Do you believe in the transformational power of higher education and have a passion for helping Maine’s young people reach their full potential during their college years and beyond? Are you committed to increasing the likelihood that young people from every community in Maine will aspire to, pursue, and achieve a college education?
The Mitchell Institute welcomes applications from student-centered individuals seeking to become Scholarship Director at Maine’s premier higher education scholarship organization. Learn more about the opportunity to improve the lives of young people from every corner of Maine who face uphill battles on their way to college by exploring the links below.
The Scholarship Director raises awareness of the Mitchell Institute and is responsible for scaling growth of the scholarship program with successful outcomes. This position manages the application and selection process, facilitates engagement among the Scholars and Alumni, cultivates networks of personal and professional supports, enhances the college experience for Scholars, and supports Alumni who are navigating their early careers. The Scholarship Director monitors program effectiveness and works with a team of colleagues to ensure performance outcomes are achieved.
Develop and implement outreach strategies for raising awareness and visibility of the Mitchell Scholarship with prospective applicants, high school guidance offices, youth- and community-serving peers, companies and industry partners, and the student-serving professionals of the higher education network
Manage all aspects of annual scholarship application review and selection, including:
Processing of 1,600+ applications each year and ensuring their accurate and timely preparation for review and selection by the Mitchell Institute staff and Board;
Managing follow-up with applicants regarding incomplete submissions;
Providing timely and accurate notification to all applicants and high schools;
Conducting application review training for new members of staff and Board of Directors;
Partnering with the Scholarship Associate to ensure data entry and document tracking, and preparation of finalist files for Board review and selection
Devise engagement strategies that increase Scholar persistence and degree completion rates and deliver wraparound programming for Mitchell Scholars and Alumni, including:
Mitchell Institute Leadership Experience (MILE I) weekend retreat, MILE II leadership and professional development conference, Campus Receptions, Welcome Celebration, Graduation Celebration, and new partnership events;
Group and one-on-one advising and support for Scholars and Alumni;
Alumni Council meetings, annual retreat, and Alumni gatherings
Develop, write, and execute regular email and other communications to Mitchell Scholars and Alumni to apprise them of events, opportunities, and important deadlines
Monitor external trends and oversee the evaluation and performance measurement of programs to maximize support for Scholars and determine program effectiveness
Identify and develop new opportunities to provide support and resources for current Scholars and Alumni, specifically in career development, experiential learning, and community service
Increase the connectivity of 3,600+ Alumni to the Institute and MI Network
Staff the Board’s Scholarship and Research Committee and collaborate with scholarship team to develop informed recommendations for policies and best practices
Assist colleagues with the administration of the Fellowship Awards, Emergency Funds, Care Packages, and other Scholar-facing resources
Perform other duties as assigned
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum 8 years of experience developing and managing programs, with preference for programs focused on college-age students
Experience with admissions, financial aid, and/or student success programs is a plus
Superior communication skills and ease in building connections with a broad spectrum of constituencies
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Demonstrated experience in communications and using multiple channels as a means of building and sustaining connections
Demonstrated commitment to fostering a data-informed culture
Demonstrated ability with using technologies to improve effectiveness and efficiency
Flexible, innovative, and eager to scale impact
Must support organization’s policies and procedures, including a high degree of confidentiality
Manual dexterity, visual acuity, hearing acuity, and flexibility
Able to sit for moderate periods of time, using a keyboard. Moderate walking. Off-site events may require prolonged periods of standing or walking
Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. Some reaching and bending necessary
Ability to participate in events that occasionally require evening/weekend hours
Ability to travel throughout state using personal vehicle or rental vehicle; valid driver’s license and verifiable auto insurance required
Staff members are encouraged to participate in outdoor retreats, which may involve more rigorous physical activity
Salary range: $70K–80K
5% employer contribution to retirement
Health insurance with a 100% employer-paid option
Employer-paid life and disability insurance
12 paid holidays + 4 weeks of paid vacation time
Parking permit for a lot near 75 Washington Ave.
Professional development opportunities
Applicants are invited to apply by submitting a letter of interest, professional resume, and three references* to president@mitchellinstitute.org.
We aim to welcome the Scholarship Director to the Mitchell Institute community in March 2024. Applications received by January 24, 2024, will be reviewed, and applications will be accepted until finalists have been invited for interviews.
*References will be contacted at the finalist stage of the search and with advance notice to candidates.
Through nearly three decades of experience and evidence-based research, we know that student success in college depends on more than money. Additional support and guidance during college increase Mitchell Scholars’ chances of attaining a degree, finding meaningful employment in Maine, and strengthening their communities long after college. The Mitchell Institute offers Scholars a broad range of wraparound supports and resources during and after college to help them hone leadership skills, find and pursue career exploration opportunities, and develop networks that are vital to finding satisfying and purposeful work.
Since 2000, we have conducted longitudinal scholarship research to learn about the experiences of Mitchell Scholars and Alumni. Our research on Mitchell Scholars demonstrates that our methods work: While 44% of recent Mitchell Scholars were the first in their families to attend college and 75% came from households earning less than Maine’s median family income, they graduate at a rate 27 percentage points higher than the national average. Over 50% achieved earnings early in their careers that were higher than their entire family household income at the time they applied for the Mitchell Scholarship.
Headquartered at 75 Washington Avenue in Portland, the Mitchell Institute’s nine full-time professionals are committed to the organization’s mission—to increase the likelihood that young people from every community in Maine will aspire to, pursue, and achieve a college education. We work with young people from every corner of Maine who face uphill battles on their way to college, and we level the playing field for them by providing financial resources and a broad range of supports. Through our work, we help Mitchell Scholars graduate from college at a rate that far exceeds the national average.
