Inclusive Excellence & Service Coordinator

Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic college preparatory school for girls grades 9-12 outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, seeks an Inclusive Excellence & Service Coordinator to support a school environment where all students feel welcomed, valued, and connected. This individual builds trusting relationships with students and collaborates with faculty and staff to identify and address barriers to inclusion, belonging, and equitable participation in school life. This individual works closely with the Dean of Student Formation, the School Counselor, the Human Resources Manager, the Principal, and the President as needed.

This is a full time, 12 month, non-exempt position reporting to the Dean of Student Formation. This role also coordinates MMA’s service programs, helping students engage meaningfully in service to the broader community. 

Primary Responsibilities

Mercy-Centered Service & Student Formation

• Oversee student service programs, ensuring the program is aligned with MMA’s mission, Mercy Core Values, and the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.

• Ensure service experiences foster compassion, justice-oriented engagement, and authentic relationships with diverse communities.

• Coordinate details for after-school service events, ensuring volunteers and chaperones are scheduled as necessary.

• Oversee the coordination of immersion trips; ensure timely planning and communications. 

• Facilitate student reflection connecting service to faith, Mercy spirituality, and Catholic Social Teaching.

• Empower students to grow as leaders through service grounded in Gospel values.

 DEIB Leadership & Culture of Belonging

• Design and lead DEIB initiates in collaboration with school leadership through a Catholic and Mercy lens.

• Present MMA’s DEIB initiatives as they relate to Catholic Social Teaching and Mercy Education Core Values to both internal and external audiences.

• Assist faculty and staff in fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive environment.

• Develop and lead the implementation of community education around DEIB issues to support building an inclusive community.

• Advise the President regarding matters concerning DEIB as requested and appropriate. 

• Address incidents of bias in the school community in alignment with school policy, providing direct student support where appropriate.

• Inform, collaborate, and escalate to/with various stakeholders such as the Dean of Student Formation, the School Counselor, the Human Resources Manager, the Principal, and the President based on sensitivity and severity of each matter.

Collaboration, Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Collaborate with faculty, Campus Ministry, and student leaders to integrate service and DEIB into retreats and school life.

• Cultivate and maintain reciprocal partnerships with community organizations aligned with Mercy values.

• Oversee affinity groups, student diversity leadership initiatives, and service-focused student organizations.

• Coordinate local and national service opportunities that meet safety and mission standards. 

Assessment, Communication, & Mission Integration

• Track and evaluate service participation, learning outcomes, and DEIB initiatives for mission effectiveness.

• Communicate DEIB and service initiatives to internal and external audiences through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching.

• Provide reports and strategic recommendations to school leadership. 

• Participate in committees and government structures, including the Mission and DEIB Committee of the Board of Trustees as requested. 

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related field of study required.

• Master’s degree in Organization Development, DEI, Social Science or other related field preferred.

• DEI Certificate preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role.

• Familiarity with and ability to express the relationship between DEIB, Catholic Social Teaching, and the Gospel.

• Demonstrated understanding of the principles and practices of equity analysis and inclusion program development.

• Experience facilitating conflict resolution in a school environment is highly preferred.

• Experience as a proven problem-solver, critical thinker and change agent, adapting to new situations and challenges with determination and positive approaches.

• Willing to work occasional nights and weekends for student-related trips and events.

Compentencies

• Ability to manage discomfort and tension that may arise when addressing racial, socio-economic and other disparities.

• Commitment to diversity and a strong interest in planning cross cultural programming.

• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, parents, and community leaders.

• Comfortable speaking publicly on behalf of an organization both to large audiences and in more intimate settings.

• Demonstrate sound judgment and discretion in determining when concerns should be addressed directly and when escalation to appropriate school leadership is necessary.

• Ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive student information, concerns, and conversations, sharing information only with appropriate individuals as needed.

About Us

Founded in 1884 by the Sisters of Mercy and located on a beautiful 12-acre campus on Philadelphia’s Main Line, Merion Mercy currently enrolls over 400 students from diverse geographic areas and socioeconomic groups. Merion Mercy’s academic program consistently challenges each student to prepare for college and a lifetime of service, thus developing competent and compassionate women for the future. Merion Mercy’s faculty and staff are committed to providing a holistic education that not only stresses academic and personal excellence but also encourages all students to “Live Mercy and Seek Justice,” an educational philosophy that builds a true sense of sisterhood that extends beyond the classroom. 

Merion Mercy Academy embraces diversity and inclusion through its mission, Mercy identity and student body.  Merion Mercy Academy is committed to providing an educational and working environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Members of the community, applicants for employment or admissions, guests and visitors have the right to be free from harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Merion Mercy Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Anne Gregg, Executive Assistant to the President at agregg@merion-mercy.com.

More information about working at Merion Mercy Academy can be found at: www.merion-mercy.com/careers.