The Director of Advisory and Capacity Building at One Million Degrees (OMD) is an instrumental position dedicated to advancing the success of community college students through equity-driven initiatives. This robust role demands a harmonious blend of strategic leadership, technical acumen, and a commitment to equity that collectively drive transformative impacts within the organization.
Core Responsibilities
Project and Client Management
The Director of Advisory and Capacity Building must manage a series of complex, multi-year pilot projects. These projects require the development of detailed work plans, meticulous oversight of timelines, and the guarantee of high-quality service deployment. It is crucial for the Director to exhibit exceptional organizational skills and a strong capacity for multitasking, ensuring that each project phase aligns with the overall strategic objectives of OMD.
Furthermore, maintaining effective collaboration with key stakeholders and partners is central to the role. This involves arranging regular meetings, utilizing stakeholder input to refine project strategies, and ensuring transparent communication throughout the project’s lifecycle. By fostering these relationships, the Director ensures that all parties are aligned and working synergistically to achieve common goals. Effective project management in this role is essential, as it directly influences the positive outcomes for community college students.
Product and Service Development
Contributing to the enhancement and refinement of OMD’s service offerings stands as a pivotal duty for the Director. This includes the continual improvement of program designs and the development of support materials tailored to specific initiatives such as community college completion, transfer processes, dual enrollment, and transitions from college to career. The Director’s expertise in education and workforce development will be instrumental in crafting innovative solutions that address the unique needs of community college students.
Moreover, the Director should be adept at analyzing current program data and feedback to refine and optimize service delivery continuously. Collaborating with internal teams and external consultants, the Director will spearhead initiatives that enhance the overall efficacy and reach of OMD’s programs. This proactive approach towards product and service development ensures that OMD remains at the forefront of educational equity, providing students with the resources and support necessary for their success.
Strategic Vision and Growth
Identifying New Opportunities
An integral component of the Director’s role is the ability to identify and seize new growth opportunities for OMD. This requires a forward-thinking mindset and the capability to envisage innovative strategies that can be actualized into impactful initiatives. By engaging in thorough market research and environmental scanning, the Director will pinpoint emerging trends and potential areas for expansion that align with OMD’s mission and objectives.
Engaging partners through pilot projects forms a crucial aspect of this responsibility. The Director will need to establish and maintain robust relationships with various stakeholders, ensuring that pilot projects are conducted seamlessly and effectively. Tracking the success of these initiatives through quantitative and qualitative assessments will provide valuable insights and inform future strategic decisions. This approach not only fosters sustainable growth but also enhances the collective impact of OMD’s efforts in advancing equity in education.
External Engagement
The Director’s role extends beyond internal operations to include significant external engagement. Actively participating in communication efforts, such as authoring reports, blogs, and participating in public forums, is critical to highlighting OMD’s programming and achievements. This visibility helps in promoting the organizational mission and showcases the unique contributions OMD makes to the community college ecosystem.
Furthermore, the Director will represent OMD at various conferences, workshops, and partner meetings, advocating for the organization’s goals and fostering new collaborations. By doing so, the Director not only builds OMD’s reputation but also brings in fresh perspectives and opportunities for enhancement. This continuous external engagement ensures that OMD remains a thought leader in the field of educational equity, driving collective efforts towards systemic change.
Qualifications and Expertise
Educational and Professional Background
Candidates for the position of Director at OMD must hold a bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree being highly desirable. The educational background needs to be supplemented with at least seven years of relevant professional experience, particularly in strategic planning, product development, and client management. This combination of education and experience equips the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively lead and innovate within the role.
Proficiency in strategic planning involves the ability to set long-term goals, create actionable plans, and allocate resources efficiently to achieve organizational objectives. Experience in product development implies familiarity with designing, testing, and refining program offerings to better meet the needs of community college students. Client management skills are crucial for liaising with external partners and ensuring that the services provided meet their expectations and organizational standards.
Skill Set
Possessing a comprehensive skill set is paramount for success in this role. The ideal candidate must be proficient in client management, project management, analytical thinking, writing, and facilitation. Effective client management involves understanding partner needs, offering tailored solutions, and maintaining ongoing communication to build and sustain strong relationships. Project management skills are essential for coordinating multiple initiatives simultaneously, ensuring each progresses smoothly and meets established milestones.
Analytical skills enable the Director to evaluate program data, identify trends, and inform decision-making processes. Strong writing abilities are necessary for authoring reports, grants, and communication materials that articulate OMD’s vision and impact compellingly. Facilitation skills are vital for leading meetings and workshops, encouraging collaboration, and driving productive discussions. Moreover, knowledge of diversity and equity practices is indispensable, ensuring that all strategies and initiatives uphold the principles of inclusivity and justice.
Ideal Traits and Characteristics
Strategic and Visionary Thinking
The ideal candidate for the Director position should embody strategic and visionary thinking. As a strategic thinker, the Director must have the aptitude to devise long-term plans that align with OMD’s mission and address the evolving needs of community college students. This involves a keen understanding of the current educational landscape, recognizing opportunities and challenges, and crafting innovative solutions to drive progress.
Visionary thinking, on the other hand, requires the ability to conceptualize transformative ideas that can significantly impact students’ academic and career paths. The Director must be curious and highly motivated, continuously seeking knowledge and innovation to enhance program effectiveness. This drive to innovate, combined with a strategic mindset, ensures that the Director can lead OMD’s efforts in making substantial and lasting improvements in educational outcomes for community college students.
Culturally Humble and Equity-Driven
Cultural humility and a deep commitment to equity are non-negotiable traits for the Director role. The Director must approach their work with an understanding and respect for diverse cultures, continuously learning and adapting to better serve the community college student population. This involves recognizing systemic inequities and actively working to dismantle barriers that hinder students’ success.
An equity-driven mindset means that the Director is unwavering in their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within all initiatives. This includes advocating for policies and practices that address educational disparities and ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. By embodying these traits, the Director plays a crucial role in fostering a more just and inclusive educational environment.
Role Benefits
Competitive Compensation and Benefits
The Director position at OMD offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract highly qualified candidates. This includes a comprehensive salary that reflects the significance of the role and the expertise required to fulfill its responsibilities. Additionally, the benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance, retirement contributions, and generous paid time off, emphasizing OMD’s commitment to the well-being of its employees.
Moreover, OMD places a strong emphasis on professional development, providing opportunities for the Director to engage in continuous learning and growth. This investment in professional development ensures that the Director can stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in education and equity, further enhancing their ability to lead and innovate. The balanced approach to compensation and benefits reflects OMD’s understanding of the importance of attracting and retaining top talent to drive its mission forward.
Flexibility and Travel
The Director of Advisory and Capacity Building at One Million Degrees (OMD) plays a crucial role in advancing the achievement of community college students through initiatives rooted in equity. This pivotal position calls for a sophisticated blend of strategic leadership and technical expertise. The director’s responsibilities encompass driving impactful programs and guiding organizational growth, underscored by a resolute dedication to equity. The role also involves collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and community leaders, to ensure that the initiatives are effectively implemented and yield meaningful results. Success in this position requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by community college students and the ability to design and execute solutions that promote their academic and career success. This role is vital to fostering transformative changes within OMD, ensuring that the organization’s mission to support community college students through equity-focused efforts is carried out with precision and commitment.
