Department: Strategic Outreach Location: Grand Rapids, MI
The Dean of Strategic Outreach furthers Grand Rapids Community College's mission through visionary leadership and the development of innovative outreach initiatives supporting college access, readiness, and enrollment goals. The Dean focuses on emerging trends and opportunities within the communities we serve, identifies new sources of enrollment growth, as well as enhances and expands programming and internal and external partnerships. The Dean also provides leadership and general oversight of student-facing community outreach and engagement activities, enrollment and recruitment, educational partnerships and regional sites, and college readiness initiatives.
The Dean creates and sustains a working environment that supports GRCC's vision and values, demonstrating a spirit of collaboration, innovation, access, and inclusion. The Dean is a strategic leader with a deep understanding of and experience with higher education and the vital role it plays in the academic, personal, and civic development of a student. The Dean works in cooperation with College leadership to create and sustain initiatives beneficial to students and the community.
The Dean reports to the Associate Provost of Student Affairs and serves as an active member of multiple leadership teams on campus.
Requisition ID: 1088 Position Number: 00001857 Employee Group: PMA Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks Compensation: Grade AS1; $104,078 per year Benefits: Full-time Reports to: Associate Provost of Student Affairs Posting Opens: 3/11/2026 Posting Closes: Open until filled
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide vision and direction for strategic outreach growth for all populations of GRCC students
Work cooperatively with the Associate Provost of Student Affairs and the Dean of Students to implement and continuously assess GRCC's strategic enrollment and retention management plan and related strategies and initiatives
Focus on key initiatives with the most potential to impact new enrollment at GRCC
Work within the community to identify and address college-readiness needs to support post-secondary pursuits at GRCC. This includes coordination with the Grand Rapids Learning Center and Kent Intermediate School District Adult Education (located at GRCC's Sneden Hall).
Collaborate with the Deans and other leaders in Academic and Student Affairs to prioritize, develop, and implement outreach initiatives in support of all GRCC campuses
Work collaboratively with other Academic and Student Affairs leaders to complement or enhance planned outreach efforts
Actively participate in the community. Maintain and build relationships with community leaders, education partners, elected officials, and the business community
Collect, review, and analyze data relevant to enrollment activity, community demographics, and other trends relevant to outreach efforts
Support current early/middle college, dual, and concurrent enrollment partnerships and identify opportunities for expansion or enhancement
Provide leadership for regional sites and identify opportunities to expand and enrich programs in collaboration with Academic and Student Affairs leaders
Provide leadership related to college readiness and orientation programming innovation and expansion
Collaboratively plan and oversee participation in student-facing community outreach and engagement events, including youth conferences and summer festivals in coordination with internal and external partners
Administer grant opportunities to support outreach initiatives and college readiness
Support, supervise, and evaluate direct reports. Convene regular meetings, establish work expectations, and complete annual performance evaluations
Aligned with expectations established by the Provost, set standards for hiring new staff and regularly review the hiring processes to maximize transparency, inclusion, efficiency, and effectiveness
Allocate resources and other systemic supports to promote professional development for staff
Participate in College-wide planning as appropriate, including but not limited to strategic leadership, strategic enrollment and retention management, budget development, emergency response, and facility master planning
Provide local leadership to develop and promote K-12 and transfer initiatives with education partners
Actively participate in and retain membership in statewide and national organizations and activities that foster the maintenance and improvement of college access, readiness, and other educational programming
Monitor legislative activity at the state and federal level and provide input to College executive leadership
Participate in collective bargaining teams, as needed and assigned by the President
This role is a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSAs will be trained and responsible for reporting Clery Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required by the Clery Act
Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position
Performs other related duties as assigned
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Educational Credentials
Master's degree from an accredited institution is required
Doctoral degree is preferred
Work Experience
Required Experience:
Minimum of three years of demonstrated progressive leadership in an educational setting
Experience leading enrollment and recruitment outreach initiatives
Experience working with K-12 and community partners
Demonstrated successful leadership of complex, collaborative partnerships, initiatives, and events
Preferred Experience:
Community college experience
Experience with early/middle, dual, and concurrent enrollment programming, curricular alignment, and accreditation
Experience implementing adult student recruitment and enrollment initiatives
Demonstrated experience with student advocacy and the development of initiatives that advance an inclusive academic environment.
Experience working in a collective bargaining environment
Skills
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to engage respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and to contribute positively to an inclusive academic environment.
Proven ability to manage multiple, complex tasks according to required deadlines, and maintain composure under high stress conditions
Proven ability to work effectively both as a supervisor/leader and to collaborate as a member of a team
Proven ability to exercise discretion and tact in all interpersonal contacts, and to maintain confidentiality at all times
Physical Demands
The position requires long periods of sitting, standing, reading, writing, listening, and speaking
Mental Demands
Highly motivated, focused, and results-oriented
Ability to be optimistic, positive, and supportive in all interactions with others
High level of accuracy and attention to detail
Working Conditions
GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website
Must be able to attend functions off campus and work weekends/evenings as required
Professional travel required
BENEFITS
Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums
The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.
