Sandhills Regional Associate Director

Student U is a nonprofit dedicated to creating a more equitable education system, so that every student in Durham can succeed. As a result of structural racism, poverty and other systemic injustices, we acknowledge that first-generation college-bound students face significant personal and institutional obstacles to educational success. We want to change the odds for students in our community.

We empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city. Our approach combines three main elements: Our whole-families approach to college access and success programming, our operation of the W.G. Pearson Center in east Durham, and our role in developing and sharing our education best practices to change systems. Our strategic partnerships help parents and students develop the skills they need to shape their futures—in school, at work, and in their communities. Our community shares their knowledge with their peers, advocates for themselves and their classmates, and celebrates our collective achievements as we learn and grow.

Together, we are creating communities where all students succeed.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Student U is partnering with leaders across The North Carolina Community Schools Coalition (NCCSC) to expand and implement Full Service Community Schools (FCSCs) in North Carolina over 5 years, from January 2024 - December 2028. Student U is the regional implementation partner tasked with the growth and leadership of community schools in Central North Carolina. 

This position will be responsible for coaching the implementation of the Community Schools strategy in the Sandhills Region. Strong collaboration with district leadership, Sandhills Regional Education Consortium and NC DPI are core responsibilities of this position. This position is  tasked with hiring, supervising and supporting Community School Coordinators and ensuring quality implementation of the community schools strategy at each partner school. The ideal candidate is an excellent relationship-builder between school leadership, regional leadership, NCCSC, and Student U to further the adoption and sustainability of the community schools strategy across the sandhills region.  

This position follows a hybrid model, primarily working remotely from your home. However, you will be expected to be in schools daily for site visits and in-person engagement as part of your regular responsibilities.

Job Responsibilities: Team Building and Leadership 

• In collaboration with Student U, Sandhills Regional Education Consortium, DPI’s Regional Director, and school leadership, recruit, train and supervise up to 17 coordinators and other support staff to  implement the community schools strategy across the Sandhills Region. This will include regular presentations to schools who are onboarding to this strategy, and regular communication with all partner schools. 
• Build relationships across the Sandhills region. Work closely with the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium, DPI’s Regional Director, Student U and NCCSC, Inc. to implement community schools across the region. Support the sustainability efforts of the project through quality implementation and advocacy with key stakeholders.
• In coordination with the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium, district liaisons, and DPI’s Regional Director, cultivate regular meeting spaces in which coordinators can learn from:
• • each other
  • school leaders
  • families and students
  • Student U core staff and model 
  • Student U community schools staff 
  • NCCSC, Inc
• Provide direction, guidance and accountability to Community School Coordinators
• Work with a dynamic multi-disciplinary team with Associate Director of Family Engagement, Senior Director of the Community Schools Model, Director of Community Schools Partnerships and Associate Director of Student Support Services. 
• Implement a robust training program that is tailored to each school’s needs 
• Ensure quality and fidelity of the Community S