, John J. Louis Hall, and Annie May Swift, as well as central units including Residential Services, food service, health services, Norris Center, and the registrar on securing needed facilities, services and space for curricular and residential programs for over 600 students and 100+ summer faculty/staff. Works with Alumni Relations and Development to support donor outreach;
• Develops relationships with leading high schools (national and international), guidance counselors, fine arts coordinators, teachers, principals, college test boards, NHSI student (and parent) alumni, and various high school educators/program directors to grow the program profile. Manages/guides online social media initiatives and content creation to support the NHSI mission;
• Serves as the guardian or parent liaison to over 500+ NHSI students in cases of safety/emergency annually from June through August. The position also serves as the daily available contact for any other non-emergency parental contact for health, safety, or discipline related issues;
• Collaborates with colleague in the School of Communication to support communications, marketing, event, technology support, finance, and undergraduate and student affairs to develop the programs in alignment with the mission and resources of the SoC.

Qualifications

• Identify the minimum qualifications required to successfully perform the job. Qualifications include education, experience, specialized knowledge, professional certification.
• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s degree or higher in communication, performing arts, arts administration, education, business, higher education administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience leading or managing academic, enrichment, arts, youth-serving, or similarly complex programs.
• Experience overseeing program operations that include scheduling, staffing, participant communications, and coordination across multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience supervising staff and/or coordinating the work of temporary, seasonal, or part-time personnel.
• Experience managing budgets, payroll, or financial processes with attention to forecasting, reconciliation, and policy compliance.
• Experience working with minors, students, or youth populations in environments requiring strong attention to safety, conduct, and risk management.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required institutional clearances, trainings, and background checks associated with work involving minors and campus-based youth programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex academic or enrichment programs involving multiple stakeholders, concurrent workstreams, and time-sensitive operational deliverables.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents/guardians, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute across an annual cycle of recruitment, program delivery, and post-program assessment.
• Ability to manage program budgets, payroll, and financial forecasting with strong attention to accuracy, compliance, and stewardship of resources.
• Ability to supervise, coach, and coordinate the work of full-time and seasonal staff in a high-volume, service-oriented environment.
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn policies, procedures, and compliance requirements related to working with minors, student safety, mandated reporting, and employment practices.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, manage sensitive situations, and respond calmly and effectively to health, safety, conduct, and parent/guardian concerns.
• Strong collaboration and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively across academic, administrative, and external constituencies.
• Ability to analyze applications, enrollment, and program outcome data to support admissions, scholarship, planning, and continuous improvement decisions.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation and commitment to delivering a high-quality student and family experience.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html.

Work-Life and Wellness

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.