About Meritus
Meritus believes that higher education is the first step in addressing income disparity for motivated and talented low-income youth. Socio-economic circumstance should not limit them from fully engaging in this transformative opportunity and hinder their ability to succeed. To this end, Meritus helps low-income public school graduates with grit and ambition complete a college degree and prepare for post-college success through a combination of scholarships, coaching, and career mentorship. Founded in 1996, Meritus is a community-based, not-for-profit organization and supports approximately 250 Scholars and 400 Alumni. Our end-to-end support of Scholars has resulted in a college success rate of 88% – far exceeding national averages. To support our mission, we are looking for a dynamic, self-directed, creative individual to lead our direct support program for Scholars.
Meritus College Fund Programming
Meritus approaches college success through a hands-on, holistic model that extends to graduation and beyond. First, to ensure college persistence and success, the program focuses on advising around financial aid, academic planning, time management, adjusting to college life, balancing responsibilities, and self-advocacy. Second, because Meritus believes in the long-term impact that a college education has on mitigating socio-economic disparities, we help Scholars build networks and gain career experience through mentoring, skills development, and internships.
Position Overview
Meritus seeks a full-time Program Director to lead and oversee theMeritus Programs. This individual will manage a three-person Student Services team, consisting of two staff members focused on college success advising and one career adviser. This position reports to the Executive Director.
Primary Duties:
The duties of the Program Director are reflective of the ability to work deeply within the team to achieve outcomes for Scholars, to collaborate among staff to further organizational priorities, and to articulate priorities to external audiences.
Program Design, Management and Implementation:
Provide leadership in setting program goals and objectives which are reflective of Meritus’ Theory of Change and holistic approach to Scholar success
Enhance the integration of student advising and career advising services
Expand upon and codify existing protocols for program implementation
Develop measures for scalability
Ensure that student success goals are met annually
Integrate important and new research into the Meritus program
Program Implementation:
Scholar Success Advising:
Provide expertise internally on addressing the needs of first generation, college youth and helping to manage high needs students in particular
Manage small caseload of high needs students
Work with College Success Advisors to monitor Scholar progress – with monthly reporting to ED
Career Services:
Secure a minimum of 60 summer internships for the 2016 year.
With support of the career advisor, create a minimum of 4 summer career events
Oversee the summer internship program, including site visits and internship events
Staff Management:
Manage Student Services by establishing priorities, setting goals, and evaluating deliverables
Create a comprehensive staff training that address 1) student needs, 2) organizational needs (e.g. teamwork, communication) 3) service delivery (e.g. best practices in financial aid)
Administer ongoing reviews, coaching and evaluation by working with individual team members on organizational priorities and personal goals
Ensure all new program staff have an onboarding plan and clear process protocols
Data and Evaluation:
Collaborate with Data Manager to ensure the integrity of Student Services data, enhancing current procedures for case note management
Identify and monitor long-term metrics for college and career success
Use data to better inform enhancements to or modifications of Student Services work
Identify opportunities to contribute Meritus outcomes in larger research efforts
Strategic Partnerships:
Identify and cultivate business and community partners interested in supporting Meritus in programs, development, and/or communications.
Lead the Meritus Young Professionals Council in engaging young professionals and the business community in Student Programs
Represent Meritus in college success initiatives throughout the Bay Area, including community meetings, Bay Area College Success Network, My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper, etc.
Support ED in executing the 5 year South Bay expansion plan
Development & Communications
Work with development staff in identifying, cultivating, and acknowledging business partners
Help to provide thought leadership in communicating Meritus’ model at local and national forums
Support development team in creating progress reports for grants
Represent Meritus at donor events and funder meetings
Provide reports and presentations for Meritus’ Board of Directors on student activities
Collaborate with development team in identifying and disseminating Scholar and programmatic successes for program collateral, social media, website, etc.
The ideal candidate has:
Demonstrated commitment to Meritus’ mission
A minimum of 7 years of experience in working with historically underrepresented students in a higher education or community organization, preferably with college students
A minimum of 3 years managing, inspiring, and evaluating staff
Knowledge of higher education policies such as financial aid, academic advising, academic probation, etc.
Relationships with Bay Area nonprofit organizations and California universities
Significant experience in program design and implementation
Proven sensitivity in managing expectations for all constituents (Scholars, donors, business and community partners, etc.)
Excellent public speaking and presentation skills
Ability to collaborate closely with leadership, Student Services and Development staff
Ability to work on a small team
Willingness and flexibility to support colleagues as needed
Strong database management skills; Salesforce a plus
Environment:
Our staff is small, highly energetic, collegial, fun, and committed to the mission of the organization. Our team members are supportive of one another. In addition, to working hard, staff finds time to build community.
The Meritus office is housed in the Thoreau Center, a shared workspace facility that supports the community with educational events, communication tools, social gatherings, and informational and art gallery exhibits. The Center is located within the beautiful Presidio of San Francisco and a free tenants-only shuttle is available for transit to the Financial District.
Meritus is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary Range: DOE
Benefits:
Meritus offers a competitive salary and benefits package including health and dental coverage, a generous vacation plan, 12-day holiday schedule, sick leave policy, 401K, and pre-tax transit plan. Meritus actively supports the growth of all employees and encourages professional development, networking, and collaboration. Full-time employees in the Presidio are also eligible to apply for preferred Presidio housing: http://www.presidio.gov/lease/Pages/presidio-based-employee-housing-programs.aspx
How to apply
For immediate consideration, please send resume and cover letter to jobs@meritusfund.org, Subject: Program Director. The position is open until filled.
Learn more about Meritus at: www.meritusfund.org