Director Search for the National Dropout Prevention Center
The National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) was begun in 1986 to serve as a clearinghouse on issues related to dropout prevention and to offer strategies designed to increase the graduation rate in America’s schools. Over the years, the NDPC has become a well-established national resource for sharing solutions for student success. It does so through its clearinghouse function, active research projects, publications, and through a variety of professional development activities. Its mission is “to increase high school graduation rates through research and evidence-based solutions.” The NDPC is part of the College of Health, Education, and Human Development at Clemson University.The NDPC is affiliated with the National Dropout Prevention Network (NDPN), which is housed within the Center. NDPN is a national membership organization of teachers, counselors, school administrators, government staff, and business and community leaders. The NDPN is led by a board of directors.
NDPC also houses the National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities (NDPC-SD). In addition, the Urban Initiatives Institute at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth is an NDPC satellite center. For more information about the NDPC, please visit http://www.dropoutprevention.org/home.
Search for an Executive Director
The National Dropout Prevention Center seeks a highly accomplished, dynamic leader to serve as executive director. The executive director of the National Dropout Prevention Center will also serve as the executive director of the National Dropout Prevention Network and is a member of its board of directors. This is a unique opportunity to lead the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network, providing vision and leadership to fulfill its mission at this pivotal point in the NDPC’s history.
As leader of the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network, the executive director will creatively manage a multifaceted organization that has the capacity to provide schools and communities across the country with solutions, resources, professional development opportunities, and research for solving the dropout crisis. The executive director will champion connections with external organizations to achieve mutual goals and to integrate academic and research projects with faculty at Clemson University, particularly but not limited to, the College of Health, Education, and Human Development.
Leadership
- Representing NDPC to educators and policymakers as its “public face”
- Planning strategically and making decisions regarding major activities
- Maintaining and strengthening relationships with Clemson University, especially the College of Health, Education, and Human Development and the Eugene T. Moore School of Education
- Coordinating with Clemson University policies and procedures
- Working with Urban Schools Satellite Center at UMass Dartmouth and as a co-principal investigator for NDPC-SD
Management
- Supervising a staff of professional employees and student interns
- Managing program operations and staff, including human ,material, fiscal, and technological resources
- Utilizing staff and consultants for product development and task completion
- Managing the budget, grants, revenues, and resources
Fund-Raising and Resource Development
- Generating funding through grants, partnerships, and contracts
- Developing new corporate and/or organizational partnerships
- Writing proposals, donation and grant solicitations
- Developing networks and membership
- Marketing and publication sales
- Sponsoring of activities and products
- Developing professional service contracts
- Planning for annual conferences and institutes
Professional Experience and Qualifications:
- Exemplary experience building partnerships with foundations, businesses, and government
- Exemplary experience with fund-raising, partnerships, grant writing, and project management
- Demonstrable understanding of the educational, social, and economic aspects of students at risk for school failure
- Evidence of ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with school systems, state-level departments of education, and governmental agencies
- Experience and productivity to qualify for a senior administrative position
The ideal candidate would possess:
- Educational leadership experience, particularly with at-risk student populations
- A resourceful, entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to run an independent organization
- Strong interpersonal and relationship skills as well as political astuteness and connectedness
- A doctoral degree in educational leadership, higher education, or related field
- Research experience related to improved school outcome for students or students at risk for school failure
- Excellent communication skills, especially in public speaking and writing
- A familiarity with dropout prevention and research
This position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and reports to the Dean of the College of Health, Education, and Human Development at Clemson University.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest that relates their experiences and qualifications to the responsibilities of the position, a resume, and three letters of reference to tk@clemson.edu. The letters can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair, College of Health, Education, and Human Development, Clemson University, 116 Edwards Hall, Clemson, SC, 29634-0701. Finalists may be asked to demonstrate written communication skills and prepare a presentation. Deadline for submission of application is April 1, 2012.
Clemson University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or genetic information.