Summary: The Jackson County Early College (JCEC) program is a collaborative program offered by county school districts and participating colleges, and the program governing body is the Jackson County Superintendent Association (JCSA). The program will be designed to provide opportunities for Jackson County high school students to gain college credit preparing them for a career. The Early College Assistant Administrator/JC Navigator will take program direction from the JCSA and the Early College Administrator, as well as designated staff at Jackson College. Three days per week, the Assistant Administrator/Navigator will assist in the implementation and management of the Early/Middle College program in Jackson County. Two days per week, this position will act as a Jackson County navigator and take direction from designated staff at Jackson College.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities: An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following:  (Does not include all tasks employee may be expected to perform.)

1. Collaborate with county school district administrators and counselors, and participating college administrators and representatives to develop, implement and maintain an early/middle college for Jackson county high school students that ensures students receive career and college admissions counseling and related services, that students will be able to meet all Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements, and that articulation/dual enrollment processes follow a career pathway toward a college degree, college certification, or up to 60 college credits that will transfer to a four year college or university.
2. Collaborate to develop initial program of studies pathways to be offered to county high school students and develop new programs of studies pathways. Review existing paths to verify their value and effectiveness. Make recommendations to the JCSA concerning the addition, deletion and refinement of available programs of studies pathways. Consider needs of the students and the Jackson community in decisions regarding program offerings.
3. Research and benchmark other successful early/middle college programs to learn the best practices in those programs. Actively participate in Michigan professional associations and state provided learning opportunities to enhance the Jackson County Early College program. Actively collaborate with staff of partner organizations to collect input, facilitate data collection, review data, and develop program-related recommendations. Make recommendations for program changes to the governance steering committee.
4. Assist in the development and implementation of early/middle college program countywide marketing efforts, involving all stakeholders. Assist in the development of early/middle college information and marketing materials for parents, students, counselors, school and college staff members, and interested community organizations. The JCSA may require that marketing materials and/or methods be approved by them.
5. Facilitate the recording and sharing of data needed to effectively communicate and operate the early/middle college program. Facilitate the mandated state data reporting applicable to participating students.
6. Work with local district staff and participating colleges on the enrollment process, and support the enrollment process.
7. Work with local district staff to ensure a common understanding of the program, support recruitment and scheduling of eligible early/middle college students, ensure interested students are assessed appropriately for eligibility, ensure enrolled students are participating in an approved career pathway.
8. Serve as a liaison between early/middle college students, administrators, instructors, counselors, student success navigators and other appropriate staff, as appropriate. Develop and facilitate linkages between participating schools, participating colleges, and other organizations to ensure early/middle college program coordination at all levels.
9. Monitor and investigate issues related to program effectiveness and success, and report findings to the Early College Administrator, partner schools and colleges, parents and/or students as appropriate.
10. Coordinate understanding of and compliance with regulations applicable to the program, dual enrollment instructors, etc.
11. As necessary, facilitate discussion with local district regarding the removal, suspension or expulsion of a student from the program. Investigate and attempt to resolve controversies between instructors and students, parents and/or guardians.
12. May be asked to participate in appropriate community organizations and functions to obtain support for the program’s goals. May be asked to represent and advocate for the program with partner organizations, government agencies, community agencies and the larger community.
13. Transport self to various sites throughout the county to perform duties. May be required to transport self to job-related meetings or training throughout the state.
14. Perform related duties, as assigned.