MICHEP Executive Director at Michigan College Access Network

Lansing, Michigan, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

31 May, 26

Salary

90000.0

Posted On

02 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Leadership, Program Oversight, Member Relations, Advocacy, External Relations, Fundraising, Resource Development, Financial Management, Budgeting, Operational Systems, Board Engagement, Equity, Inclusion, Communication, Collaboration, Data-Driven Decision Making

Industry

Education Management

Description

POSITION TITLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/PRESIDENT, MICHIGAN CONSORTIUM FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN PRISON (MICHEP) CLASSIFICATION: SALARIED: EXEMPT REPORTS TO: STEERING COMMITTEE / BOARD OF DIRECTORS Employment Type: Full-Time, In-person 40 hours per week Salary: The target salary range for this role is $75,000 to $90,000. This range is informed by an external compensation analysis of the job description and aligned with our progressive Compensation Policy, which is rooted in pay equity. We determine starting salaries within the established range based on relevant qualifications and experience. To uphold equity and consistency, we do not negotiate salaries. Research shows that traditional salary negotiation practices often contribute to inequities, disproportionately impacting women and people of color, and our approach is designed to help mitigate those disparities. After the first year of employment, the initial salary may be increased, at the discretion of MCAN and the MiCHEP Steering Committee, through a structured review process based on success in securing new funding and hitting Key Performance Indicators. Benefits: Full benefits package includes platinum health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Also includes education support program, employee development program, 403b retirement plan (with standard 4% employer contribution and up to an additional 3% match), 240 hours of PTO, 13 paid holidays, 6 weeks fully paid maternity/paternity/adoption leave, employee assistance program, downtown Lansing parking permit and cell phone reimbursement. Location: Michigan (Hybrid: combination of remote work and in-person meetings; periodic travel across Michigan required to member institutions, correctional facilities, and partner organizations). Physical office space is possible at the Lansing location of the Michigan College Access Network. ABOUT MICHEP The Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (MiCHEP) is a membership organization of colleges, universities, and partners dedicated to improving the lives of incarcerated individuals through opportunities to earn college degrees and certificates, advancing reentry success, reducing recidivism, and strengthening communities. MiCHEP collaborates with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), and other bodies to share best practices, provide technical assistance, help review prison higher education program applications, improve data collection, and advocate for policy changes to support incarcerated student success and educational equity. POSITION SUMMARY The Executive Director/President/CEO is the chief executive officer of the Consortium and will provide strategic leadership, manage daily operations, represent MiCHEP to external stakeholders, lead fundraising and resource development, ensure effective collaboration among members, and guide the organization in fulfilling its mission. The person in this role will work closely with the Steering Committee/Board to translate MiCHEP’s strategic plan into actionable initiatives, ensure financial health, oversee staff and contractors, and serve as a public face and advocate for higher education in prison in Michigan. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Below are the primary duties expected of the Executive Director/President/CEO. This is not exhaustive and may evolve as the Consortium grows. Area Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Planning • Lead the development, implementation, and periodic updating of MiCHEP’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board/Steering Committee. • Identify gaps and opportunities in the prison higher education landscape; propose new initiatives or partnerships to expand access, quality, & outcomes. • Ensure that MiCHEP’s efforts align with state and federal policy developments (e.g., Pell Grant eligibility, prison education program standards). • Stay current on research, trends, best practices in college-in-prison, reentry, data collection, equity, and correctional education. Program Oversight & Member Relations • Support member institutions with technical assistance, peer sharing, capacity building, and best practices. • Coordinate with MDOC and other state agencies to review applications for college-in-prison programs, ensuring quality and compliance. • Oversee data collection, analysis, reporting on outcomes (e.g., enrollment, retention, graduation, recidivism) for incarcerated students. • Foster relationships among member colleges, correctional facilities, incarcerated/formerly incarcerated students, and other stakeholders. Advocacy & External Relations • Serve as primary spokesperson for MiCHEP to legislators, state agencies, funders, media, and the public. • Advocate for policies, funding, regulations that expand and improve higher education in prisons. • Build partnerships with other nonprofits, foundations, educational networks, community organizations. • Represent MiCHEP at conferences, meetings, and convenings. Fundraising & Resource Development[1] • Develop and carry out fundraising strategies to secure financial resources (grants, donations, contracts) to sustain and grow MiCHEP’s work. • Manage relationships with current and potential funders. • Ensure compliance with grant requirements, reporting, budget tracking. • Identify in-kind support, partner contributions, and other nonfinancial resources. Operations & Financial Management • Oversee MiCHEP’s operational systems, including staffing or contractors, project management, administrative processes, budgeting, and financial reporting. • Prepare an annual budget; monitor financial performance; ensure fiscal responsibility. • Ensure organizational policies, procedures, and legal requirements are adhered to. • Ensure effective internal communication and collaboration within the organization. Board/Steering Committee Engagement • Serve as liaison between staff and Board/Steering Committee; prepare and provide information, reports, and analyses to enable effective governance. • Support board in governance functions: strategic decisions, policy setting, oversight, recruitment, evaluation. • Facilitate, with the Board, regular evaluation of MiCHEP’s performance and adaptation of strategies as needed. Equity, Inclusion & Student Centeredness • Promote principles of equity, inclusion, justice in all MiCHEP’s work. • Ensure that policies, practices, communications are responsive to the needs and voices of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students. • Ensure diverse representation in committees, leadership, and decision-making. • Encourage the development of peer leadership among incarcerated students (e.g., tutors, mentors), and successful reentry supports. QUALIFICATIONS Below are the desired qualifications for the Executive Director/President. The ideal candidate may not have every trait listed, but should bring a strong mix and be committed to growing into areas of needed expertise. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE * Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in higher education, public policy, nonprofit management, social justice, or related field. (Master’s preferred) * At least 5-8 years of professional experience with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role in a nonprofit, membership organization, professional association, higher education, criminal justice / corrections, prison education, reentry, or related field. * Demonstrated experience in developing and managing programs affecting incarcerated or justice-involved populations, or working with correctional institutions. * Proven success securing grants/funding, managing budgets, and providing financial oversight. * Experience with policy/advocacy work, engaging government agencies and legislators. * Experience connecting multiple stakeholders (e.g., institutions, corrections, students, community orgs). SKILLS & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES * Deep commitment to the mission of access to higher education for incarcerated people, and belief in education’s role in rehabilitation and reintegration. * Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic thinking skills. * Excellent communication ability — both oral and written; comfortable speaking publicly; able to tailor messaging to different audiences (students, institutions, corrections, policymakers). * Collaborative style; ability to build consensus, foster partnerships, facilitate shared decision-making. * High integrity; strong ethical compass; sensitivity to justice, equity, and inclusion. * Cultural competence; experience working with marginalized populations, understanding trauma, incarceration, barriers to reentry. * Ability to manage complexity; skilled at juggling multiple projects, deadlines, stakeholders. * Skilled in data-driven decision making; able to oversee collection, interpretation, and dissemination of metrics and outcomes. WORKING CONDITIONS & EXPECTATIONS * Full-time position.[2] * Some travel across Michigan required—for visits to correctional facilities, member institutions, partners. * Must be able to be LEIN-cleared by the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). * Successfully complete any required MDOC training requirements. * Flexibility in work hours; occasional evening or weekend work as needed for events, meetings, or legislative sessions. * Remote-capable work, but with expectation of periodic in-person meetings and presence at key events. * Commitment to confidentiality, especially in working with incarcerated students and institutional partners. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS) Some sample metrics by which performance might be evaluated include: * Progress toward goals in the strategic plan (program expansion, quality improvements, partnerships). * Growth in membership, or in the number of institutions offering programs through MiCHEP. * Volume and quality of funding secured; financial sustainability. * Data on student outcomes: enrollment, retention, graduation, post-release success or reentry results. * Policy or legislative wins or influence. * Initiation and sustaining of new projects. * Engagement of incarcerated/formerly incarcerated students in leadership roles. * Stakeholder satisfaction (members, partner institutions, MDOC, students). * Participation in state and national organizations linked to MiCHEP’s mission MiCHEP Executive Director Prospectus [https://michigancollegeaccessnetwork.app.box.com/file/2148769295161] MiCHEP is committed to inclusive excellence and strongly encourages participation by individuals with lived experience of incarceration. Accordingly, persons with lived experience of incarceration are especially encouraged to apply. [1] This position is funded for three years by a grant from the Mellon Foundation. Ongoing employment is dependent on satisfactory performance and successful fundraising sufficient to fund the position beyond the grant period. [2]. Michigan College Access Network serves as fiscal agent for MiCHEP. As such, the MiCHEP Executive Director will be an MCAN employee until such time as the fiscal agent relationship between MCAN and MiCHEP changes. MCAN is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director/President/CEO will provide strategic leadership, manage daily operations, represent MiCHEP to external stakeholders, and lead fundraising and resource development efforts. This role involves working closely with the Steering Committee/Board to translate the strategic plan into actionable initiatives and ensure the organization's financial health.