Director of Early College Initiatives

Responsibilities

• Partner Management
• Serve as the primary liaison between Merrimack College and external partners.
• Establish Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with partner schools.
• Lead steering committee meetings with K-12 administrators and Merrimack faculty.
• Ensure all parties fulfill agreed-upon roles and expectations.
• Manage and build relationships with key area high schools and district personnel.
• Expand early college enrollment and opportunities.
• Program Development & Oversight
• Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all Early College program components.
• Coordinate course offerings and pathways with Merrimack’s academic departments and Registrar’s Office.
• Schedule courses and align high school curricula with college expectations.
• Work closely with campus offices to integrate Early College students into the college environment.
• Develop new Early College initiatives and innovate program models.
• Student Support and Success
• Coordinate with designated partners on advising and academic support.
• Oversee processes for student course registration and orientation.
• Organize special events such as an early college orientation session, workshops, and a recognition/graduation ceremony.
• Monitor academic progress and connect students with tutoring, mentoring, and other resources.
• Data, Evaluation, and Reporting
• Collect and analyze data on Early College student performance and post-high school enrollment.
• Communicate program data and outcomes to internal stakeholders and designated partners.
• Write and present evaluation reports on the program’s impact.
• Funding and Sustainability
• Manage the Early College program budget.
• Seek and secure grants or state funding.
• Identify new funding opportunities and partnerships.
• Campus and Community Engagement
• Represent Merrimack College at Early College events.
• Serve on relevant committees or councils.
• Engage local community organizations and non-profits.
• Supervision and Administration
• Oversee two staff members and faculty directly involved in teaching in the Early College program.
• Hire, train, and set performance goals for staff.
• Coordinate the efforts of instructors teaching Early College courses.
• Ensure compliance with college policies and state designation standards.
• Other Duties as Necessary
• Perform other duties related to the Early College initiative as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required, doctorate/terminal degree preferred.
• Experience in program management in a higher education or K-12 setting, with experience working in or with underserved school districts or early college/dual enrollment programs.
• Familiarity with both secondary and postsecondary education systems, understanding high school operations/curriculum and college academic requirements.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts’ Early College Initiative policies and dual enrollment regulations.
• Experience with college access, student success initiatives, and community focused educational programs.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to write grant proposals and manage program budgets or grants.
• Bilingual abilities, especially Spanish proficiency, preferred.