Director, College Access Program

Posted by on August 25, 2006

[emailed 8/24/2006]

Philadelphia Education Fund

Job Description
Director, College Access Program

Summary:
The College Access Program is a signature program of the Philadelphia Education Fund (Ed Fund). The Program is designed to improve access to postsecondary education for Philadelphia public school students. It maintains a full-time staff of 18, working in 21 schools, 3 community-based College Access Centers and the Ed Fund?s central office. The Program works in close partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, colleges and universities, community groups and businesses.

The Director is responsible for the administration and continued development of the highly respected College Access Program. She/he works in close cooperation with other Ed Fund programs to ensure synergy among the organization?s initiatives. The Director demonstrates initiative, drive, a collaborative style, superior organizational, oral, and writing skills and the ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities:
Organizational Advocacy/Promotion of Mission
Serves as principal spokesperson for the program
Promotes the organizational mission through participation in related civic, social and educational activities on local and national levels
? Translates the goals of the program into action plans that affect policy and practice at the school and district levels
Together with other Ed Fund staff, prepares and distributes materials for use in publications and in the media

Administration
Provides overall management and supervision of College Access staff, including on-site monitoring
Recruits, hires, trains and evaluates staff
Ensures that the program is in compliance with local, state, federal, and private contracts
Assists in staffing the Philadelphia Scholars Advisory Committee and ensures strong linkage between College Access and the Scholars
Program Development and Implementation
Further develops the dynamic and creative nature of the Program, articulating ambitious, clear and measurable goals and objectives that are consistent with the Ed Fund?s mission
Regularly reviews the Program and implements appropriate modifications in direction, policy and procedures
Collaborates with other Ed Fund staff to develop and implement strategies and vehicles for communication with internal and external constituents
Establishes and maintains active relationships with schools, colleges, government agencies and community based organizations
Budget and Funding Responsibilities
Develops and monitors program budgets
Prepares reports to funding sources
Works with the Director of Development to raise funds in support of the College Access Program, in particular collaborates in preparing grant proposals
? Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications
q A demonstrated commitment to excellent public school education leading to postsecondary education opportunities

q Demonstrated ability to think strategically, creatively and with vision to accomplish long term goals while implementing immediate projects;

q Excellent communications skills, both written and oral, supported by a strong facility in using technological tools;

q Ability to work well independently and as part of a team;

q Excellent interpersonal skills;

q Excellent organizational skills including the ability to work quickly under deadline and to handle many tasks at one time;

q Experience working with diverse constituencies;

q A minimum of a Bachelor?s degree, with a graduate degree preferred

q Ten years of relevant professional experience, including supervisory experience

q An understanding of issues related to college access and success

Reporting
The Director of the College Access Program reports to the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Education Fund and serves on the organization?s Leadership Team.

Application:
Please send application letter, resume, salary requirements and contact information for three professional references to:

Executive Director
Philadelphia Education Fund
7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Or

jwalsh@philaedfund.org

The Philadelphia Education Fund is an independent nonprofit organization with a mission to improve educational achievement for underserved youth in the Philadelphia region. As ?champions for quality public education,? the Ed Fund seeks to create opportunities that give all children a rigorous and challenging academic experience, allowing them to reach their full potential. Through its programs and initiatives, the Ed Fund supports systemic school reform and policy changes; addresses teacher quality issues through professional development for teachers and alternative certification programs; provides direct services to students and community members related to college access; conducts and disseminates research; and convenes business, community and university groups to advocate for quality public education. The Philadelphia Education Fund is one of the largest of 86 local education funds affiliated with the Public Education Network.