Project Manager – New Partner Development

Position Announcement Gateway to College National Network

Gateway to College National Network is a fast-growing education nonprofit organization focused on re-enrolling high school dropouts and providing disengaged young people with the support needed to complete college. The National Network is replicating the Gateway to College model with support from multiple foundations. Founded at Portland Community College, the program has been replicated at 25 colleges in 15 states through partnerships with over 100 school districts since 2003. More information about Gateway to College is available at: www.gatewaytocollege.org

Project Manager – New Partner Development

Duties: • Facilitates the execution of the organization’s plan for expanded national growth as a primary point of contact to new and potential partner organizations • Provides detailed technical assistance to college and school district personnel • Facilitates conference calls, web-based presentations, and face-to-face discussions with new and potential partners • Coordinates discovery meetings with potential partner colleges, school districts, and municipal leaders • Coordinates visits to potential partner colleges to assess readiness for program implementation • Reviews and analyzes new program grant applications, including proposed budgets, and participates in grant award decisions • Prepares contracts for new partner programs • Manages and tracks details of replication timelines in order to ensure new programs are prepared to participate in required training activities • Conducts policy research to assess compatibility between the program model and specific policy environments • Identifies promising practices for incorporation into program implementation at partner colleges • Collaborates with Manager of Communications to develop materials for program replication efforts • Other duties as assigned

Accountabilities: • Excellent customer service for all partner and potential partner organizations • Effective and efficient communication with senior-level education professionals • Implementation of programs which promote the mission and essential elements of the model • Collaboration with all members of the National Network team

Supervision & Reporting: • No supervision responsibility • Reports to the Director of New Program Development

Requirements: • Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Public Policy, Public Administration or a related field; Master’s Degree preferred • Minimum of three years of administrative experience in a K – 12 or college environment, or similar public agency or educational institution • Demonstrated experience managing complex, long-term, time-sensitive projects • Experience designing and facilitating events for large groups of people • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and diverse team environment • Ability and willingness to travel

The starting salary range is $50,000 - $57,000, depending on experience, plus a comprehensive benefits and vacation package. This position will be located at the GtCNN office in Portland, OR.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and completed supplemental questions to [email protected] by Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

Required Supplemental Questions

1. Gateway to College is a program that brings young people who did not complete high school back to education through community and technical colleges. Because of the blended high school and college program structure, institutional flexibility is required on the part of both the school district and the college. Please describe an experience where you worked within an organization to participate in the creation of a new program or initiative. Include examples of how you worked within the existing procedures of the organization and how you found room for flexibility.

2. Gateway to College National Network includes a growing number of partnerships with colleges and school districts across the country. These partners include grant applicants, grant recipients, and fee-for-service customers. Please describe your experience participating in inter-organizational partnerships, including a description of your role and the nature of the partnership. As manager for new partner development, what strategies would you use to facilitate collaboration and progress toward goals?

3. This position requires a balance between the ability to develop a strong rapport with multiple partners who have varying roles and levels of seniority (through frequent phone calls, email, and meetings) and the ability to manage the details of long-term, complex projects. How will your personality and work style assist you to facilitate dynamic, positive relationships while ensuring that projects are completed according to required timelines?

Gateway to College National Network is an equal opportunity employer.