Strategic Leader, Higher Education Access & Partnerships

Immigrants Rising; California (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Immigrants Rising is seeking a Director of Higher Education to provide strategic and operational leadership for our higher education portfolio. The role advances a cohesive approach that links direct services, affordability initiatives, institutional partnerships, and statewide strategies to improve undocumented students’ access and success in postsecondary education.

Responsibilities include guiding program strategy, growing partnerships, managing a diverse team, and ensuring grant performance

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of relevant experience in higher education.
• 3–5 years of people management experience.
• 5–7 years of experience in CA higher education systems.

Responsibilities

• Set and lead a cohesive higher education strategy across programs, partnerships, and campus engagement.
• Act as an institutional advocate, aligning policy priorities with program delivery and external coalitions.
• Integrate higher education initiatives with direct services, research, and organizational strategy.
• Build and supervise a high‑performing team, establish goals, and ensure accountability.
• Oversee grant-funded initiatives, reporting, and department budget with a focus on sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Partnerships

Policy & Advocacy

Communication

Job description

Immigrants Rising is seeking a Director of Higher Education to provide strategic and operational leadership for our higher education portfolio. The role advances a cohesive approach that links direct services, affordability initiatives, institutional partnerships, and statewide strategies to improve undocumented students’ access and success in postsecondary education.

Responsibilities include guiding program strategy, growing partnerships, managing a diverse team, and ensuring grant performance