Associate Director- Cougar Parent and Family Engagement Center

University of Houston•Houston, TX

74d•$70,000

About The Position

This position pays up to a maximum annual salary of $70,000.00 Directs the planning, development and implementation of academic initiatives for a large, complex academic department and its affiliated institutes and centers. Administers related business operations and grants, programs and institutes. Associate Director (Reports to Associate Dean of Students) 1. Role Summary: Provides strategic leadership, oversees all aspects of Cougar Parent and Family Engagement Center (CPFEC), manages partnerships, and supervises staff. Develop and oversee office mission, goals, and annual planning. Act as liaison to key campus partners (Dean of Students Office, UH Wellness, CLC, CSAC, CSE, Student Housing, Campus ESP). Serve as primary contact for Coog Moms. Oversee Cougar Family Connect Portal (CampusESP). Lead assessment and reporting initiatives. Manage budget and grant opportunities (especially for student parent programs). Collaborate with departments like Financial Aid, CAPS, UH Wellness, and Children's Learning Centers.

Requirements

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.
Requires a minimum of seven (7) years of directly job-related experience.
Bachelor's degree (in education, communication, higher education, student affairs, social sciences, or related field)
Several years (often 3-5+) of professional experience in higher education / student affairs / family engagement / event or program management.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work sensitively and effectively with diverse populations.
Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple initiatives, events, and stakeholders.
Comfort dealing with sensitive or confidential matters; discretion; ability to respond to family/student issues with empathy.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, educational leadership, or related field.
Experience in fundraising / donor relations, volunteer management, major giving.
Experience using assessment tools, case management software, CRM or student success systems.

Responsibilities

Develops, plans, and implements initiatives relating to the department's teaching and research mission.
Evaluates feasibility of new initiatives, sets goals and develops implementation plans.
Administers the daily operations of the department and one or more centers or institutes within the department. Oversees finances, facilities, staff and contractors.
Promotes and manages relationships with industry, state and local government, other academic institutions, and national and local community leaders.
Research new opportunities for grant funding, participates in the writing of proposals, and ensures appropriate record keeping and expenditure of funds.
Establishes, implements, and oversees budgets. Directs all financial affairs of the department, including procurement, travel documentation, accounts payable and receivable and general accounting-related issues.
Ensures compliance with all UH internal audit requirements, UH Office of Contracts and Grants policies and procedures, and the State of Texas policies and federal rules and regulations.
Represents the department in college and university-wide offices and meetings, and external events such as meetings with community leaders or donors.
Performs other job-related duties as required.
Design, oversee, and evaluate programs for parents and student parents and families, including orientation, Family Weekend / Move-In / Homecoming / Fam Fest/ Student Parent Graduation, and transition support from admission to graduation.
Develop and manage virtual and in-person events/webinars aimed at helping student parents' families understand student resources and support systems.
Build and manage volunteer programs for parents/family members, including leadership councils.
Develop and execute regular communication plans (Cougar Family Connect Portal, emails, newsletters, social media, websites etc.) to keep student parents, families informed, engaged, and connected.
Serve as primary contact for parent/family inquiries; respond promptly and with sensitivity to concerns.
Identify and support student parents who are experiencing challenges (academic, health, behavioral, etc.) by working with families, advisors, and relevant services.
Maintain records, follow up on interventions, and coordinate with cross-department teams as needed.
Cultivate a culture of giving among parents/families: manage fundraising programs, donor or alumni parent relations, stewardship, and gift solicitation.
Optimize relationships and serve as liaison with key student parent organizations and parent/family volunteers and boards (e.g. Coog Moms and Coog Student Parents) to deepen engagement and support institution goals.
Monitor and assess effectiveness of family engagement initiatives: collect data, evaluate outcomes, adjust plans accordingly.
Collaborate with multiple units across campus: Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Orientation, Marketing & Communications, Alumni Relations, Advancement/Development, etc.
Manage budget for student-parent and family engagement programs and initiatives.
Oversee staff (if applicable) and/or student employees working in student-parent support roles.
Represent the institution at family-oriented events; attend trainings, retreats, consortiums, etc.
Other duties as assigned.