"Logo for the Upper Peninsula Center for Educational Development (UPCED). The large blue letters 'UPCED' appear over a green silhouette of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The words 'Upper Peninsula Center for Educational Development' are written vertically and horizontally within the letters. Across the top are abbreviations of partnering intermediate school districts: CCISD, DIISD, DSISD, EUPISD, GOISD, MARESA, and MCISD. Along the bottom are partner institutions: NMU, Bay College, and Gogebic Community College."

UPCED Executive Director Position Vacancy Announcement

EUPISD Leadership Team

March 3, 2026

Position Vacancy

Executive Director

Upper Peninsula Center for Educational Development (UPCED)

Date Posted: March 3, 2026

Closing Date: April 3, 2026

The Upper Peninsula Center for Educational Development (UPCED) is seeking qualified candidates for the Executive Director position. This is a contracted position that provides visionary and operational leadership for UPCED, ensuring a collective, systemic approach to supporting learners and educators across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the administrative and strategic lead for UPCED, coordinating region wide educational initiatives, stakeholder engagement, interagency collaboration, governance operations, strategic planning, and grant development. The position aligns all efforts with UPCED’s mission to deliver integrated, cohesive, and cross-disciplinary educational support throughout the region

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Public Policy, or a related field

  • Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate (or ability to obtain)

  • Five or more years of leadership experience in education, systems coordination, or organizational development

  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, communication, and partnership development

  • Ability to maintain satisfactory performance across all essential job functions

Preferred Qualifications

  • Postgraduate degree(s) in Educational Leadership or Organizational Development

  • Experience leading cross-sector educational initiatives (early childhood, general education, special education, CTE, mental health)

  • Knowledge of MTSS, career pathway systems, educator support networks, and instructional frameworks

  • Familiarity with regional, state, and federal education systems and policy

  • Grant writing and resource development experience

  • Demonstrated excellence in communication, project management, and collaborative leadership

  • Commitment to equity and innovation in education

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Serve as the administrative lead and liaison among ISDs, LEAs, IHEs, and state agencies

  • Facilitate monthly UPCED General Education Director meetings

  • Implement and monitor the UPCED strategic plan

  • Coordinate Core Team, Steering Committee, and regional task force activities

  • Oversee governance, communications, MOUs, and stakeholder transparency

  • Support educator recruitment, retention, workforce alignment, and professional development

  • Manage operational and fiscal responsibilities, including budgeting and grants

  • Represent UPCED at state and national forums

  • Providing leadership for regional professional learning opportunities, including coordination of the annual UPCED Administrative Academy.

  • Ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements

  • Perform other duties as assigned; regular and reliable attendance required

Terms of Employment

  • .25 FTE Part-time Contracted position

  • Initial term is one year, established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with supporting ISD(s) and IHE(s)

  • Salary: $20,000

  • Reports to: UPCED Board of Directors (hybrid/remote work opportunities are available)

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit application materials including, but not limited to, a letter of application, resume’, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and pertinent certifications to:

Alan Tulppo, UPCED Director

Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District

PO Box 20

Ewen, MI 49925

Electronic application materials may be emailed to atulppo@goisd.org.

Applications must be received by April 3, 2026.

The Upper Peninsula Center for Educational Development (UPCED) is comprised of the seven Upper Peninsula intermediate school districts, Northern Michigan University, Lake Superior State University, Bay Mills Community College, Bay College, and Gogebic Community College.

UPCED is committed to enhancing educational achievement and citizenship among learners throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Established to provide collective leadership and technical assistance on regional educational issues, UPCED’s mission is to deliver integrated, cohesive, cross-disciplinary support for learners and educators through a unified, systemic approach. Its vision is to ensure that every learner has access to the resources and support necessary to thrive.