Director of Outreach & High School Partnerships – WAICU
Education is the key to a lifetime of opportunities. And awareness and access are critical to getting a quality education. The Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities' (WAICU) mission is to ensure educational opportunity. WAICU advances the interests and promotes the development of independent colleges and universities in Wisconsin. We advocate for equitable public policy affecting higher education in Wisconsin and nationally, and cost-effective allocation of public funds to assure freedom of choice for students in selecting an institution of higher education.
Under new leadership, we are a small dynamic team of thirteen people who share a commitment to the mission. We come from different backgrounds and bring different lived experiences to the table. Some people have been here for more than 20 years. Others have recently joined the team. Everyone’s voice is valued. We strive to be an inclusive organization that reflects the diversity of our members and their communities. We offer a competitive salary and a robust benefit package. If you share a passion for our mission, are outgoing, have exceptional communication skills and a positive attitude, this could be a great role for you!
As the Director of Outreach and High School Partnerships here are the responsibilities we'll entrust you with:
Outreach and High School Partnerships – 30%
Function as the principal staff of the WAICU Student Access Center as a one-stop resource for Wisconsin’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities.
Coordinate and facilitate the WAICU School Counselor Workshops.
Facilitate WAICU members’ participation in College Goal Wisconsin events and lead WAICU efforts in these venues.
Coordinate with team members, institutions, and marketing vendors on Wisconsin Private College Week.
Organize and conduct college presentations as requested and in targeted high schools around the state.
Work with the WAICU Director of Marketing and Communications to create and maintain year-round digital resources for students, families and guardians, and counselors through the WAICU website.
Serve as the WAICU representative with the Department of Public Instruction on career pathways and dual enrollment initiatives.
Take responsibility, with Executive Vice President for External Relations and the Director of Marketing and Communications, for grassroots outreach to students including campaigns to support student financial aid and organizing groups on WAICU-member campuses for grassroots action to support increased financial aid funding for students attending Wisconsin private, nonprofit colleges and universities.
Implement, in coordination with the WAICU Director Marketing and Communications, the integration of social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn, in support of student access and advocacy.
Use available software and social networking tools to build, maintain, and update a database of school counselor and student access contacts.
Speak at and coordinate events relating to student access and student aid.
Consult with WAICU members and WAICU affinity groups to ensure WAICU is knowledgeable about its members and their student access policies and programs.
Scholarship & Internship Management & Development – 30%
Take lead responsibility for WAICU’s portfolio of grants, scholarships and internship programs.
Assist in the development of grant applications and reporting in support of existing and expanded student access programs.
Solicit feedback from WAICU members, students, and donors to recommend changes and/or development within scholarship, grant, and internship internal processes.
Publications & Research – 20%
Share information with WAICU management and the WAICU groups on major trends, issues, and research on student access, student aid, workforce, and outreach efforts.
Share with WAICU management and colleagues, new strategies around communications and publication, including content management systems, design tools, and emerging digital platforms.
Support the Director of Marketing and Communications in compiling the Guide to Admissions and Financial Aid and collaborate on project management. Contribute to publications including College Visit Opportunities, Quick Facts, WAICU WISE, The Wisconsin Independent, and miscellaneous handouts as needed.
Collaborate with the Executive Vice President for External Relations and the Director of Marketing and Communications to integrate outreach efforts with WAICU’s communications, publications, and media strategy.
Partnership Development – 20%
Work as a team member with WAICU staff to advance the mission of WAICU and its members.
Serve as a liaison to assigned WAICU affinity groups to help members share best practices and intellectual capital.
Work in partnership with other agencies and organizations on student access programming within, but not limited to, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, College Goal Wisconsin, and College Possible.
Lead and support strategic priorities as identified in the WAICU strategic plan.
Additional Requirements:
Must be able to lift twenty-five pounds for student access events.
Must have a valid driver’s license for WAICU travel.
Must have a bachelor’s degree, with a graduate degree preferred.
It is estimated the position will require 25% travel, which may include evening travel.
We are seeking a diverse group of candidates who have the passion, skills, and energy to help drive our mission. We look forward to adding someone new to the WAICU team and will be in contact soon!
Thank you for your interest in, WAICU!