"Assistant Director, James Patterson Honors Program"

Posted: 06-Feb-26

Location: Manhattan University, Riverdale NY

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 5226975

Under the direction of the Executive Director of the James Patterson Honors Program (JPHP), the Assistant Director supports the administration, coordination, and delivery of academic, co-curricular, and community-building initiatives that advance the mission of the program. The Assistant Director plays a key role in creating a high impact, engaging, and inclusive experience for Honors students from recruitment through graduation.

As a core member of the JPHP staff, the Assistant Director provides direct student support, supervises and collaborates with peer leaders (student assistants), and assists with program operations and events. This position requires enthusiasm for student engagement, event planning, and program development, along with exceptional organizational, communication, and initiative-driven skills. This is an in-person, on-campus, non-remote position.

Program Administration & Student Engagement
· Support daily operations of the James Patterson Honors Program, including scheduling, communications, record-keeping, and reporting
· Serve as a primary point of contact for JPHP students, being professional and fostering a welcoming, supportive, and student-centered environment
· Supervise and mentor JPHP Peer Leaders (student assistants) and Peer Mentors
· Assist with recruitment, orientation, onboarding, advising-related processes, and student support initiatives

Programming, Events & Experiential Learning
· Support the planning and execution of JPHP programming, including the James Patterson Speaker Series, workshops, social events, service projects, and special initiatives
· Manage event logistics, timelines, vendors, and follow-up with attention to detail and execution
· Collaborate with faculty, campus partners, and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact programming
· Support assessment and evaluation of programs to ensure continuous improvement

Communication & Marketing
· Develop and manage written and digital communications, including emails, newsletters, and website content
· Maintain and grow JPHP's presence across social media platforms, highlighting student achievements and program initiatives
· Communicate effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners using strong interpersonal and written skills

Operations, Organization & Initiative
· Maintain accurate records related to student engagement, events, and program outcomes
· Manage multiple priorities effectively while meeting deadlines
· Demonstrate initiative by identifying opportunities to enhance program operations and student experiences, and executing action plans
· Assist with budgeting, purchasing, invoice processing, and student payroll

Technology & Administrative Skills
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint
· Experience with event registration, assessment, and data-tracking tools

Additional Responsibilities
· Participate in evening and weekend programs as required
· Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Assessment & Evaluation
· Track participation, engagement data, and program outcomes to support data-informed decision-making
· Assist with reporting and assessment aligned with departmental and institutional goals

Qualifications
·Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
· Minimum of two years of administrative or related experience preferred
· Strong administrative, planning, and problem-solving skills
· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing deadlines
· Customer service-oriented approach with students, families, campus partners, and vendors
· Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills