Director - MiEarly Apprentice

Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative – Director, MiEarly Apprentice

(Remote with some in-state travel)

Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative (MEWI) is a hub for educator talent. MEWI adopts a “systems-adjacent” approach, working closely with K-12 districts and higher education institutions to design and support innovative approaches to recruiting and developing teachers and school leaders. We are committed to hiring a team that represents the diversity our state offers.

MEWI is an adaptive organization that plays the roles necessary to foster innovation and long-term, systematic capacity-building in the educator talent space. Depending on the context and project needs, MEWI acts as a “doer”, funder, supporter, or convener. MEWI designs, implements, funds, and supports innovative programs to recruit, develop, retain, and elevate new and veteran teachers and school leaders. MEWI captures insights and learnings from our work to share with systems leaders, policymakers, parents, and community leaders and convenes educators to share best practices, collaborate, and problem-solve.

As a Director, MiEarly Apprentice, you will serve in a shared leadership model alongside MEWI's Director of Program for MiEarly Apprentice. Together, you will steward the program's growth, continuous improvement, and long-term sustainability.

Building upon an established program model, you will refine program design, codify the program's approach, strengthen systems, and scale impact across the state. You will also collaborate closely with other members of the MiEarly Apprentice team, senior leaders, and stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Labor, Educator Preparation Program leaders and faculty, district, school, and early childhood center leaders.

The ideal candidate for this role:

Has an entrepreneurial spirit. This person enjoys working in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment and does not get overwhelmed easily by shifting priorities or new projects

Is self-directed and independent. This person will work independently to build systems from the ground up, which requires discipline and focus.

Has excellent communication skills. This person is skilled at both written and verbal communication and can adapt communications for different audiences.

Is a strong manager of people and projects. This person has demonstrated success investing in and leading a team towards ambitious goals.

Is detail-oriented and a creative problem solver. This person anticipates challenges in advance and provides proactive solutions to complex problems.

Believes all students deserve to attend great schools. This person understands that our school systems are fundamentally broken but believes that - through innovation and partnership - they can be places where all students can thrive.

Master’s degree (or higher) in education (preference for Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or comparable area),

5+ years of experience in the early childhood sector as a teacher, center director, and/or administrator experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience leading and managing cross-functional teams towards ambitious outcomes

Knowledge of Michigan and national educator workforce issues and innovative solutions to address workforce challenges

Prior experience designing and leading large-scale professional and/or teacher development initiatives (e.g., program design, career pathway design, continuing education, performance management)

Prior experience with equity-focused and/or culturally responsive instruction

Knowledge of early childhood educator credentialing and certification structures, policies, and requirements

Proficient with software and technology including Zoom,…