Job Description
ABOUT US
Do you have a passion for higher education? Do you want to make a positive impact on the college admissions process? Our staff help to remove barriers and encourage students to forge their path to a better future. Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 1100 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App’s free online application.
If you are an experienced business professional in the postsecondary education ecosystem and want to be part of a mission-driven non-profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you. Common App is currently searching for a VP, Network Growth
RESPONSIBILITIES
As a member of the Network Growth team, reporting to the SVP of Constituent Engagement, this position will be responsible for strategically expanding the organization’s network of constituents and partners with a focus on growing member institutions, state partnerships, and the pipeline of students engaging with Common App. This includes identifying and cultivating new markets such as community colleges, regional state institutions, and state systems; establishing student reach partnerships with organizations such as school districts and CBOs of national scope; and broadening reach to learner populations like community college students, transfer students, and independent learners.
Common App has set an ambitious moonshot to reach many more learners from communities that are below the national median income, seeking to drive access to opportunities that are proximate and affordable while increasing the likelihood of attainment and success. In this pursuit, we are focusing and expanding our capacity to grow into new member sectors, including community colleges and many more regional state institutions, partner with states to support driving access agendas, and reach into new learner communities. The VP Network Growth will strategically advance our growth in target markets and audiences, expanding our constituent network. They will pursue this work in close partnership with Marketing, Strategy & Business Development, Product Strategy, and efforts across Constituent Engagement to ensure that our network derives great value from Common App.
QUALIFICATIONS
This role requires:
- Candidates must live in the United States.
- Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
- 12+ years of business growth, partnership design and execution, and/or sales experience in the postsecondary education ecosystem.
- 10+ years of leadership experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Education, Higher Education, or relevant field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Exceptional ability to translate the ambitious “moonshot” vision into concrete, measurable, and actionable long-term strategic plans and successfully drive their execution.
- Deep understanding of the U.S. higher education landscape, including enrollment trends, institutional sectors (e.g., community colleges, regional publics, state systems), access and equity challenges, and the transfer student ecosystem.
- Expert knowledge of strategic growth models, market penetration, and complex business development specifically within the context of a mission-driven, non-profit organization focused on educational access.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex strategies clearly, influence high-level internal and external stakeholders, and represent the organization effectively.
- Ability to understand and effectively operate within the political, regulatory, and budgetary complexities of state higher education systems and large institutional consortia.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Knowledge of state or large education organizations data systems.
- Knowledge of current education policy issues and trends impacting states and higher education systems.
- Experience in go to market strategies within the higher education sector and/or education technology.
- Experience in the establishment of complex partnerships with state agencies, state university systems, large school districts, and CBOs.
- Experience in leading a business into a new market.
- Leadership experience in large or complex education systems, agencies, or organizations.
- A passion for higher education is a plus.
PAY RANGE
$215,000 - $238,000
Common App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including:
Work-Life balance
- Virtual-first office
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Seven company-wide holidays
- Nine floating holidays*
- Sick leave
- Monthly mental health day
*floating holidays prorated depending on start date
Virtual-first support
- Choice of PC of MAC laptop
- May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
- One-time office set-up stipend
- Monthly remote work stipend
- Monthly mobile stipend
Financial security
Market-based salaries
Performance-based bonus
403(b) retirement plan
- 5% company contribution
- additional 5% company match
- 3-year vesting schedule
- Participation may begin immediately
Health & wellness
Choice of two health insurance plans
- Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
- Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
Company provided life and ad&d insurance
Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
Career development
- Budgeted annual funds for professional development
- Growth opportunities within the company
Additional perks
- Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
- Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
- Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
- Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
- 1Password family account
We work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.
HOW DO I APPLY
To apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.
PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:
During the recruiting process, please note that Common App will never:
- Provide a job offer without an interview
- Ask for payment to process documents, purchase equipment or for any other reason
- Request banking or credit card information
- Direct you to third-party services to obtain visas or other documentation
As we work alongside you through our recruitment process, please remain alert and never provide financial information or payment to anyone claiming to offer a job opportunity.
If you believe you’re a victim of a job scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general. To learn more about job scams, read the FBI’s public service announcement or visit the FTC site.
