Director of Leadership Program

University of Colorado•Colorado Springs, CO

1d•$70,544 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Leadership Programs provides strategic leadership, vision, and administrative oversight for UCCS’s student leadership development portfolio. The Director establishes strategic direction, drives program growth and innovation, advances assessment and performance outcomes, cultivates philanthropic support, and ensures the operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability of programs including the Chancellor’s Leadership Class (CLC), UCCSlead, and Clyde’s 5. The position leads organizational and strategic planning; oversees significant human, financial, and programmatic resources; and builds collaborative partnerships across the university and with alumni, donors, and community stakeholders. The Director advances leadership initiatives aligned with divisional and institutional priorities and uses data-informed decision-making, assessment, and continuous improvement to strengthen student success, retention, leadership development, scholarship stewardship, and institutional impact. The role calls for energy, enthusiasm, strong presentation and facilitation skills, and the ability to create engaging programs that blend education and entertainment. Regular participation in evening and weekend activities is an important part of the role. This is a primarily campus-based position. It is currently funded for five years, with an extension likely to continue beyond the initial term. The position is exempt from FLSA overtime provisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Experience supporting or leading initiatives in higher education, student affairs, leadership development, or a related organizational setting.
Proven ability to direct and implement strategic initiatives, including supervising professional staff, managing budgets, cultivating partnerships, and using assessment, organizational planning, and data to inform decisions.
Experience supporting fundraising, donor relations, advisory boards, or advancement activities.
Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
Regular participation in evening and weekend activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing significant fundraising initiatives, scholarship programs, or endowments, or collaborating with advancement professionals to cultivate philanthropic support and steward donor relationships.
Experience leading a comprehensive leadership development portfolio, department, or functional area within higher education.
Experience developing high-performing teams and building partnerships with community organizations, alumni, donors, and other external stakeholders.
Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or a related field.
Experience with leadership certificate programs, scholarship programs, student leadership education, civic engagement initiatives, honors programs, or leadership cohort models.

Responsibilities

Establish strategic vision, long-range goals, and annual priorities for Leadership Programs in alignment with divisional and institutional priorities.
Manage fiscal and other resources, including budget planning, analysis, allocation, stewardship, and oversight of operating, scholarship, endowed, and fundraising funds.
Build a supportive workplace climate and lead staff professional development and continuous improvement.
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional staff and student employees; set performance expectations, accountability measures, and staffing plans.
Develop and revise departmental policies and procedures to support effective operations, risk management, and institutional requirements and values.
Represent Leadership Programs at campus events, university committees, community engagements, and other programs.
Lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive portfolio of student leadership programs and initiatives.
Oversee the Chancellor’s Leadership Class, UCCSlead, Clyde’s 5, retreats, seminars, mentoring programs, coursework, workshops, advisory board activities, Days of Service, and other initiatives.
Oversee the CLC scholarship application and selection process and the administration of scholarship programs.
Assess student interests and needs related to leadership development and engagement, and adapt programs and services accordingly.
Develop multi-year plans, measurable program goals and objectives, and student learning outcomes aligned with divisional and institutional priorities.
Use participation, assessment, and student success data to guide program development, resource allocation, and continuous improvement; establish reporting processes to evaluate effectiveness.
Provide leadership development, coaching, and advising, and support student placement and engagement in campus leadership opportunities.
Promote accessible leadership development pathways for students with a broad range of experiences and perspectives.
Monitor local and national trends and best practices in student leadership development and engagement, and adjust strategies and programs as appropriate.
Lead advancement and development efforts, including donor cultivation, scholarship fundraising, and stewardship, to support program sustainability and growth.
Ensure risk management, compliance, accountability, and operational effectiveness across departmental programs and activities.
Participate in campus and community events supporting student leadership, engagement, and success, including evening and weekend activities as appropriate.
Support day-to-day departmental operations during staffing shortages and campus emergency response efforts as appropriate.
Foster campus collaborations and partner with campus and divisional leadership on university-wide leadership development, engagement, and student success initiatives.
Serve as liaison to University Advancement, the CLC Community Advisory Board, and university and community stakeholders.
Develop and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, community partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen programs and expand student opportunities.
Serve on campus and university committees and participate in strategic initiatives; advise divisional leadership on trends, opportunities, and strategies in student leadership development and engagement.
Develop cross-functional partnerships that leverage institutional resources and advance divisional and university priorities.

Benefits

22 vacation days and 10 sick days.
Paid parental leave and 13 recognized holidays.
Bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave provisions.
Medical plans with preventive care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit.
Dental and vision plans and prescription drug benefits.
Health savings and flexible spending accounts.
Life and disability insurance.
Retirement options.
Twelve waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus.
Wellness programs and additional benefits through CU Advantage.