Associate Director, Kentucky Student Success Collaborative

Application Due Date: Open until filled; however, preference given to applications received before July 12, 2024.
Position:  Full-time state position, grant funded through June 30, 2028.
Location: In-person position in Frankfort, KY, with option for limited remote work with approval of supervisor.
Travel: The position will require travel within Kentucky with limited out-of-state travel.
Retirement:  TIAA

Overview

The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is Kentucky’s coordinating body for postsecondary education and is committed to strengthening the commonwealth’s workforce, economy, and quality of life through the continuous improvement and efficient operation of a high-quality, diverse, and accessible system of postsecondary education.

CPE, in partnership with the James Graham Brown Foundation, created the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative (KYSCC) to advance large-scale change and help equip institutions with the tools and resources needed to drive transformation and continuous improvement. The KYSSC works with higher education institutions in the state to increase degree completion, eliminate equity gaps, and enhance the economic mobility of all students.

Function of the Position 

This position reports directly to the Executive Director of the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative. This person will work with a team of professionals to lead cross-sector collaboration, strategy development strategy implementation, and continuous improvement.  

To facilitate strategic planning and communications work, this role will work closely with team members at CPE as well as primary contacts on campuses to support the Collaborative’s initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy Leadership & Project Coordination (ongoing, 50%)

• Coordinate, develop, drive, and manage multiple projects and programs aligned with the KYSSC strategi initiatives and goals.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives and deliverables.
• Lead cross-functional project teams, providing clear direction and support to ensure successful project delivery.
• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
  • Track project progress and milestones through a project management platform - ClickUp.
• Monitor project progress and performance, identifying and addressing potential risks or issues to keep projects on track.  
• Lead and plan convenings and meetings to move the work forward.
• Track and analyze data to follow impact of the data. Provide written reports on progress.

Communications & Relationship Building (CoP) (ongoing, 45%)

• Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, clients, and partners through effective communication strategies.
• Create compelling and clear messaging to convey project updates, achievements, and impact to various audiences.
• Collaborate with internal CPE teams to ensure consistent and effective communication and coordination across all channels.
• Support the development and execution of communications for KYSSC events and activities to raise awareness and profile of KYSSC among state and national partners.
• Compose and communicate reports and other written materials to share knowledge and progress with campus partners, funding partners, and other external stakeholder groups.
• Support the facilitation and communication efforts with contractors, associations, and other stakeholders to build relationships, align and connect leaders around common work, and raise awareness of KYSSC programs and resources.
• Work with CPE Communications Unit to support and ensure a coordinated communications effort to maximize public relations opportunities, including social media, press releases, Impact exChange resources, KYSSC website, and other external communications.

Support Work of CPE (as needed, 5%)

• Provide leadership and support to CPE initiatives as needed.

Qualifications - Education and Experience

• Master’s degree or above in higher education, education policy, or related fields, or an equivalent level of knowledge and experience.
• Minimum of eight years’ experience in leadership at a postsecondary institution or an education-related organization.
• Experience in organizational change management techniques.
• Deep knowledge of postsecondary student success research and best practices.
• A well-rounded interpersonal skill set, with the presence and capacity to build relationships and facilitate joint problem solving with postsecondary institutions, community organizations, state agencies, businesses and industry representatives, and other key stakeholders.
• Successful grant-writing experience and relationships with philanthropic organizations a plus.

Application Process

Interested applicants should send a letter of application specifically addressing the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, a resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references to: CPE.HR@ky.gov.