Associate Director, Community Schools

Every day, United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) works alongside community partners, donors, and nonprofits to create measurable, lasting change across Southeastern Michigan. By investing in programs that support education, economic stability, and health, UWSEM helps ensure individuals and families have the resources they need not just to get by, but to thrive. Our work is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve.

 

This full‑time position offers a salary of $80,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes major medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability, AD&D coverage, ASPCA pet insurance, a DoorDash discount, 20 days of paid time off per year, 12 paid holidays, and one floating holiday.

 

The Associate Director, Community Schools, is a key steward of support for United Way for Southeastern Michigan's (UWSEM) School District Alliance. The Associate Director must be a champion for youth and have significant experience working with public school districts. The Associate Director works collaboratively within a team of professionals to build

relationships with school districts and community-based organizations, ensure successful implementation of the School District Alliance, and set the strategic vision for UWSEM's thought leadership in the community schools space.

A passion for equity, data fluency, and familiarity with the community schools' model are important as well. The Associate Director connects key resources to school districts to ensure that our region's children have the tools and resources necessary to thrive. This includes:

Coordinating supports for schools and districts, working closely with multiple stakeholders (including senior district leaders, internal UWSEM team members, community partner organizations, etc.)

Providing technical assistance to school districts to support building capacity related to the community schools model

Strategically aligning resources and partnerships to meet school and district needs

Using data to assess community and student needs, propose solutions, and engage in continuous improvement

Contributing to strategic planning for UWSEM's Youth Opportunity team

 

 

 

Manage School District Alliance and Community School Partnerships:

Support the School District Alliance, which includes multiple public-school districts across Southeastern Michigan

Liaise with district and school leaders and other stakeholders and partners within the community

Support the development and convening of community school councils for each district in the School District Alliance

Collaborate with districts and schools to develop strategic, scaled, and sustainable plans

Advocate for the community schools' model and secure resources to support its continued development and implementation

Serve as a capacity builder, thought partner, and key collaborator in the work of transforming traditional school districts that join the School District Alliance

Support the implementation of community schools best practices in community schools and School District Alliance member

 

Develop United Way Strategy for Community Schools:

Collaborate with internal and external teams on partnership planning and design

Coordinate community school grants awarded to partners

Contribute to regional dialogue around the community schools initiative, including by working collaboratively to secure funding opportunities and recruit new partners in the work

Build regional and national partnerships focused on the community schools' model

Other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

 

Understanding of regional K-12 public school systems and context, including community, cultural, political, and economic challenges

Ability to develop relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders of large organizations

Problem-solving and organizational skills

Experience addressing community needs through public-sector institutions

Familiarity with the goals and framework of community schools (see here for more information)

Knowledge of proven collective impact and innovation models

Demonstrated success in problem anticipation and resolution, especially in a public school setting (e.g., classroom, after school program, central office)

Ability to work well independently and within a team

Ability to present ideas and proposals in a clear, concise, and motivational manner, including as a facilitator

Ability to articulate and utilize strategies to promote community impact

 

Education & Experience Requirements

 

Bachelor's degree in Education, social work, or related field required; master's degree or other advanced degree preferred

5+ years of experience working with community, corporations, and/or schools.

At least 2 years of direct experience working within public school districts; experience within a central office preferred

Demonstrated ability to analyze data and use it to drive decisions and improve outcomes

 

We ask that all applicants read up on Community Schools before applying.