Promise Zone Associate Director for K-12 Support and Community Engagement
Department: GR Promise Zone
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
The Grand Rapids Promise Zone is a program that provides free tuition for eligible students.
The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Associate Director for K-12 Support & Community
Engagement reports to the Promise Zone Executive Director and is responsible for leading
initiatives focused on post-secondary access, K-12 support and community engagement for
Grand Rapids Promise Zone students. This role involves providing strategic leadership in
designing, coordinating, and implementing programs, services, and resources that enhance
post-secondary access for Promise Zone students and deepening connections within our
community to provide broader reach for the Grand Rapids Promise Zone. This position will
oversee a team that coordinates with Promise Zone eligible high schools and the broader
community to implement strategies that aid in this work.
The Associate Director will collaborate closely with Promise Zone schools and community
partners to create engagement opportunities that provide increased visibility and exposure to
post-secondary opportunities for students and allows for increased knowledge and agency in
the decision-making and processes for post-secondary options. They will work to support the
Promise Zone Success Coordinators in their roles and the implementation of programs and
strategies that support the goals of each Promise Zone school. They will also work alongside
the Promise Zone team to ensure a smooth transition for students from high school to college,
helping them navigate and prepare for post-secondary education.
The Associate Director is expected to be knowledgeable about scholarship requirements, four-
year partners, community partnerships and creative strategies to support post-secondary
access for Grand Rapids Promise Zone students. This position will work with a variety of offices
at GRCC, including but not limited to, Enrollment/Admissions, Financial Aid, ISIP, New Student
Orientation, MTEC, as well as community partners.
Requisition ID: 1134 Department: Grand Rapids Promise Zone Employee Group: PMA Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks Compensation: AM2 $64,553 Benefits: Full Time Reports to: Promise Zone Executive Director Posting Open: 6/18/2026 Posting Close: 6/25/2026
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education Credentials
• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred (or 2-4 years of relevant equivalent experience)
• Degree in Higher Education, Social Work, or related field preferred
Work Experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in higher education leadership, administration, or post-secondary planning required. Experience can include graduate assistantship, internship or practicum experience.
• Knowledge of best practices in academic support programs particularly at-risk populations preferred.
• Experience in student counseling, advising, and/or teaching in a college/university preferred.
• Experience with data reporting systems, data tracking, and preparing reports required.
• Proven experience in working with diverse and at-risk student populations both with individuals and groups.
• Bilingual, English-Spanish, preferred
Skills
• Demonstrated extensive software application experience, specifically Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Canvas, student information systems (preferably PeopleSoft Campus Wide Information System), EAB Navigate, and texting platforms.
• Extensive experience planning and executing events with a high degree of organization, coordination, and attention to detail.
• High level verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Exceptional written communication skills with experience crafting clear, concise, and comprehensive messaging for diverse audiences, including students, staff, and external partners.
• Excellent presentation skills for individual and group audiences.
• Proficient in utilizing spreadsheets, word processing, and database management software.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Understanding of confidentiality as related to FERPA guidelines.
• Understanding of the mission of community colleges.
Physical Demands
• This position requires long periods of sitting, standing, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds
Mental Demands
• Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently both in writing and verbally to individuals and large groups.
• Must be able to effectively manage high stress student issues and concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain positive interpersonal relationships, motivate others, and work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to delegate work appropriately, set clear directions and goals, and manage staffing.
• Ability to organize work, handle multiple tasks, and meet timelines.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
Working Conditions
• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Most work occurs in office environments
• Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings) including occasional weekends.
• Must be able to travel locally to participate in activities at area high schools or community events.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover
letter and resume. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date
referenced at the top of this job posting. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
HIRING PROCESS
GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help
mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in
assessments (cognitive and behavioral), reference checks and interviews.
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7254747
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