Application Due Date: Open until filled; however, preference given to applications received before July 16, 2021.
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.
Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits.
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Director of the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative (KYSSC), a new organization that will work with higher education institutions in the state to advance and support efforts to improve student outcomes. CPE, in partnership with the James Graham Brown Foundation, created KYSSC to advance large-scale change and help equip institutions with the tools and techniques needed to drive transformation and improvement. KYSSC will work to increase degrees and greater career readiness for all students but with an emphasis on students of low-income status, first-generation students, and students of color.
The Associate Director is responsible for developing and implementing plans aligned to KYSSC strategic goals and objectives. The ideal candidate is a dynamic self-starter who possesses superior organizational and operational skills and is interested in contributing to the growth of a new organization within an existing agency. This position will also support the CPE’s strategic agenda, which guides state efforts to enhance the health and well-being of Kentucky’s citizens and economy through increased educational attainment. The Associate Director will report directly to the Executive Director of the KYSSC and work in close collaboration with CPE leadership staff and the KYSSC Advisory Committee.
The KYSSC currently is funded for three years; however, it is expected to be funded long-term through external funding and/or through existing state resources.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Facilitate campus network meetings and plan professional development events in response to campus needs and opportunities to improve student success efforts.
- Provide and build supports for institutional innovation to improve student success and close equity gaps in collaboration with diverse two and four-year public institutions in Kentucky.
- Assist with guidance and management of contract employees such as graduate fellows, consultants, and technical assistance providers to enhance the capacity of the KYSSC and support the work of educational partners.
- Develop, drive, balance, and manage multiple projects and programs aligned with the KYSSC strategic plan and goals.
- Compose and communicate reports and other written materials to share knowledge and progress with campus partners, funding partners, and other external stakeholder groups.
- Oversee content development and management of the KYSSC website to serve as a leading resource and centralized information hub regarding events, meetings, research, resources, and work of the collaborative.
- Support the facilitation and communication efforts with IHE leads and other stakeholders that build relationships, align and connect leaders around common work, and raise awareness of KYSSC programs and resources.
- Work closely with Executive Director to build up the KYSSC scope of work as the collaborative expands and evolves to meet the needs of diverse students, campus leaders, and community partners.
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree required (doctoral degree preferred) in higher education, student affairs, public policy, education policy, or related fields, or an equivalent level of knowledge and experience.
- Minimum of five years’ experience in leadership at a postsecondary institution or an education-related organization.
- Experience in organizational change management techniques.
- Knowledge of postsecondary student success research and best practices.
- Understanding of equity and inclusion issues and proven and promising approaches to eradicate equity gaps throughout the educational pipeline.
- Well-rounded interpersonal skill set, with a focus on strong collaboration and communications skills.
- Ability to adaptively manage competing priorities and deadlines in a complex environment of growth.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
Contact Information
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:
Rae Smith, Human Resource
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
100 Airport Road, Second Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
Rae.smith@ky.gov