"Center for Student Empowerment Program Director I - (494999 )"

Job Details

Department: Center for Student Empowerment

Salary: Commensurate with Experience/Education

Description:

Directs an ongoing university program to ensure that prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with its mission and/or specified objectives. Prepares short- and long-term goals and objectives.

1. Plans, develops and administers methods, strategies and procedures for meeting program objectives; directs and oversees the daily activities of staff members.
2. Prepares and monitors the annual budget and ensures that expenditures are within budget allocation.
3. Directs and coordinates personally, or through subordinate personnel, activities concerned with carrying out the objectives of the program.
4. Directs the preparation of and reviews reports and records of activities to ensure progress is being accomplished toward specified program objectives; modifies or changes methodology as required to redirect activities and attains objectives.
5. Analyzes trends within program areas, maintaining expert awareness of program information and change needs.
6. Formulates, implements, and maintains appropriate policies and procedures concerning program administration.
7. Manages and administers grant for program, including meetings, communication coordination, scholarships and other operations.
8. May prepare or participate in the preparation of proposals to obtain grants from state and federal agencies, and private foundation sponsors.
9. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MQ:

Education: Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline is normally obtained through a formal, directly job-related 4 year degree from a college or university or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed. Experience: Requires a minimum of three (3) years of directly job-related experience.

Key Responsibilities & Expectations

Strategic Leadership & Departmental Growth

• Serve as an active member of the CSE leadership team, helping to shape vision, strategy, and annual goals.
• Supervise (e.g. three) graduate assistants and oversee student staff/interns. Provide training, performance evaluation, and professional development opportunities.
• Prepare periodic reports, proposals, manuals, and resource toolkits. Recommend process adjustments as needed for increased efficiency and impact.
• Lead or contribute to budgeting processes; monitor and control expenditures in alignment with approved budgets.
• Cultivate a positive, collaborative, inclusive workplace culture within CSE.

Programming, Student Leadership & Development

• Maintain cohorts of student groups, advise students, and promote students academics
• Conceptualize, implement, and evaluate student-based programs to promote student success, retention, and empowerment (e.g. “First gen Coogs, Circle Time with CSE,” “Resilient Coogs,” financial empowerment series)
• Oversee CSE’s signature programs and student development initiatives: recruitment, training, assessment, and sustainability of leadership structures (e.g. CSE Ambassadors, peer mentors)
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with student organizations, academic units, and campus divisions and off campus partners for student success
• Lead or serve on committees focused on topics such as retention, student success, crisis support, or advocacy.

Marketing, Communications & Outreach

• Develop and manage the center’s marketing and brand identity—print materials, digital assets, website content, and social media channels.
• Create and execute a comprehensive outreach strategy to promote CSE’s offerings (workshops, scholar support, peer support groups) to a broad student audience.
• Ensure consistent and effective messaging across platforms; serve as a central point of contact for marketing questions and inquiries.
• Track and analyze engagement metrics (e.g. event attendance, social media analytics, website traffic) and adjust marketing strategies accordingly.

Education, Workshops & Capacity Building

• Design, schedule, deliver, and assess educational workshops—topics may include financial literacy, mental wellness, resilience, first-generation transitions, academic skills, resource navigation, etc.
• Partner with students, faculty, staff, and campus units to co-facilitate events and integrate CSE’s mission into campus culture.
• Represent CSE on campus-wide committees, task forces, or working groups related to student success, retention, wellbeing, or equity.
• Lead or contribute to grant writing, compliance, and reporting functions to secure and steward external funding.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support the center’s evolving priorities.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, or related field strongly preferred.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience (graduate-level assistantships or in similar settings may count).
• Deep understanding of student development theory, advocacy frameworks, and community-engagement practices.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, campus-partner, and assess programs or workshops.
• Strong organizational, project management, and evaluation skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, digital).
• Proficiency with social media strategy, digital tools (e.g. website CMS, graphic design, analytics).
• Commitment to working with diverse and historically underserved student populations.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and field events.

Additional Job Posting Information:
- Department is willing to accept education in lieu of experience.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.