Director, Pre-College Programs & K-12 Partnerships

Saint Mary's; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Mary's in Notre Dame is seeking a Director for its Pre-College Programs & K-12 Partnerships. This role involves strategic leadership for pre-college initiatives, managing programs that engage youth and enhance enrollment.

The successful candidate will build relationships with educational institutions and community partners, oversee grant management, and develop innovative youth programming. A Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience are required, along with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five or more years of professional experience.
• Ability to build relationships with students and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for pre-college programs and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and oversee summer youth programs.
• Secure funding and manage grant processes.

Skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Grant management

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in relevant field

Tools

CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Banner, Salesforce)

Job description

Director, Pre-College Programs & K-12 Partnerships

Job Description

Description

The Director of Pre-College Programs and K-12 Partnerships provides strategic leadership for the development, growth, and management of Saint Mary's College's pre-college programs, summer camps, and K-12 partnership initiatives. As a member of the Enrollment leadership team, this position is responsible for identifying new opportunities to expand youth programming, building relationships with school districts and community organizations, and increasing enrollment through innovative educational experiences.

The Director serves as the primary liaison for grant‑funded pre‑college initiatives, including management of the Lilly grant, and collaborates with faculty, staff, and external partners to create impactful programs that strengthen the College's mission and visibility among prospective students and their families.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for pre‑college programs, summer camps, and strategic enrollment initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and scale innovative youth and pre‑college programs that support enrollment growth and enhance the College's brand.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Enrollment, Mission, Campus Experience, and other departments to create engaging educational opportunities.
• Work with faculty to evaluate curriculum, identify instructional needs, and oversee instructor selection for summer programs.
• Develop business plans and operational strategies for pre‑college and youth programs.
• Identify, pursue, and secure internal and external funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships.
• Serve as the primary administrator for the Lilly grant, including budget management, reporting, compliance, and future grant applications.
• Forecast revenues and establish enrollment and financial goals for camps, programs, and partnerships.
• Develop and maintain relationships with school districts, community‑based organizations, and educational institutions to expand program participation and enrollment.
• Partner with Admissions and Marketing to execute outreach, recruitment, and promotional strategies.
• Represent Saint Mary's College at college fairs, schools, youth‑focused events, and campus programs.
• Oversee program registration processes and respond to student, parent, and faculty inquiries.
• Coordinate housing, dining, facilities, and event logistics with campus partners.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff, student workers, counselors, and instructors.
• Manage student conduct concerns and respond to emergencies as needed.
• Collect, analyze, and report program outcomes and assessment data to support continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for institutional leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five (5) or more years of professional experience.
• Experience managing complex projects and multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Familiarity with grant application, administration, and reporting processes.
• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to build relationships with students, families, educators, community partners, and campus stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Supervisory and staff management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Business, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Experience developing and managing summer youth programs and pre‑college initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with faculty and academic departments.
• Experience in enrollment management, admissions, outreach, or partnership development.
• Experience in nonprofit and/or higher education environments.
• Familiarity with CRM and student information systems such as Slate, Banner, or Salesforce.
• Knowledge of FERPA regulations and student safety and risk management best practices.
• Experience utilizing social media, digital marketing, and other contemporary recruitment and promotional strategies.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must not require visa sponsorship from the College, either now or in the future.

Schedule

This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours, particularly during the summer months and while supporting pre‑college programs, camps, recruitment events, and partnership activities.