College Partnerships Manager (25-26)

IDEA Public Schools; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education organization is seeking a College Partnerships Manager to support IDEA graduates attending out-of-state colleges. This remote full-time role involves managing partnerships, guiding students, and ensuring successful outcomes. Ideal candidates are data-driven, empathetic communicators with a commitment to student success. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, including health plans and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Health Plans

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Flexible Spending

Generous Vacation

Referral Bonuses

Professional Development

403(b) Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ full-time experience in education, college admission, or advising.
• 3+ years in education, instructional leadership, or teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of at least forty-six out-of-state college partners.
• Lead annual FERPA waiver and tri-annual alumni data collection campaigns.
• Organize events to strengthen relationships and opportunities for IDEA students.

Skills

Data Analysis

Communication

Empathy

Coaching

Strategic Decision Making

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Manager of College Partnerships

Mission:

The College Partnerships Manager at Public Schools ensures that IDEA graduates attending out-of-state partnership colleges and universities receive the supports they need to help them graduate in 4–6 years.

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates residing in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or those willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

While this is a remote role, in-person meetings and events are expected. Travel to meet alumni may be required up to 30% during peak times.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Portfolio Stewardship: Manage a portfolio of at least forty-six out-of-state college partners, supporting over five hundred IDEA alumni through relationship building, partnership check-ins, visits, and conference participation.
• Partnership Acquisition: Support the goal of securing ten new quality college partnerships annually by identifying and cultivating suitable out-of-state partners.
• Counselor Collaboration: Work with over one hundred college counselors to guide students through application, enrollment, and matriculation processes, providing resources and support.
• Campaign Leadership: Lead annual FERPA waiver and tri-annual alumni data collection campaigns for over seven thousand alumni at seventy college partners, ensuring accurate reporting.
• Data Analysis: Track and analyze key metrics like retention and graduation rates, preparing reports with actionable insights.
• Event Coordination: Organize events such as counselor tours, virtual meetings, and campus visits to strengthen relationships and opportunities for IDEA students.

Additional Duties:

• Develop strategies with leadership to improve partner engagement and alumni success.
• Review MOUs with out-of-state partners to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Support college counseling and alumni teams by addressing student challenges.
• Create training resources for counselors, families, and teams about out-of-state college opportunities.
• Provide insights on best practices for college access and persistence.
• Collaborate on special projects and serve as a liaison across departments.
• Mentor interns and team members supporting out-of-state partnerships.
• Assist with planning, events, and new initiatives.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make strategic decisions using data and feedback, considering broader impacts.
• Manage own work and support team performance through delegation and coaching.
• Invest in personal and team growth via coaching and development.
• Build trust through empathy, active listening, and psychological safety.
• Communicate clearly and empathetically, tailoring messages for effective relationships.

Additional Skills:

• Committed to our mission that all students can succeed in college.
• Proven track record of effective outcomes and results.
• Action-oriented, willing to learn from mistakes.
• Work with urgency and purpose to improve student outcomes.
• Adaptable to high-growth, ambiguous environments.
• Responsive to feedback and collaborative across departments.
• Hold high standards of professionalism and conduct.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ full-time experience in education, college admission, or advising.

Preferred Experience:

• Master’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years in education, instructional leadership, or teaching experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting for extended periods.
• Lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Travel for meetings, observations, trainings, and conferences.
• Effective communication with others.

What We Offer:

Salaries typically range from $68,800 to $79,900, commensurate with experience. The role is eligible for performance-based pay. Benefits include health plans, disability, life insurance, parental leave, flexible spending, generous vacation, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. More info at IDEA Benefits.

Relocation stipends may be available.

Application Process:

Apply online via Jobvite. Applications are reviewed continuously until filled. Early applications encouraged.

Learn More About IDEA:

Our Culture and Belonging Team promotes connection and a culture of respect and inclusion. Learn more at Core Values.