00002037 - Promise Zone Director

The Grand Rapids Promise Zone is a program providing free tuition for eligible students.  The Promise Zone Director manages all aspects of the Promise Zone program at GRCC and provides support for student participants, the external Promise Zone Board and participating K12 schools.  This individual reports jointly to the Provost and VP for Financial Services, and will work closely with many departments across the College to coordinate resources and support for students and school administrators.

Requisition ID:
Position Number: 00002037
Employee Group:  Professional, Management and Administration
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation:
Benefits: Full-time Part-time Limited Benefits
Reports to:
Posting Opens:
Posting Closes: 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Responsible for all aspects of program administration of Grand Rapids Promise Zone at GRCC

  • Provide support to the Promise Zone Board by working directly with the Board Chair to schedule and facilitate Promise Zone Board meetings

  • Provide oversight and direction to third party vendors provided services to the Promise Zone (student support services, marketing and website services, etc.) 

  • Provide supervision and support to any Promise Zone team members (intent to add at least one staff member at a future date)

  • Develop relationships and act as primary liaison with all participating area high schools to facilitate data gathering, general communication and on-going support

  • Develop systems to ascertain initial student eligibility and maintain documentation to track on-going eligibility based on criteria established by the external Promise Zone Board

  • Develop and administer robust student and parent communication systems to help support student access and continued success at GRCC

  • Develop and administer communication plans with counselors and other school administrators

  • Develop and maintain Promise Zone website linked to GRCC.edu 

  • Oversee Promise Zone application and admission process

  • Maintain database of all student eligibility and credit accumulation data to ensure Promise Zone funding is applied to cover tuition and fees for all eligible students

  • Develop annual Promise Zone budget, maintain records of all revenue and expenses, and develop budget projections for Promise Zone Board consideration and approval

  • Support the calculation all student awards in accordance with Promise Zone eligibility requirements

  • Generate accurate billing to Promise Zone based on tuition and fee costs and maintain financial records of all invoicing and payments made

  • Track all applicable student data, and manage data sharing agreements between GRCC and all participating K12 districts

  • Prepare reports related to Promise Zone program around student application, retention, graduation and transfer results as well as financial results and projections and present to external Promise Zone Board and GRCC leadership as requested

  • Respond to Promise Zone questions from students, parents and the community 

  • Stay abreast of national, state and local trends impacting Promise Zone programs

  • Person in this role is identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSA's will be trained and responsible for reporting Clery Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required by the Clery Act

  • Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position

  • Performs other related duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

  • Bachelor’s Degree required 

  • National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) preferred

  • Bilingual, English-Spanish preferred, but not required

Work Experience

  • A minimum of 2 years, full-time professional experience in education, or 2 years of combined higher education graduate assistantship, internship, or practicum experiences

  • Experience with student financial aid and registration processes preferred

  • Experience in an education setting that serves a diverse student body is preferred

Skills

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Strong data analysis skills 

  • Excellent public relations and customer service skills

  • Proven problem solving, mediation, and decision-making skills

  • Demonstrated ability to develop budgets and other financial reports

  • Demonstrated ability in planning, marketing, and implementing complex programs and projects.

  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations

  • Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous quality improvement

  • Proficient in software applications including PeopleSoft, Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point), Gmail

Physical Demands

  • Need to add "Physical Demands" bullet points here

Mental Demands

  • Understanding of complex financial data, data collection, and procedures for tracking student data over time

  • High level of energy, creativity, enthusiasm and motivation

  • Commitment to continuous quality efforts – both organizationally and individually

  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals in a team environment

  • Ability to perform functions of the job efficiently and effectively in stressful situations

  • Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse student body, staff and members of the larger community 

  • Possess the personality and enthusiasm to work with students, college staff, and the general public

  • Ability to take initiative, to follow through, and effectively manage multiple projects in a timely manner

Working Conditions

  • GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website

  • Position requires ability to stand/walk for long periods of time

  • Ability to travel to the regional campus locations and K12 school sites frequently

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