Executive Director of EXCEL and Affiliated Programs

Executive Director of EXCEL and Affiliated Programs Department Summary

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students, focused on the continuous improvement of its people, and responsible for leading innovation that benefits southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater’s accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking, pursuit of new knowledge, and deeper understanding, the cultivation of meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships, and fostering an appreciation for global engagement, all aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

The EXCEL Program at Bridgewater State University is a fully-inclusive postsecondary program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Students in the EXCEL program share the same experiences as their college peers in the areas of academics, socialization, professional development, and independent living. Students become more independent and actively engaged in creating and living their lives. Our program honors dignity and worth, and fosters self-determination.

Our vision is for full inclusion to be a permanent fixture of the institutional fabric for all stakeholders at BSU.

The Executive Director oversees the day‑to‑day operation of EXCEL and other affiliated programs. The Executive Director is responsible for working with the senior leadership of the university, the faculty, staff, and community partners to develop strategic goals, outcomes, and curricula for the programs they oversee and then implementing those plans. The Executive Director must also actively engage in identifying and securing external funding for these programs via the grant‑writing process.

The overarching responsibility of this position is to develop a program environment that fosters student learning, growth, and independence within an inclusive, supportive, safe, and well‑resourced framework.

Position Type: APA Professional. This is a 12 month, APA position and is subject to the terms of that union agreement. This position may be eligible for hybrid work after the initial 90 days, in accordance with BSU’s remote work policy.

• Manage the EXCEL program, the Uniquely Able Academy, and affiliated programs in accordance with best practices as well as university and Commonwealth policies and procedures.
• Identify and pursue public and private funding opportunities through the grant‑writing process and manage grants and interservice agency agreements when awarded.
• Provide forward‑looking and supportive leadership for the EXCEL team that fosters a culture of respect and inclusiveness. The team includes professional staff, administrative staff, education coaches, graduate assistants, and peer mentors.
• Provide strategic and operational guidance for all EXCEL related programing.
• Collaborate with staff, campus and community partners, to develop and implement outcome‑focused and student‑centered curricula and programing.
• Engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with campus and community partners to move the goals of the program forward.
• Work with appropriate campus departments to ensure students and their families have full access to university services.
• Work with campus partners to develop a comprehensive marketing, recruitment and enrollment plan.
• Engage in regular data collection and assessment to provide regular and ad‑hoc reports to the university leadership, the Commonwealth, partners, and funders.
• Maintain ongoing communication with key program stakeholders including students, families, and district partners.
• Ensure all programs prioritize student wellness and safety.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A master’s degree in an appropriate discipline (Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, etc.).
• 5‑7 years of commensurate or increasing leadership experience in education, social services, or community programming.
• Program management experience…