AS Programs Director

This strategic leadership role is responsible for the comprehensive management and administration of Marketing & Outreach, Community Action Volunteers in Education (CAVE), the Child Development Lab (CDL), and Sustainability initiatives. The Director provides overarching vision and operational expertise, ensuring that all programs align with the organizational mission and strategic priorities. Reporting directly to senior management and collaborating with staff across departments, the role is designed to balance day-to-day operational needs with long-term planning and innovation. This position works primarily on-site with some opportunity to work remotely.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Develop and implement strategic plans and operational policies that drive excellence in Marketing & Outreach, CAVE, CDL, and Sustainability.
• Provide guidance and support to assigned staff managers in program development, group goal setting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Financial Management & Budget Oversight

• Lead the budgeting process for each assigned area, collaborating with staff managers to develop, monitor, and manage budgets typically in excess of $2,000,000.
• Analyze monthly financial statements, initiate corrective actions as needed, and establish robust fiscal controls to ensure financial health and accountability.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Recruit, select, supervise, and evaluate staff across departments of responsibility.
• Offer mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities to foster a high-performing, engaged team.
• Promote a positive, inclusive work environment that upholds the organization’s values.

Program Quality & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure that all programs meet and exceed educational, social, cultural, recreational, and service objectives in alignment with our mission.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the Associate Executive Director and other leadership, ensuring alignment with overall organizational goals.
• Serve as a key representative to select committees, campus groups, community partners, and public forums.

Risk & Contract Management

• Evaluate and manage program risks in collaboration with Risk Management.
• Review, negotiate, and provide recommendations on contracts within the assigned program areas to safeguard the organization’s interests.

Data Management, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee the organization and maintenance of program data and records.
• Prepare periodic reports to monitor performance against goals and support decision-making at the senior management level.
• Contribute to corporate-wide policy development and share best practices across program areas.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and execution of strategic operational plans.
• Assume other related duties as assigned to meet emerging needs and initiatives.

Positions Directly Supervised

• Assistant Director of Marketing and Outreach
• Child Development Lab Program Director
• CAVE Program Director
• AS Sustainability Program Coordinator

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work is primarily conducted in an office setting with occasional work at offsite locations, including outdoor environments. Regular interaction is expected with internal teams, the campus community, and public stakeholders. Reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to move efficiently between different departments and facilities; proficient in the use of common office equipment; strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. Occasional travel, both in-state and out-of-state, for conferences, training sessions, and retreats is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Deep understanding of college-based programs, student activities, and related services.
• Expertise in developing cultural, social, educational, and recreational programs within a university community.
• Proficiency in risk management practices and procedures.
• Experience in contract development, negotiation, and administration.
• Strong financial acumen, including the previous responsibility for development, analysis and oversight of large-scale budgets in excess of $100,000.
• Direct supervision experience to include scheduling, hiring, discipline, evaluating and staff development.
• Advanced proficiency in using computer systems and software applications for program administration.
• Demonstrated leadership skills including employee development, performance evaluation, and team building.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and the capability to navigate multiple, often competing deadlines.
• Proven track record in cultivating effective relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in educational administration, student development, business administration or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive, full-time program management experience, preferably in student union programs or student activities and services.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree in educational administration, student development, business administration or related field.

Special Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check. A conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check yields any disqualifying information, or if it is determined that any information was withheld or falsified.

To apply, please visit https://as.csuchico.edu/ and attach a resume and cover letter. The pay range is $90,000 to $110,000 annually. This is a full-time position at Associated Students, California State University, Chico.