Vice President of Programs #2019-2513

Vice President of Programs         

Reporting directly to the CEO at Excelencia in Education, you will provide critical internal support, management, and coordination as we launch a bold, new strategic initiative to address the challenges Latino students face in higher education. You will coordinate across 10 staff members in existing teams currently led by the president and CEO and you will collaborate with operational colleagues to infuse structures and processes that enable all staff to thrive and collectively accelerate the organization’s efforts. This is a new role, which will grow over time in terms of scope and overall contribution to the strategic direction and growth of the organization, starting immediately with the primary responsibilities listed below and expanding over time into the anticipated additional responsibilities.

Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia in Education, accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analyses to inform educational policies, and advancing institutional practices while collaborating with those committed and ready to improve Latino college completion. Excelencia works with a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s need for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leadership.

We recently launched the Seal of Excelencia, a voluntary certification program designed to foster institutional transformation to better serve Latino students, significantly increase Latino student completion, and close equity gaps. The Seal is envisioned to create an incentive in the higher education market for improving Latino student success. Colleges and universities earn the Seal of Excelencia once they demonstrate intentionality in their efforts to serve Latino students and consistent Latino academic achievement.

Excelencia is a growing, fast-paced nonprofit organization with a small and dynamic team deeply committed to its mission. Staff work in teams focused on research and policy, programmatic areas with institutions, and operational areas. Programmatic teams are organized around constituency engagement—the E-Action Network with institutional leaders and programs; Examples of Excelencia—the only national effort to identify and promote evidence-based institutional practices through an annual award and database of programs; and the Seal of Excelencia, which supports institutions through technical assistance to pursue the Seal certification. Operational areas include the communications team and administrative staff.

Responsibilities of the Vice President of Programs 

• Strengthen programs, policy, and events. Help shape the thinking and direction for each of the program teams. Spur innovation in each area. Work closely with colleagues across the organization to achieve results. Support and inform events and related planning. Ensure all deliverables, from publications to activities to events, follow appropriate timelines and adhere to high standards of quality.
• Facilitate teams. Develop and enhance each team’s internal coordination, planning, and delivery. Support collaboration across teams. Provide tools, guidance, structures, and resources to ensure each team and individual is able to meet and exceed their goals. Ensure coordination of projects across the organization. Offer thought leadership and support in the design of program strategies.
• Inform strategic direction. Serve as a key member of the executive team, alongside the president, CEO, and vice president of finance and operations. Contribute to the strategic planning for the organization. Work jointly on initiatives and organizational plans, operating as a brain trust for problem-solving and acceleration efforts.
• Promote organizational culture and communication. Ensure smooth communication and coordination across the organization. Develop a system for internal team communication. Create space for discussion, learning, and divergent views. Bridge gaps between stakeholders. Help build and reinforce a strong culture of rigor, innovation, transparency, and positive engagement.
• Guide staff development. Lead, coach, and supervise staff for continuous improvement. Provide forums for individual and collective professional development through training, events, and retreats. Develop aligned performance management systems and strategies. Create an environment that is supportive and accountable.
• Enhance external efforts. Assist with external partnerships. Serve as a representative for Excelencia’s work and role in the field with all stakeholders.