Director of Early College Programs

BEST CONSIDERATION DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: April 25, 2025

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Director of Early College Programs will lead the University System of Maryland's (USM) efforts to develop and expand Early College programs that empower students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. This role is dedicated to providing early academic opportunities for students in Baltimore City and rural areas across Maryland. By blending high school and college elements, the Director will ensure students have access to college-level coursework and pathways that build college readiness. The Director will collaborate with local education agencies, stakeholders, and consultants to enhance program accessibility and outcomes, fostering equitable educational opportunities and stronger student success. This position is on contract for one year with the potential for renewal.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development:

• Provides strategic leadership and facilitation to expand existing early college programs and develops new early college programs across the university system. 
• Stays informed about emerging trends and challenges in early college education to position the university system as a leader in the field.
• Designs and implements innovative early college models that align with the university system's mission and meet the needs of diverse student populations.
• Develops and delivers training programs and/or convenings to support the professional development of university faculty, K-12 educators, and other stakeholders involved in early college initiatives.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports data on early college programs. Uses data insights to drive continuous improvement and inform decision-making.

Policy & Legislation:

• Researches, analyzes, and disseminates best practices in early college education programs. 
• Develops and presents policy recommendations to university system leadership, state education agencies, and legislative bodies, as appropriate. 
• Advocates for state legislation that supports early college programs, including funding and legislative initiatives. 
• Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations governing early college programs. 

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serves as the primary liaison between the university system, university representatives, state agencies and boards, business leaders, and community partners.
• Facilitates collaboration between USM institutions and within institutional departments.
• Represents the university system at conferences, workshops, and public forums related to early college education.
• Facilitates articulation agreements and dual-enrollment pathways to ensure seamless transitions from high school to higher education.

Funding & Resource Management:

• Identifies and secures funding opportunities through grants, partnerships, and other financial mechanisms to sustain and expand early college programs.
• Collaborates with the USM Foundation to pursue philanthropic support for early college initiatives.
• Prepares and manages budgets for system-level early college initiatives, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic goals. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education Level/Certifications:

Master's degree in education, educational leadership, or a relevant field.

Required Experience:

7 years of progressively responsible experience in educational program development, educational strategic leadership, or a related field.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Awareness of emerging trends, best practices, and challenges in early college education.
• Familiarity with curriculum development and instructional design principles.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex matters to institutional and System leadership, state officials, and the USM Board of Regents.  
• Ability to independently evaluate complex issues, develop and execute project plans, manage external consultants and partners, build relationships with stakeholders, seek creative solutions, and use sound judgment.  
• Research and analytical skills to identify and disseminate best practices.
• Policy development and presentation skills.
• Advocacy skills to support legislative initiatives.
• Creative problem-solver and a strong collaborator. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred Education Level/Certifications:

Ph.D. or Ed.D. in education, educational leadership, or a relevant field.

Preferred Experience:

• Leadership experience in a public higher ed or P-12 institution. 
• Experience developing and executing early college pathways.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Working knowledge of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future as well as other related state policies, regulations, and budgets.  

ANNUAL SALARY:

$115,000-$130,000

• Paid Leave: 22 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick & safe leave, 15 holidays, 3 personal leave days, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement Plans: Elective deferral options with major providers like Fidelity and TIAA.
• Life Insurance: Optional term life and AD&D benefits through MetLife.
• Tuition Benefits: Tuition remission for employees and their families.
• Training & Development: Free professional development conferences and unlimited LinkedIn Learning access.
• Credit Union Access: Membership eligibility for SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services.