"Program Director 2 - African-American Studies - (494821 )"

Job Details

Department: African-American Studies

Salary: 65,300 - 74,300

Description:

Responsible for the operations of a large program or center at the university. Oversees staff, budgets, and projects.

1. Oversees a large department, program or center.

2. Manages budget and engages in strategic planning to ensure all goals are met.

3. Hires and directs the activities of staff.

4. Resolves personnel issues as they arise.

5. Engages in budget-planning, grant oversight, and policy development.

6. Implements new programs and projects and monitors ongoing activities of department or center.

7. Reviews department policies and processes and implements improvements as needed.

8. Represents department or center to internal and external constituents.

9. Performs other job-related duties as required.

The Director of Special Events at the University of Houston’s Department of African American Studies and Center reports to the Department Chair and works closely with the Chair, Center lead, faculty, and staff to develop, plan, and execute events that advance the strategic priorities of the department and center.

The position supports the department’s student engagement, recruitment, and community-building efforts by ensuring that all events are professionally planned, well-executed, and mission-aligned.

The Director is responsible for a comprehensive portfolio of small and large events throughout the academic year, including the summer program, student-centered programs, visiting scholar lectures, symposia, donor receptions, and professional development events. The position manages event logistics from concept through completion—including planning, budgeting, venue selection, vendor coordination, photography, catering, staffing, communications, and post-event follow-up.

Primary responsibilities include:

Manage the end-to-end planning and execution of department and center events. Collaborate with internal and external partners—including faculty, staff, students, vendors, and University departments—to coordinate logistics and ensure seamless execution.

Develop and manage event budgets, timelines, and production schedules.

Provide on-site leadership and support for events, including managing staff, volunteers, and vendors. Maintain event records and reports, assess outcomes, and make data-informed recommendations for future planning.

Develop public reports and newsletters for appropriate audiences.

Additional Job Posting Information:

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience managing complex events from start to finish, problem-solving skills, excellent written and oral communication, an optimistic personality, and project management skills.

Education will be considered in lieu of experience.

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 five (5) years of directly job-related experience. Certification/Licensing: None.

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.