Program Manager for Experiential Service Learning

Job Summary

The Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement office at the University of Colorado, Boulder is seeking applications for a Program Manager for Experiential Service Learning! This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Sko Serve, an alternative breaks program that advances critical service learning through high-impact, student-led volunteer travel experiences. The role also supports the design and delivery of year-round experiential service-learning programs that deepen student learning and community engagement.

This position is responsible for the coordinated planning, implementation, and evaluation of experiential service-learning initiatives. Core responsibilities include student advising, supervision, and leadership development; program and curriculum development; community partnership cultivation; training design and facilitation; recruitment and retention of student leaders and participants; event and logistics coordination; risk management; assessment and reporting; and budget management.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Program Development

• Lead the design, planning, and implementation of experiential service-learning programs that align with the organization's mission and goals.
• Integrate theories of experiential learning, social justice, and community development into program design and implementation.
• Coordinate site leader retreats including training plans, logistics, and event management.
• Stay current on experiential service-learning program standard processes and implement data-driven continuous improvements.
• Research social and environmental issues explored during the experiential service-learning trips to better facilitate campus and student learning.
• Manage recruiting, selecting, and onboarding student leaders and participants, ensuring alignment with program values.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with community partners, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies to identify service opportunities and establish meaningful partnerships.
• Collaborate with campus departments, student organizations, and alumni networks to engage partners in program planning and implementation.
• Mediate partnership agreements to formalize collaborations and shared goals.
• Develop assessment tools and metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of experiential service-learning programs.
• Collect data and feedback from participants, staff, and community partners to inform programmatic decisions and strategic foresight.
• Analyze program outcomes and disseminate findings through reports, presentations, and publications.

Curriculum Design and Facilitation

• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for student leaders, trip advisors, and other staff involved in experiential service-learning programs.
• Design workshops, seminars, and retreats with a service-learning pedagogy focusing on ethical engagement, leadership development, cultural competency, and risk management.
• Integrate diversity, social justice, civic engagement, social responsibility, and critical service learning into all training curricula.
• Create resources and materials to support orientation, pre-departure meetings, in-service training, and reorientation activities.

Student Development and Supervision

• Provide supervision, training, and support to student employees, student site leaders, trip advisors, and other staff members involved in experiential service-learning programs.
• Coach student leaders in facilitating reflective discussions and experiential activities to help participants integrate their service experiences with academic and personal growth goals.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to promote professional growth and development.

Logistics and Fiscal Oversight

• Manage all logistical aspects of experiential service-learning programs, including transportation, lodging, meals, and scheduling.
• Coordinate with vendors, travel agencies, and service providers to secure accommodation and resources.
• Develop risk management protocols and emergency response plans, ensuring all safety protocols are in place during program activities.
• Manage the budget for experiential service-learning programs, including forecasting expenses, preparing and reviewing budgets, allocating funds, and tracking expenditures.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Identify potential sources of funding and assist with grant writing and fundraising efforts to support program sustainability and expansion.
• Align financial decisions with access and sustainability in mind.
• Assist student and staff partners with budget-related protocols related to service-learning trips, including site leader expenditures, payments to service sites, housing, equipment, food, venue costs, and other related program expenses.
• Manage the experiential service-learning scholarship application and distribution process.
• In collaboration with the SLICE leadership team, develop and implement strategies to raise funds for experiential service-learning programs.