WE ARE SHIFT_ED

We are a non-profit organization committed to boldly accelerating student potential.

Our staff, volunteers, and partners work together to provide the individualized supports that each student needs to be successful from elementary school all the way to the workforce.

Leveraging an equity-based model, data, and strong partnerships within the Education Continuum, shift_ed ensures evidenced-based supports reach students with the greatest need. We want students to see that anything is possible and find success in their diverse educational and career pathways.

crop of young man working on laptop

About Us
_

MISSION

shift_ed boldly accelerates student potential.

 

VISION

shift_ed will transform communities through diverse educational and workforce pathways.

shift_ed’s roots began in community activism. Students, parents, and business and community leaders in Guilford County wanted to create an education continuum that supported students and graduates at every level birth to career. They started a journey that has evolved over time and has strengthened and expanded through an equity lens. Through strategic partnerships and bold action, shift_ed drives success for students, families, the workforce, and communities.

In 2013 Representatives of Guilford Education Alliance, The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, High Point Community Foundation, and Guilford County Schools came together to reshape the education continuum in Guilford County. After a robust community-wide undertaking, involving volunteers from all corners of Guilford County and one of the most successful fundraising efforts in the county’s history, Say Yes to Education chose the area for its third chapter in the nation.  Generous supporters throughout the county also recognized the potential in this movement, and quickly made financial commitments totaling more than $25 million dollars.

In the fall of 2016, the first GCS graduates began their college careers with support from the organization, and since that time gradates of every GCS high school have secured millions of scholarship dollars to prestigious colleges and universities all over the country.

On July 1, 2018, Guilford County became the first community in the country to locally own and operate its SYTE chapter allowing expansion of services to every part of the county. Services include: tutoring for students K-8th grade; career exploration for middle schoolers; free ACT and SAT classes, college application assistance and financial aid guidance for high schoolers; and scholarship and career support for graduates.

Recognizing the need for more supports, especially with the onset of a worldwide pandemic beginning in 2020, the organization increased services to include additional tutoring and career exposure opportunities; and in 2022 increased tutoring for elementary students, rolled out a mobile innovation lab for middle schoolers, and new programs for high schoolers dreaming of college. These expanded supports, from elementary to career, and strengthened partnerships within the Education Continuum allow shift_ed to walk with students on their diverse pathways to success, sometimes for 10+ years of their journeys.

Today shift_ed aims to reshape what is possible for our students and our community. Our work starts in schools and stretches into community centers, workplaces, play spaces, and dining rooms. Students are at the very core of everything we do, and when we invest in them our communities prosper.

CORE VALUES

Opportunity_ providing exposure to possibilities and creating diverse pathways for students to find success in the workforce and in life

Equity in Action_ intentionally eliminating barriers and providing individualized support for students with the greatest need

Bold Collaboration_ strong partnerships, shared language, shared metrics, shared impact/outcomes

Excellence_ believing in each person’s capacity for greatness

Agility_ responding to critical mission-aligned needs with a commitment to do things differently when necessary

 

EQUITY STATEMENT

At shift_ed, putting Equity into Action requires a reflection on where we have been, where we are currently, and where we want to be in the future. What equity requires is intentionality around:

  • increasing transparency regarding access to learning opportunities
  • investing our resources to expand access to supports, job pathways, and mobility for those with the greatest need
  • ensuring representation aligns with our community’s diversity
  • considering new ways to elevate voices and distribute agency to students and families

Board of Directors
_

Officers:

Bobby Long, Co-Chair
Partner, Piedmont Capital Partners

Louise Brady, Co-Chair
Partner, Piedmont Capital Partners

_

Steve Russell, Vice Chair
Partner, Turning Point Litigation

Lauren Mitchell, Secretary
Director of Marketing & Communications, Business High Point

Chartarra Joyner, Treasurer
Assistant Vice Chancellor of Budget and Planning, North Carolina A&T State University

Board of Directors:

Courtney (Payne) Benfield
Senior Vice President, Bank of America Triad Market Manager

Julia Burge
Director of External Communications, Kontoor

Trey Davis
Assistant City Manager, City of Greensboro

Jakki Davis
Founder and CEO, D-UP

John Englar
Former Burlington Industries Executive

Michael Halford
Guilford County Manager

Cyril Jefferson
Principal Consultant, Change Often; Ward 1 Representative, High Point City Council

Jason Jones
Assistant County Manager for Quality Government, Guilford County

Michael Jones
Director of Health Services, Well-Spring

Jaymi LaGuardia
Director of Marketing and Communications, High Point Community Foundation

Paul Lessard
President, High Point Community Foundation

Alice Moore
Community Volunteer

Dr. Whitney Oakley
Superintendent, Guilford County Schools

Wendy Poteat
President & Chief Executive Officer, shift_ed

Dr. Kimberly Steinke
Interim Chief, Exceptional Children and Student Services, Guilford County Schools

Walker Sanders
President, Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro

Dawn Spencer
Program Coordinator, High Point Schools Partnership

 

Our Staff
_

Wendy Poteat

Wendy Poteat, MPA

President & Chief Executive Officer

 wendy@shift-ed.org

Amanda Rosemann

Amanda Rosemann

Chief Impact Officer

 amanda@shift-ed.org

Elizabeth Paul

Elizabeth Paul, J.D.

Vice President of Donor Impact

elizabeth@shift-ed.org

TaJuana Robinson

TaJuana Jackson

Executive Assistant & Office Manager

tajuana@shift-ed.org

Brandi Kennedy

Brandi Kennedy, M.Ed.

Director of Secondary & Postsecondary Programs

brandi@shift-ed.org

TaJuana Robinson

Chris Huntley

Director of Workforce Initiatives

chris@shift-ed.org

TaJuana Robinson

Kaitlyn Faili

Manager of Database and Data Analytics

kaitlyn@shift-ed.org

Kat Glover

Communications & Marketing Specialist

kat@shift-ed.org

Mya Walker

Manager of High School Programs

mya@shift-ed.org

Elizabeth Paul

Amanda Mehl

Manager of Elementary School Programs

amandamehl@shift-ed.org

Carrington LeGrande

SEO Scholars Recruitment and 9th Grade Advisor

carrington@shift-ed.org

Elizabeth Paul

Rafael Ibarra-Orozco

SEO Scholars Recruitment and 9th Grade Advisor

rafael@shift-ed.org

Rosemary Plybon

Heidi Liles

10th Grade SEO Scholars Advisor

heidi@shift-ed.org

 

Careers
_

Position: Director of Marketing
Reports to: Chief Public Information Officer
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9AM-5PM, some nights and weekends as needed
Travel: Up to 25%:
Salary range: $60,000 – $70,000/per year
Location: 125 S Elm St., STE 500, Greensboro

ABOUT shift_ed
shift_ed is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to boldly accelerate student potential. Our
continuum of educational programs spans from kindergarten to career, with initiatives that are evidence-
based and equity-minded. We partner closely with Guilford County Schools to provide thousands of hours of
tutoring, aptitude assessments, college prep workshops and career exploration programming to students.
Thanks to generous community support, shift_ed has also awarded more than $6.1 million in scholarships since 2018.

POSITION SUMMARY
As the Director of Marketing for shift_ed, you’ll be at the helm of our organizational narrative, serving as the architect of our brand’s story. Your role goes beyond merely transmitting our mission, vision, and
achievements; you’ll be crafting compelling content that resonates with our audience across various channels.
In addition to overseeing the implementation of our strategic communications plan, you’ll play a pivotal role in content creation, ensuring that our messaging effectively drives fundraising and recruitment efforts. Your
leadership will be instrumental in maintaining brand consistency and delivery across all platforms and media outlets, solidifying shift_ed’s presence in the minds of our stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES
● Leading the charge in implementing and assessing the efficacy of a comprehensive marketing and
communications strategy, with a particular emphasis on content creation, to bolster shift_ed’s image and market positioning.
● Crafting both short- and long-term plans and budgets for marketing and communications initiatives in
alignment with the strategic directives set by the Chief Public Information Officer.
● Spearheading both internal and external communications efforts, overseeing all marketing and
communications materials and activities, with a keen eye on content creation.
● Ensure articulation of shift_ed’s desired image and position, assure consistent communication of image
and position internally and externally.
● Taking charge of the editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all publications, placing a
strong emphasis on engaging content creation.

MISSION
Boldly accelerating student potential

● In collaboration with the Development Department, develop communications strategies for fundraising
initiatives such as the Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Endowment, Sponsorships, and Capital Campaigns,
utilizing various mediums including print, website, social media, and video.
● Coordinating logistical aspects of major annual events such as the November Impact Luncheon and End of Year Fundraising event, while delegating responsibilities to staff members accordingly.
● Driving the development of the shift_ed podcast, strategically focusing on topics related to organizational
development, workforce development, and the education continuum pipeline.

OTHER DUTIES AS REQUESTED
● The ability to work with a strong and professional leadership team

QUALIFICATIONS
● Education Bachelor’s degree preferred in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related field. 4+ years
of experience in marketing and communications in a professional environment; 2+ experience in event
coordination; 1+ year fundraising experience.
● Strong capabilities in: photography, video, and graphic design, with working knowledge of Adobe
Creative Suite, especially InDesign and Illustrator, Word/Pages, Excel/Numbers, and
PowerPoint/Keynote
● Competencies in Constant Contact or other electronic newsletter tools and database management
● Experience with WordPress and website metrics and data analysis tools, including Google Analytics
● Exceptional verbal, written, and communications skills
● Ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member and diffuse stressful situations
● Strong organizational and leadership skills with a high attention to detail and time management
● Ability to satisfactorily complete required background screenings: criminal and driving.
● Must maintain and uphold professional standards of both behavior and dress

 

Job Title: Manager of Workforce Programs- Randolph County

Department: Impact Programs

Report to: Director of Workforce Initiatives 

Organization: shift_ed

About shift_ed:

shift_ed is an education-based non-profit organization committed to boldly accelerating student potential. Our staff, volunteers, and partners are dedicated to the classroom to career success for students. We use an equity-based model to provide evidence-based, impactful, and consistent services making sure students who need the most are offered the most support from elementary school through high school and college.

Weekly Schedule: Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm (some evening hours required as dictated by the programs’ needs) 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Manager of Workforce Programs is a full-time,12-month position based primarily in Randolph County. Under the direction of the Director of Workforce Initiatives and Chief Impact Officer(CIO), the Manager of Workforce Programs works collaboratively with Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), school personnel, workforce development organizations, and local chamber of commerce(s) to increase opportunity for students to obtain certificates, degrees, and credentialing pathways. This position will be responsible for the facilitation, and execution of  shift_ed’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce-focused initiatives including, but not limited to: The career exposure annual event World of Work (WoW), Mobile Innovation Lab (MIL) initiative, YouScience Assessments, your_path Career Accelerator, and Entrepreneurship Experience in Randolph County. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Facilitate Strategic Priorities of all workforce initiatives 
  • Execute the vision of Randolph County Schools (RCS) stakeholders and shift_ed’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Impact Officer (CIO), and Director of Workforce Initiatives to implement workforce development impact programs to achieve efficient, effective, and widespread adoption. Ensuring sustainability in the scale 
  • Establish and enhance business and industry partnerships to support K12 schools
  • Coordinate, plan, and serve as lead contact for workforce initiative facets of work in Randolph County
  • Serve as a business and industry liaison between education and training partners
  • Measure and Report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to impact programs to the Director of Workforce Initiatives
  • Serves as a connector for students and families to community resources supporting workforce development
  • Supervise and Support full-time, part-time, and contract staff members to align programmatic work around shift_ed’s strategic priorities. 
  • Collaborate with RCS CTE team to implement programming and facilitate integration into RCS and state curriculum
  • Positively represent shift_ed in workforce development conversations in and around the triad. With a specific focus on ingraining shift_ed into Randolph County workforce development organizations. 
  • Other Duties as Assigned

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s Degree Preferred- or equivalent relevant work experience
  • Pass a school system background check
  • Possess experience and knowledge to assist with the planning, problem-solving, education, and empowerment of both the community and schools to help families in crisis
  • Have a passion for helping students and families in Guilford County 
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Attention to detail with great organizational skills
  • Demonstrates a belief in the importance of data collection to continuously improve implementation, effectiveness, and outcomes
  • Agility to adjust “on the fly” and navigate changing circumstances that accompany working within schools and with children
  • Ability to foster positive team rapport
  • Represent sift_ed in a positive manner in appearance, communication, and forward planning
  • Minimum 2 to 3 years of related professional experience
  • Demonstrated ability to work with under-resourced students and students of diverse backgrounds
  • Demonstrated cultural competency
  • Experience working with high school students and families preferred

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

  • Supportive and collaborative team player
  • Excellent interpersonal awareness
  • Forward-thinking, data-driven, results-oriented
  • Able to create content to support and inform students and families
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Excellent event planning and execution skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Able to empathize with colleagues and individuals from a range of backgrounds and experiences
  • Passion for supporting students as they navigate their postsecondary plans
  • Able to work some evenings and weekends as dictated by programming needs
  • Proficient with virtual platforms such as Zoom

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

shift_ed offers majority-employer-paid health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and life insurance as well as a 401K match of up to 3%. 

CLASSIFICATION

Job Classification: Full-time

Pay: salary commensurate with experience

Benefits:

  • Dental Insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Cell phone reimbursement  

Physical setting:

  • Hybrid/Office

Schedule:

  • M-F (evenings and some weekends as needed based on programming needs)

 

Job Title: Manager of Academic Programs- Randolph County

Department: Impact Programs

Report to: Director of Academic Initiatives

Organization: shift_ed

About shift_ed:

shift_ed is an education-based non-profit organization committed to boldly accelerating student potential. Our staff, volunteers, and partners are dedicated to the classroom to career success for students. We use an equity-based model to provide evidence-based, impactful, and consistent services making sure students who need the most are offered the most support from elementary school through high school and college.

Weekly Schedule: Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm (some evening hours required as dictated by the programs’ needs) 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Manager of Academic Programs is a full-time, 12-month position based primarily in Randolph County. Under the direction of the Director of Academic Initiatives and Chief Impact Officer(CIO), the Manager of Academic Programs works collaboratively with Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), school personnel, and community partners to increase opportunity for students to succeed academically opening more doors to obtain certificates, degrees, and credentialing pathways. This position will be responsible for the facilitation, and execution of shift_ed’s academic focused initiatives including, but not limited to: supplemental literacy and math programs, and Kindergarten, Middle and High School transition programs in Randolph County. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Facilitate Strategic Priorities of all academic initiatives 
  • Execute vision of Randolph County Schools (RCS) stakeholders, and shift_ed’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Impact Officer (CIO) to implement academic impact programs to achieve efficient, effective, and widespread adoption. Ensuring sustainability in scale or initiatives  
  • Convene necessary community partners to work collaboratively in all areas of work
  • Coordinate, plan, and serve as lead contact for academic initiative facets of work in Randolph County 
  • Measure and Report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to impact programs to the Director of Academic Programs
  • Serves as a connector for students and families to community resources supporting academic initiatives in collaboration with LEAs
  • Supervise and support full-time, part-time, and contract staff members to align programmatic work around shift_ed’s strategic priorities.
  • Collaborate with RCS team members to implement programing and facilitate integration into state curriculum
  • Positively represent shift_ed in community conversations in and around the triad.
  • Other Duties as Assigned

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s Degree Preferred- or equivalent relevant work experience
  • Pass a school system background check
  • Possess experience and knowledge to assist with the planning, problem solving, education, and empowerment of both the community and schools to help families in crisis
  • Have a passion for helping students and families in Guilford County 
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Attention to detail with great organizational skills
  • Demonstrates a belief in the importance of data collection to continuously improve implementation, effectiveness, and outcomes
  • Agility to adjust “on the fly” and navigate changing circumstances that accompany working within schools and with children
  • Ability to foster positive team rapport
  • Represent sift_ed in a positive manner in appearance, communication, and forward planning
  • Minimum 2 to 3 years of related professional experience
  • Demonstrated ability to work with under resourced students and students of diverse backgrounds
  • Demonstrated cultural competency
  • Experience working with high school students and families preferred

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

  • Supportive and collaborative team player
  • Excellent interpersonal awareness
  • Forward-thinking, data-driven, results-oriented
  • Able to create content to support and inform students and families
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Excellent event planning and execution skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Able to empathize with colleagues and individuals from a range of backgrounds and experiences
  • Passion for supporting students as they navigate their postsecondary plans
  • Able to work some evenings and weekends as dictated by programming needs
  • Proficient with virtual platforms such as Zoom

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

shift_ed offers employer-paid health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and life insurance as well as a 401K match of up to 3%. 

CLASSIFICATION

Job Classification: Full-time

Pay: salary commensurate with experience

Benefits:

  • Dental Insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Cell phone reimbursement  

Physical setting:

  • Hybrid/Office

Schedule:

  • M-F (evenings and some weekends as needed based on programming needs)