Manager of Strategic Partnerships & Government Relations

Position Announcement

Gateway to College National Network

Manager of Strategic Partnerships & Government Relations

Gateway to College National Network (GtCNN) is a growing education nonprofit organization with partner programs in 22 states.  The National Network replicates the Gateway to College model and a new program called Project DEgree with support from national foundations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Walmart Foundation, the Open Society Foundations, Carnegie Corporation of New York, The Kresge Foundation, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, and others.  Founded at Portland Community College, the Gateway to College program now operates at 37 colleges in partnership with well over 100 school districts. More information about Gateway to College National Network is available at: www.gatewaytocollege.org

GtCNN is an equal opportunity employer and is actively seeking to increase the diversity of its workforce.

Duties:

• Develops and manages strategic partnerships with state education agencies toward the broad adoption of policies supporting high school dropout reengagement and dual enrollment for previously off-track high school students
• Advances the organization’s plan for expanded national growth through relationships with colleges, school districts, education agencies, and state legislative bodies
• Brokers partnerships with colleges and state college systems in the process of adopting policies and practices supportive of serving underprepared incoming students

·         Negotiates with executive-level education officials from local, state, and national organizations to create and expand sustainable funding models for serving out-of-school youth and young people underprepared for post-secondary success

·         Acts as an ambassador of Gateway to College National Network in public forums and with other national education and youth advocacy organizations

• Reviews new program applications and participates in program funding decisions
• Collaborates with National Network colleagues to assess compatibility between the Gateway to College program model and specific policy environments
• Participates in the design and/or execution of research to inform policy recommendations
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of best practices in dropout reengagement and serving underprepared college students through review of literature and collaboration with colleagues and youth advocacy organizations
• Collaborates with colleagues to develop materials for program advocacy and replication efforts
• Other duties as assigned

Accountabilities:

• Broker effective partnerships furthering the organization’s annual goals for new programs
• Support the Associate Vice President of Policy & Partnerships in advocating for favorable policies and regulatory environments for Gateway to College programs
• Develop and maintain relationships with institutions, legislative bodies, and agencies which raise the profile of Gateway to College National Network

Supervision & Reporting:

• No supervision responsibility
• Reports to the Associate Vice President of Policy and Partnerships

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Public Policy, Public Administration or a related field; Master’s Degree preferred
• Minimum of three years of management experience in a K-12 or college environment, or related public agency or educational institution
• Experience managing relationships with senior education officials and government agencies
• Experience making oral presentations to executive-level leaders and policy makers
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and diverse team environment
• Ability and willingness to travel on a regular basis

The full salary range is $50,000 - $85,000 plus a comprehensive benefits and vacation package. Salaries for new hires are typically in the first quartile of the salary range, depending on experience. This position will be located at the GtCNN office in Portland, Oregon.

TO APPLY:  Please send a cover letter, resume, and answers to the three supplemental questions below to [email protected].  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Apply by Sunday, January 29, 2012 for best consideration.  The position will remain open until filled. 

REQUIRED Supplemental Questions

1. Gateway to College National Network strives to bring new opportunities for education to at-risk young people across the country.  The successful candidate will broker partnerships with college and school district leaders, mayors and other government officials, and community-based organizations.  He or she will also help negotiate funding arrangements and contracts to start new programs with these partners.  What experience do you have with negotiation and partnership building?  Describe examples including information about the setting, partners, issues, and outcomes.

2. This position requires applied knowledge of education reform policy, including K-12 funding, dropout reengagement, and improving success in higher education.  Describe your level of familiarity and expertise with these issues (including which areas would be a new opportunity for you) and how you’ve applied this knowledge in your career to date.

3. This is a new position which will offer opportunities for independence and initiative, but will also be part of a highly collaborative team with a history of success and good processes.  Describe your comfort level moving back and forth between autonomy and teamwork.  What about this opportunity interests and excites you?