Director of Early College Initiatives

Position Overview

The Director of Early College Initiatives will provide strategic leadership and oversight for Merrimack’s Early College program. Merrimack is one of only 32 institutions of Higher Education designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the first private institution designated for an Early College program. This statewide initiative prepares high school students for college success by allowing them to earn college credits at no cost while in high school. The Director will report to the Academic Dean of Education and focus on growing and strengthening the existing Early College program, and forming more significant signature programs by building new partnerships with schools and community stakeholders. The Director will be responsible for aligning Early College programs with the College’s mission and state Early College standards. This position is soft funded and continued employment is contingent upon the successful receipt of annual funding.

Responsibilities

The Director of Early College initiatives will lead the following coordinated efforts:

• Partner Management : The Director will serve as the primary liaison between Merrimack College and external partners – including the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Department of Higher Education (DHE), Lawrence Public Schools (Superintendent, Principal of Lawrence High School and Abbott Lawrence Academy) and other local school district leaders – to coordinate Early College initiatives. This includes establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with partner schools, leading steering committee meetings with K-12 administrators and Merrimack faculty, and ensuring all parties fulfill agreed-upon roles and expectations. The Director will manage and build relationships with key area high schools and district personnel to expand early college enrollment and opportunities.
• Program Development & Oversight : Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all Early College program components. The Director provides day-to-day management of the Early College program, including coordinating course offerings and pathways with Merrimack’s academic departments and Registrar’s Office, scheduling courses, and aligning high school curricula with college expectations. They will work closely with campus offices (Admission, Academic Advising, Student Success, etc.) to integrate Early College students into the college environment where applicable. Responsibilities also include developing new Early College initiatives and innovating program models to serve additional student populations or academic areas.
• Student Support and Success : The Director will coordinate with designated partners on the advising and academic support to ensure that Early College students are effectively supported through course completion. They will oversee processes for student course registration, and orientation, including providing on-site support at partner high schools. The Director may organize special events such as an early college orientation session, workshops on college success skills, and a recognition/graduation ceremony for Early College students and their families. Supporting student success also involves monitoring academic progress and connecting students with tutoring, mentoring, and other resources to promote college readiness.
• Data, Evaluation, and Reporting : The Director will collect and analyze data on Early College student performance, credit accumulation, and post-high school enrollment to track program outcomes and drive continuous improvement. They will ensure regular communication of program data and outcomes to internal stakeholders and designated partners, and produce evaluation reports demonstrating the program’s impact. This includes reporting to state agencies as required for maintaining Early College designation and funding. The Director may also work with faculty to assess learning outcomes and share best practices or research findings (e.g. presenting internally or at conferences on Early College outcomes).
• Funding and Sustainability : The Director will be responsible for managing the Early College program budget and for seeking and securing grants or state funding (such as Massachusetts Early College Initiative grants) to sustain and expand the program. This includes writing grant proposals and managing grant-funded budgets and deliverables. In collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the Director will identify new funding opportunities and partnerships (for example, with private foundations or industry partners) that can enhance Early College offerings.
• Campus and Community Engagemen t: The Director will represent Merrimack College at Early College events and serve on relevant committees or councils. For instance, the Director may participate in statewide Early College network meetings, the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College, and DESE/DHE convenings to stay abreast of policy developments. Within Merrimack, the Director will work with faculty and administrators to raise awareness of the Early College program’s importance and to facilitate college-wide support for the program. They may also engage local community organizations, non-profits, and employers to develop enrichment opportunities (such as career exploration workshops or internship pathways) for Early College students.
• Supervision and Administration : Oversee two staff members and all faculty who are directly involved in teaching in the Early College program. The Director will supervise supporting roles such as an Assistant Director of Early College Program, Early College Biology Fellow, graduate assistants, fellows or coordinators (if applicable). This includes hiring and training staff, setting performance goals, and coordinating the efforts of instructors teaching Early College courses (ensuring faculty understand the unique needs of high school students in college classes). The Director is responsible for administrative duties such as budgeting (planning and managing the program’s budget and expenditures), ensuring compliance with college policies and state designation standards, and other operational tasks necessary for program success.
• Other Duties as necessary : As the Early College program continues to evolve, The Director will perform other duties related to the Early College initiative as assigned to meet emerging needs.
  
  

Position Qualifications

• Education : Master’s degree required (doctorate/terminal degree preferred). An advanced degree in education, higher education administration, public policy, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience : Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience, such as program management in a higher education or K-12 setting, with experience working in or with underserved school districts or early college/dual enrollment programs. Experience building partnerships between educational institutions (e.g. between a college and high schools) is essential.
• Knowledge : Familiarity with both secondary and postsecondary education systems – understanding high school operations/curriculum and college academic requirements is required. Knowledge of Massachusetts’ Early College Initiative policies and dual enrollment regulations is preferred. Experience with college access, student success initiatives, and community focused educational programs will be highly valuable.
• Skills : Excellent project management and organizational skills to oversee a complex program with multiple partners. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are required, as the Director must collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders including high school administrators, teachers, college faculty, staff, students, and parents. The ability to convene meetings, lead committees, and build consensus is important. Strong public speaking and presentation skills will help in representing the program externally.
• Grant Writing & Budgeting : Demonstrated ability to write grant proposals and manage program budgets or grants is preferred. Successful experience securing external funding or managing educational grants will be viewed favorably.
• Language : Bilingual abilities, especially Spanish proficiency, are preferred, given the demographics of partner communities. The ability to communicate in Spanish (or other languages prevalent in partner school districts) will help in engaging with students’ families and the broader community.
  
  

Application Materials Should Include

• Resume
• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.
• Contact information for three professional references
  
  

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis until qualified/suitable candidates are identified. However, applicants are encouraged to submit their complete applications by May 3rd, 2026, to ensure full consideration.

Work Location

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.