"Executive Director, Citizenship Now!"

The City University of New York’s (CUNY) Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) works in partnership with the University’s academic and administrative offices and its 26 colleges to promote CUNY’s unique mission and transformative role as an engine of social mobility. The office includes eight divisions: Media Relations, Creative, Marketing, Social Media, Multimedia, University Events, CUNY TV, and Citizenship Now! Together, the teams manage all aspects of press and public relations, editorial content, art design, publishing, social media, advertisement, web development, TV, and video production to tell the story of the premier urban public university in the United States.

The Citizenship Now! division manages the largest university legal assistance program in the nation providing free, confidential citizenship and immigration law services to thousands of members of the CUNY community and other New Yorkers.

The Executive Director of Citizenship Now! leads one of the nations’ largest university-based immigration service programs, delivering high-impact support to thousands of New Yorkers. Reporting to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing, this role oversees strategic planning, program operations, staffing, and budget management to ensure the delivery of efficient, high-quality services across CUNY campuses and community partner sites.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Set and execute the strategic direction for Citizenship Now!, aligning services with evolving community needs and immigration policy.
• Lead cross-functional teams in designing and implementing outreach campaigns, service enhancements, and operational improvements.
• Oversee program operations including staffing, training, performance management, and service delivery across multiple sites.
• Manage financial planning, fundraising, budgeting, and reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding guidelines.
• Cultivate partnerships with elected officials, government agencies, and community organizations to expand program reach and impact.
• Represent the program in high-level meetings and public forums, including legislative hearings and advocacy efforts.
• Drive innovation by launching new initiatives in response to policy changes and community feedback.
• Ensure alignment with CUNY Central Office and the Research Foundation of CUNY on operational and compliance matters.
• Oversee contract negotiations and vendor relationships to support program goals.
• Perform related duties as assigned

NOTE: Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum: This position is in CUNY’s Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and eight years’ related experience.

Preferred:

• Five years' experience in the field of immigration and naturalization law.
• Experience supervising attorneys, paralegal staff and other employees.
• Experience in immigration services or nonprofit program management.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with a track record of managing diverse teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proven success in strategic planning, fundraising, budgeting, and operational execution.
• Ability to translate complex topics into accessible information for varied audiences.
• Experience working in a mission-driven, service-oriented environment.
• Computer proficiency using standard office, administrative, and legal software programs/applications.
• Flexibility to work some evening hours and occasional weekends required.

CUNY TITLE: University Assistant Administrator

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: The salary range is $165,000 - $180,000, commensurate with credentials, education, and experience. CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY: For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.