Associate Director, Community Schools

Every day, United Way for southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) works alongside community partners, donors, and nonprofits to create measurable, lasting change across southeastern Michigan. By investing in programs that support education, economic stability, and health, UWSEM helps ensure individuals and families have the resources they need not just to get by, but to thrive. Our work is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. This full‑time position offers a salary of $80,000 , along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes major medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability, AD&D coverage, ASPCA pet insurance, a DoorDash discount, 20 days of paid time off per year, 12 paid holidays, and one floating holiday. The Associate Director, Community Schools, is a key steward of support for United Way for southeastern Michigan’s School District Alliance. The Associate Director must be a champion for youth and have significant experience working with public school districts. The Associate Director works collaboratively within a team of professionals to build relationships with school districts and community‑based organizations, ensure successful implementation of the School District Alliance, and set the strategic vision for UWSEM’s thought leadership in the community schools space. A passion for equity, data fluency, and familiarity with the community schools’ model are important as well. The Associate Director connects key resources to school districts to ensure that our region’s children have the tools and resources necessary to thrive. This includes: Coordinating supports for schools and districts, working closely with multiple stakeholders (including senior district leaders, internal UWSEM team members, community partner organizations, etc.) Providing technical assistance to school districts to support building capacity related to the community schools model Strategically aligning resources and partnerships to meet school and district needs Using data to assess community and student needs, propose solutions, and engage in continuous improvement Contributing to strategic planning for UWSEM’s Youth Opportunity team Manage School District Alliance and Community School Partnerships: Support the School District Alliance, which includes multiple public‑school districts across southeastern Michigan Liaise with district and school leaders and other stakeholders and partners within the community Support the development and convening of community school councils for each district in the School District Alliance Collaborate with districts and schools to develop strategic, scaled, and sustainable plans Advocate for the community schools’ model and secure resources to support its continued development and implementation Serve as a capacity builder, thought partner, and key collaborator in the work of transforming traditional school districts that join the School District Alliance Support the implementation of community schools best practices in community schools and School District Alliance members Develop United Way Strategy for Community Schools: Collaborate with internal and external teams on partnership planning and design Coordinate community school grants awarded to partners Contribute to regional dialogue around the community schools initiative, including by working collaboratively to secure funding opportunities and recruit new partners in the work Build regional and national partnerships focused on the community schools’ model Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Understanding of regional K-12 public school systems and context, including community, cultural, political, and economic challenges Ability to develop relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders of large organizations Problem‑solving and organizational skills Experience addressing community needs through public‑sector institutions Familiarity with the goals and framework of community schools (see here for more information) Knowledge of proven collective impact and innovation models Demonstrated success in problem anticipation and resolution, especially in a public school setting (e.g., classroom, after‑school program, central office) Ability to work well independently and within a team Ability to present ideas and proposals in a clear, concise, and motivational manner, including as a facilitator Ability to articulate and utilize strategies to promote community impact Education & Experience Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Education, social work, or related field required; master’s degree or other advanced degree preferred 5+ years of experience working with community, corporations, and/or schools At least 2 years of direct experience working within public school districts; experience within a central office preferred Demonstrated ability to analyze data and use it to drive decisions and improve outcomes We ask that all applicants read up on Community Schools before applying. #J-18808-Ljbffr Unitedwaysem