Director of Early College Initiatives

Position Overview

The Director of Early College Initiatives will provide strategic leadership and oversight for Merrimack's Early College program. Merrimack is one of only 32 institutions of Higher Education designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the first private institution designated for an Early College program. This statewide initiative prepares high school students for college success by allowing them to earn college credits at no cost while in high school.

The Director will report to the Academic Dean of Education and focus on growing and strengthening the existing Early College program, and forming more significant signature programs by building new partnerships with schools and community stakeholders. The Director will be responsible for aligning Early College programs with the College's mission and state Early College standards. This position is soft funded and continued employment is contingent upon the successful receipt of annual funding.

Responsibilities:

The Director of Early College initiatives will lead the following coordinated efforts:

* Partner Management:
The Director will serve as the primary liaison between Merrimack College and external partners - including the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Department of Higher Education (DHE), Lawrence Public Schools (Superintendent, Principal of Lawrence High School and Abbott Lawrence Academy) and other local school district leaders - to coordinate Early College initiatives. This includes establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with partner schools, leading steering committee meetings with K-12 administrators and Merrimack faculty, and ensuring all parties fulfill agreed-upon roles and expectations.

The Director will manage and build relationships with key area high schools and district personnel to expand early college enrollment and opportunities.

* Program Development & Oversight:
Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all Early College program components. The Director provides day-to-day management of the Early College program, including coordinating course offerings and pathways with Merrimack's academic departments and Registrar's Office, scheduling courses, and aligning high school curricula with college expectations. They will work closely with campus offices (Admission, Academic Advising, Student Success, etc.) to integrate Early College students into the college environment where applicable.

Responsibilities also include developing new Early College initiatives and innovating program models to serve additional student populations or academic areas.

* Student Support and Success:
The Director will coordinate with designated partners on the advising and academic support to ensure that Early College students are effectively supported through course completion. They will oversee processes for student course registration, and orientation, including providing on-site support at partner high schools. The Director may organize special events such as an early college orientation session, workshops on college success skills, and a recognition/graduation ceremony for Early College students and their families.

Supporting student success also involves monitoring academic progress and connecting students with tutoring, mentoring, and other resources to promote college readiness.

* Data, Evaluation, and Reporting:
The Director will collect and analyze data on Early College student performance, credit accumulation, and post-high school enrollment to track program outcomes and drive continuous improvement. They will ensure regular communication of program data and outcomes to internal stakeholders and designated partners, and produce evaluation reports demonstrating the program's impact. This includes reporting to state agencies as required for maintaining Early College designation and funding.

The Director may also work with faculty to assess learning outcomes and share best practices or research findings (e.g. presenting internally or at conferences on Early College outcomes).

* Funding and Sustainability:
The Director will be responsible for managing the Early College program budget and for seeking and securing grants or state funding (such as Massachusetts Early College Initiative grants) to sustain and expand the program. This includes writing grant proposals and managing grant-funded budgets and deliverables. In collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the Director will identify new funding opportunities and partnerships (for example, with private foundations or industry partners) that can enhance Early College offerings.

* Campus and Community Engagement:
The Director will represent Merrimack College at Early College events and serve on relevant committees or councils. For instance, the Director may participate in statewide Early College network meetings, the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College, and…