Job Details
Description
The American Council on Education (ACE) is the major coordinating body for the nation's colleges and universities. ACE is a membership organization that mobilizes the higher education community to shape effective public policy and foster innovative, high-quality practices. With a diverse base of member institutions, ACE represents nearly 1,700 college and university presidents and executives, serving as the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions. ACE's mission includes serving 280 minority serving institutions, 25,000 higher education professionals, and 7.7 million students enrolled in colleges and universities. ACE membership extends to all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and 21 other countries.
Position Summary:
The position supports the Director in implementing ACE Connect's community strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. Key responsibilities include coordinating and supporting programs that address community needs, fostering strong relationships with ACE members, and implementing engagement initiatives to ensure inclusivity and representation. The role provides personalized support to community members, collaborates on member-focused content promoting equity and inclusion, and supports the planning and execution of webinars, including logistics and speaker coordination. Additionally, the position manages the development and maintenance of online platforms to facilitate community engagement, collaborates to optimize user experience, and analyzes engagement data to enhance participation and create a supportive environment for ACE members.
Essential Job Duties or Tasks:
Community Engagement:
- Support the Director and Associate Director in the development and operationalization of the community strategy and engagement model within ACE Connect and in alignment with organizational priorities
- Coordinate and support programs and identify resources that address the specific needs of communities.
- Implement projects to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with ACE members and stakeholders, with a specific emphasis on emerging and legacy communities such as ACE Member Networks and the ACE Women's Network.
- Coordinate engagement initiatives tailored to the unique needs and interests of different communities within ACE, ensuring inclusivity and representation.
- Provide personalized support to community members, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring a high level of satisfaction with ACE services and resources.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop member-focused content and resources that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the ACE community.
Webinar Planning and Execution:
- Support the Director and Associate Director in planning and execution of webinars aimed at delivering valuable insights, best practices, and thought leadership to ACE members and the larger higher education community.
- Work with subject matter experts and external partners to deliver timely webinar topics and collaborate with speakers that resonate with the interests and priorities of community members.
- In close collaboration with the Associate Director, manage webinar logistics, including scheduling, speaker coordination, content development, promotion, and post-event follow-up, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for participants.
Online Experiences for Community Development:
- Manage/guide the development and maintenance of online platforms and resources aimed at facilitating community development and engagement, with a focus on supporting existing and emerging communities.
- Collaborate with cross-council teams to optimize the user experience and functionality of ACE's online platforms, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all community members.
- Monitor engagement metrics and analyze data to identify opportunities for improving online experiences and driving community participation, with a commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for all members.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree.
- 3+ years of experience in program management, community engagement, or membership services, preferably in a nonprofit or association setting.
- Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a keen attention to detail.
- Proven experience in planning and executing successful webinars or virtual events.
- Familiarity with online community platforms and experience in leveraging digital tools for community building.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while also being self-motivated and capable of working independently.
- Passion for education and a commitment to advancing ACE's mission of expanding access to higher education.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience in supporting and advocating for underrepresented communities, such as the ACE Women's Network.
Education/Experience/Specialized Knowledge and Competency Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in business, higher education or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. A graduate degree may substitute for some years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree or higher
- 3 years of experience in or with higher education or 3 years of experience in program management
- Experience in analyzing metrics and data to inform decision-making.
- Understanding of digital tools and resources that facilitate community engagement.
- Demonstrated understanding of the challenges facing postsecondary education.
- Able to manage multiple projects and design solutions within limited time constraints.
- Able to develop and maintain ongoing positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Working Conditions/Physical Effort:
This is a hybrid position with a minimum of 2 days per week at 1 Dupont Circle, Washington DC 20036.
5-10% travel requirement as necessary.
**Please submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.**
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)