Project Director, Education Partnerships Coalition

ABOUT US

The Education Partnerships Coalition engages more than 120,000 youth and their families across Minnesota.

Coalition members take a birth-to-career approach to eliminating Minnesota's worst-in-the-nation opportunity gaps. All Coalition members are locally-controlled, data-driven public-private partnerships.

This collective impact focus brings communities together to enact solutions that improve outcomes for children and families.

Additionally, all EPC members are affiliated with either the Promise Neighborhood Institute or StriveTogether , national collective impact networks.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF YOUR ROLE

As the Project Director of the Education Partnerships Coalition, you will be a visionary force driving positive change in the lives of students across Minnesota.

Your role is to champion collective impact initiatives that not only close socioeconomic and racial opportunity gaps, but also inspire a transformative shift in the educational landscape.

Through partnerships, passionate advocacy, and purposeful program support, you will lead the charge towards a future where every student, regardless of background, has equitable access to quality education.

POSITION DUTIES

Strategic Planning :

• Lead executive leaders of Minnesota's Education Partnerships Coalition in the developments of a comprehensive strategic plan, tracking progress toward short-term and long-term goals.
• Work closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities, challenges, and priorities.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the Coalition's initiatives.
• Work with coalition members to support shared initiatives that address specific educational opportunity gaps.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of initiatives that focus on collaboration and professional development opportunities and services for coalition members

Coalition Building :

• Identify and engage with potential Coalition partners, including educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and businesses.
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders to ensure broad support and collaboration.

Contract Support :

• Act as a contractor responsible for overseeing the execution of projects within the coalition.
• Support contract administration with partner organizations and vendors.
• Ensure that all contractual obligations are met and projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Financial Management :

• Develop and manage the budget for the Coalition's initiatives.
• Secure funding through grants, donations, and partnerships.
• Monitor expenses and financial performance, providing regular reports to stakeholders.

Advocacy and Outreach :

• Advocate for policy changes that support the Coalition's goals.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to raise awareness and garner support for the Coalition's initiatives.
• Represent the Coalition at events, conferences, and meetings with policymakers.

Data Analysis and Evaluation :

• Establish data collection and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of the Coalition's initiatives.
• Use data to inform decision-making and adjust initiatives as needed.
• Regularly report on the progress and outcomes of the Coalition's efforts.

Communication :

• Develop and implement a communication strategy to effectively communicate the Coalition's mission, goals, and achievements.
• Engage with the media, public, and other stakeholders to build a positive image and support for the coalition.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Project Management : Proven experience in project or program management, preferably in the education sector. Experience with startup initiatives and coalition-building is a significant plus.

Education Advocacy : Familiarity with educational systems, policies, and advocacy work. Experience in addressing educational inequities and a demonstrated commitment to improving educational outcomes for underserved populations.

Partnership Development : Track record of successfully building and managing partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including educational institutions, non-profits, government agencies, and businesses.

Contracting and Financial Management : Experience in contract management, budget development, and financial oversight.

Strategic Planning : Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans, including setting goals, defining key performance indicators, and adapting strategies based on data and feedback.

Advocacy and Communication : Strong advocacy skills with experience communicating effectively with a variety of audiences, including policymakers, donors, media, and the general public.

Development Experience : proven ability to seek out and successfully secure funding and future-funding to support growth and sustainability

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Data Analysis : Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to inform decision-making. Familiarity with educational data and metrics is valuable.
• Community Engagement : Skills in community engagement and outreach to build support for initiatives and garner input from diverse communities.
• Problem-Solving : Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate and handle roadblocks and setbacks.
• Technological Proficiency : Familiarity with relevant technologies and tools for project management, communication, and data analysis.
• Adaptability and Change Management : The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and support stakeholders through change, stay abreast of education trends, and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Passion and Commitment : A genuine passion for education, a commitment to equity, and a deep understanding of the issues facing students in underserved communities.
• Networking Skills : Strong networking and relationship-building skills to establish and nurture connections with key stakeholders.
• Managing Ambiguity : comfortable with complexity, embraces change, and can navigate challenges by making informed decisions in dynamic and uncertain environments.
• Cultural Competence : Cultural competence and an understanding of the diverse needs and backgrounds of the communities served by the Coalition.
• Results Orientation : A results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes and making a positive impact.
• Legal and Compliance Knowledge : Understanding of legal and compliance aspects related to education initiatives, especially in the nonprofit sector.
• Organizational Savvy : understanding political landscapes, making informed decisions, and adeptly communicating and negotiating within and outside an organization to achieve goals.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 5-7+ years of experience in a role with strategic organizational planning
• Master's degree preferred
• Demonstrated ability to balance stakeholders
• Demonstrated success in relationship management
• Project management experience
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time across State of Minnesota to partners

SALARY INFORMATION

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $130,000 annually, with eligible benefits under the primary sponsoring organization, Generation Next (hosted by Greater Twin Cities United Way).

This position is Specially Funded and will be up for review and renewal between 12 - 15 months.