Director of College Preparation Program
Perkins School for the Blind is a nationally renowned educational
institution with nearly two centuries of serving children and young adults
who are blind, visually impaired or deafblind. We are seeking an experienced
and innovative professional to be the Director of College Preparation
Program.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Educational Program and
Superintendent, the Director of College Preparation Program will lead this
new and groundbreaking initiative. The College Preparation program prepares
young blind adults for the social and academic rigors of college. Through
experiential learning and opportunities, technical and academic instruction,
personal empowerment and living skills training, the program is expected to
improve college graduation rates for blind and visually impaired students.
The initial two-semester program pilots in September 2017 and runs through
May 2018.
The director will create a comprehensive program drawing upon the expertise
of Perkins' staff and network. The director is responsible for developing
the program including creating the curriculum, developing and managing the
program's business model, working with marketing to reach prospective
students and managing the daily operations of the program.
Primary responsibilities include:
* Develop and implement hands-on curriculum to supplement academic
skills, prepare students to fully participate in student life and develop
career preparation skills all with the goal to reduce isolation and increase
success at college
* Define goals, target market and value proposition for the program.
* Develop and execute of a strategic and comprehensive recruiting
and admissions plan.
* Hire, provide on-going training for, and oversee day and
residential programming and staff.
* Define and manage on-campus and off-campus activities for social,
academic, personal and career growth.
* Define and manage the program's business model: set tuition;
identify scholarship needs and financial aid implications.
* Budget management and oversight; ensuring cost objectives are met.
* Develop and maintain relationships with external partners
including: colleges, universities, disability service officers, other
nonprofits with similar interest in college preparations and employers
offering internships.
* Develop metrics for evaluation and measure success of the program;
report on grants.
* Support on-going fundraising efforts.
Perkins is searching for a creative leader to develop a unique program to
solve a national problem. Ideal candidates will possess at least ten years
of related and significant work experience in creating, implementing and
on-going educational, vocational, pre-college, and/or gap year programs.
Experience with college disability services and programs, college services
for underrepresented and at-risk populations, or other programs and services
for disabled populations is highly relevant. A master's degree in
education, human services or related field preferred.
Candidates will also possess:
* Strong leadership skills and experience building and managing
teams.
* Ability to build strong and engaging relationships with colleges,
universities, disability officers and other post-secondary academic
programs.
* Ability to drive cross-team collaboration with diverse groups in a
cross-functional organization.
* Experience communicating and engaging with various audience both
external and internal stakeholders, and across multiple levels from C-suite
to individual contributors.
* Track record of success developing and implementing engaging and
effective programming.
* Deep understanding of current market trends and research.
***
Sent on behalf of
Ed Bosso
Superintendent
Perkins School for the Blind
175 North Beacon Street
Watertown MA 02472
P: 617-972-7316
Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC
Director, Professional Development and Research
Institute on Blindness
Louisiana Tech University
210 Woodard Hall
PO Box 3158
Ruston LA 71272
Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 (Fax)
Skype: edwardbell2010
ebell at latech.edu