Director Of University Partners

Director of University Partnerships

About the Cristo Rey Network

The Cristo Rey Network is the largest network of high schools in the country enrolling only students with limited economic resources. Comprised of 38 Catholic, college preparatory schools serving more than 12,300 students across 24 states, the Cristo Rey Network delivers a distinctive approach to inner-city education to equip students with the knowledge, character, and skills to transform their lives. From freshman year, Cristo Rey schools establish a culture of high expectations by blending rigorous academics, four years of professional work experience through the Corporate Work Study Program, Catholic educational values, and support for students to and through college. The impact is clear: Cristo Rey graduates enroll and graduate from college at twice the rate comparative to the rest of the low-income population.

Position Summary

The Cristo Rey Network seeks a Director of University Partnerships who will direct the CRN University Partners Program and our national college exposure strategy for 9th-12th grade students. The Director will build upon the successful partnership model that Cristo Rey pioneered in 2008 by strengthening existing university partner relationships, identifying new University Partners and enhancing the program’s value proposition. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to providing college access to students of limited economic means and a keen understanding of the challenges Cristo Rey students and alumni face as they embark on their path to and through college. This individual will report directly to the Vice President of College Initiatives. This position is based at the Cristo Rey Network national office in downtown Chicago, IL.

What You’ll Do

Lead the University Partners program:

• Identify, recruit, and secure well-matched University Partners that meet best-fit criteria
• Clarify and enhance to partners the program’s value proposition
• Steward and strengthen established University Partner relationships, serving as relationship lead and managing accountability efforts for all partners
• Set the strategy for increased engagement among Cristo Rey students, alumni, alumni advisors, and University Partners

Lead our college exposure strategy:

• Develop multiple, varied summer immersion partnerships with institutions committed to prioritizing Cristo Rey students in their recruitment strategy
• Set the strategy for college exposure and immersion programming for Cristo Rey students

Support the CRN college counseling and alumni advising cohort:

• In partnership with the full College Initiatives team, execute some counselor professional development sessions and support events such as the annual Virtual College Fair and Summit on College Success
• Serve as an expert and advisor on national trends in college admissions and higher education

Come to Serve:

• Every member of the Network national office team exists to serve the staff and students at our schools consistent with the mission of the Cristo Rey Network.

Qualifications and Skills

• Alignment with the Cristo Rey mission
• Self-starter and problem solver with the ability to produce results in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Systems thinker with a sophisticated understanding of the elements involved in successful college persistence and the barriers to college success for first generation students of limited economic means
• Ability to travel to Cristo Rey Network schools, University Partners and prospects, and Cristo Rey Network meetings, on average bi-monthly
• Bachelor’s Degree required; 6+ years of professional experience in a secondary and/or higher educational setting preferred, including 3+ years demonstrated project management experience
• Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly motivated, collaborative leader capable of managing a large number of professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders

DEIC Commitment

The Cristo Rey Network shares the national office’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Competency commitment statement for interested applicants.