Job Description

ABOUT US

Do you have a passion for higher education? Do you want to make a positive impact on the college admissions process? Our staff help to remove barriers and encourage students to forge their path to a better future. Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 1100 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App's free online application. 

If you are an experienced K-12 professional and want to be part of a mission-driven non-profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you. Common App is currently searching for a Senior Director, Access Partnerships. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the Network Growth division, and reporting to VP of Network Growth, this position will lead our efforts to establish, maintain, and expand a new way of Common App reaching students through partnerships with community based actors and leaders in from K-12 to transfer and other postsecondary opportunities. The Senior Director, Access Partnerships will be responsible for developing and establishing partnerships that leverage technology solutions to address the challenges of reducing friction and increasing access to post-secondary opportunities. A strategist with knowledge and experience in the K-12 systems space and higher education, the Senior Director will be responsible for creating new ways for Common App to reach many more students, especially from communities below the national median income. With knowledge and experience in working with state agencies, large school districts, and community based organizations (CBOs), the person in this role will set strategic goals and collaborate across the organization to position Common App for effective partnerships that will rapidly and effectively grow the extent to which students are connected to and able to leverage what Common App has to offer them to access and pursue post secondary opportunities. 

At Common App we have set an ambitious goal to reach many more students from communities underserved by higher education, and these partnerships are a critical component of this pursuit. As partnerships are established, the Senior Director, Access Partnerships, will build and lead a team to ensure great collaboration and maintenance of efforts. Internally, they will collaborate closely with others to ensure that Common App’s engagements with states, CBOs, and large districts are highly impactful.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

This role requires:

• Candidates must live in the United States.
• Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
• 10+ years of experience in K-12 education systems, with a strong focus on partnerships, strategy, or program implementation, preferably within or in collaboration with large school districts, state education agencies, or community-based organizations.
• 8+ years of experience as a people manager.
• Bachelor's degree in Education or relevant field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with K-12 education relationship-building and/or advocacy.
• Deep understanding of the K-12 landscape, higher education, and postsecondary opportunities, including systemic priorities, operational structures, the role of data in supporting student outcomes, and how states and large districts establish partnerships.
• Familiarity with education data systems, pre-K to 16, technologies supporting student-level data integration, and approaches or issues related to student data.
• Knowledge and understanding of college access issues and current affairs.
• Demonstrated success in initiating, negotiating, and sustaining complex, strategic partnerships in the education sector.
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior-level stakeholders and decision-makers in education (e.g., superintendents, state officials, executive directors).
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to use insights from the field to inform product development and organizational direction.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with technical and product teams to translate field needs into scalable, roadmap-aligned solutions.
• Track record of centering equity, access, and inclusion in work with students and institutions serving those below the national median income.
• Results-oriented with mental flexibility, creativity, analytical ability, and sound judgment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Salesforce, or related software.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience in change management, particularly transitioning from direct service models to scalable partnership-driven approaches. 
• Experience bringing new solutions to market, especially in the K-12 space.
• Experience in a leadership role in the K-12 systems space.
• Existing network of trusted relationships in the K-12 ecosystem, including school district leaders, state agencies, and national or regional CBOs.
• Prior experience working at or with mission-driven nonprofits or education technology organizations.
• Knowledge of the Common App ecosystem or similar college access platforms and their integration into K-12 systems.
• Experience in the K-12 leadership space or in building relationships and establishing partnerships with states agencies, large school districts, and or CBOs of national scale.
• Professional experience or knowledge of K-12 and higher education state systems and organizations.
• Displays a deep understanding of technical concepts and industry trends.
• Exhibits leadership qualities by guiding and mentoring junior team members.
• Makes well-informed decisions based on experience and data analysis. 
• A passion for higher education is a plus. 

PAY RANGE

$176,640 - $198,720

Benefits

Common App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including: 

• Work-Life balance
• Virtual-first office
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Seven company-wide holidays
• Nine floating holidays*
• Sick leave
• Monthly mental health day

*floating holidays prorated depending on start date

• Virtual-first support
• Choice of PC of MAC laptop
• May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
• One-time office set-up stipend
• Monthly remote work stipend
• Monthly mobile stipend
• Financial security
• Market-based salaries
• Performance-based bonus
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 5% company contribution
• additional 5% company match
• 3-year vesting schedule
• Participation may begin immediately
• Health & wellness
• Choice of two health insurance plans
• Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
• Company provided life and ad&d insurance
• Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
• Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
• Career development
• Budgeted annual funds for professional development
• Growth opportunities within the company
• Additional perks
• Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
• Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
• Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
• Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
• 1Password family account

We work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

HOW DO I APPLY

To apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.

PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:

During the recruiting process, please note that Common App will never:

• Provide a job offer without an interview
• Ask for payment to process documents, purchase equipment or for any other reason
• Request banking or credit card information
• Direct you to third-party services to obtain visas or other documentation

As we work alongside you through our recruitment process, please remain alert and never provide financial information or payment to anyone claiming to offer a job opportunity.

If you believe you’re a victim of a job scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general. To learn more about job scams, read the FBI’s public service announcement or visit the FTC site.

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