Position Overview
The Director of Early College provides oversight of Early College students' full experience at Bethel. As the institutional leader for Early College programs, the Director of Early College collaborates with academic, enrollment, and student experience leaders, as well as other institutional offices. Externally, the director proactively builds and sustains strong partnerships with schools and key stakeholders to expand opportunities and enhance program impact.
Lead Bethel's university priorities related to Early College - MN Post Secondary Enrollment Option program and College in the Schools. This includes directing evaluation of current efforts and driving strategy development and implementation to 1) grow enrollment, increasing the number of students who engage in a life-changing student experience as an Early College student at Bethel; 2) provide transformative education, preparing students to complete a college degree; 3) increase net revenue; and 4) increase Early College students' matriculation to Bethel after high school graduation.
*We are anticipating a July 2026 start date for this position.*
Primary Responsibilities
High School Partnerships and Enrollment Pathways-
- Develop and sustain strong partnerships with high schools.
- Contribute to enrollment strategies related to expanding access, increasing early college enrollment, and increasing student matriculation to Bethel.
Early College Students' Academic and Holistic Student Experience -
- Coordinate across Bethel units to ensure holistic student support. This includes interfacing with academic departments, faculty, Student Experience, OIX, advising, admissions, marketing, faculty development, academic design, and other Bethel offices
- Champion initiatives that foster Early College student success aligned with Bethel's mission, and in coordination with the student success committee.
- Lead the Early College Core Team to support alignment and accountability across units.
Operations and Financial Management-
- Coordinate efforts of Bethel offices to ensure effective administration of concurrent enrollment programs. This includes interfacing with offices related to invoicing, finances, course offerings, scheduling, faculty assignments, and MOUs.
- Manage designated Early College budgets and contribute to financial planning in collaboration with institutional budget managers.
- Ensure that program operations and strategies support enrollment growth, student matriculation, and net revenue goals.
Communication-
- Lead internal communication regarding Early College programs, including course and degree options, policies, processes, and the student experience.
- Be responsible for effective external communication in partnership with Marketing, including timely updates to webpages.
Reporting and Program Evaluation
- Support the Registrar's Office in completing required state and federal reports.
- Provide and archive annual internal reports summarizing KPIs on student achievement, student experience, enrollment, financial outcomes, and overall program performance to the Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning and Cabinet-level leadership as requested.
- Apply program evaluation processes and NACEP standards to continuously improve concurrent enrollment programs and the Early College student experience.
Accreditation and Compliance
- Maintain NACEP accreditation by leading the accreditation process and overseeing evidence collection and compliance across partnerships, faculty, curriculum, assessment, and student outcomes.
- Lead the Concurrent Enrollment Advisory Board.
- Ensure compliance with MN Department of Education, HLC, and legal requirements through all concurrent enrollment class offerings and student activities
- Stay current on state and federal concurrent enrollment laws; lead institutional compliance efforts in collaboration with the Registrar's Office and other Bethel entities.
Qualifications
Education:
- Master's degree in education, higher education administration or related field
Experience:
- Evidence of progressive leadership responsibility in higher education, K-12 partnerships, or related educational leadership possibly in early college programs.
- Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives that impact enrollment, student success, or program growth.
- Experience managing budgets and working with multiple stakeholders across an institution or organization.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strategic leadership: Ability to set vision, develop strategy, and implement innovative initiatives across complex organizations. Skilled at prioritizing and advancing multiple initiatives in a dynamic environment. Skills in change management and strategic planning.
Relationship building: Skilled at cultivating partnerships with schools, administrators, faculty, and community stakeholders. Demonstrated commitment to listening, learning, and integrating diverse perspectives
Student-centered approach: Deep commitment to creating transformative, mission-aligned student experiences.
Regulatory knowledge: Understanding, or proven ability to learn, and accurate application of accreditation standards and state/federal policies related to concurrent enrollment.
Financial acumen: Ability to manage program budgets and contribute to revenue and enrollment planning.
Communication excellence: Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills for diverse audiences, including the ability to utilize social media.
Collaborative influence: Ability to lead through collaboration and cross-departmental coordination rather than direct supervision.
Analytical ability: Proficiency in using data for program evaluation, decision-making, and continuous improvement.
Technological Knowledge and Application: Ability to strategically and responsibly leverage current and emerging technologies-including AI-to support practice, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement, while anticipating and guiding future innovation.
Benefits
Bethel is committed to offering meaningful benefits to our employees including health insurance, retirement plans, and a generous time off package. Learn more about these offerings here.
Learn more about our commitment to diversity in hiring.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time
About Bethel University
Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 4,700 students from 50 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in life-long service to God and the world.
Bethel University's Christ-centered mission includes a commitment to equal educational opportunity and equal employment opportunity. Bethel does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, or age in its admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.
The pay range for this role is:
70,000 - 75,000 USD per year (Bethel University)
To apply, visit https://ats.rippling.com/bethel-university-staff/jobs/dd640b38-a3de-49a2-bf19-f8d757efd812
