Director, Support Programs

Dallas College

About The Position

The Director, Support Programs is a strategic leader dedicated to advancing student-centered success, guided by seven core experience pillars: confidence and connection, leadership, identity, authenticity, and belonging, purpose and growth, heritage and voice, hand-in-hand foster care, and transition and transformation. This role serves as a central facilitator within the institution, championing community, fostering meaningful connections, and cultivating a vibrant college culture. The Director emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on the whole student and celebrating every story, ensuring that Dallas College is a place where all students are welcomed, connected, supported, valued, and prepared for their next. In alignment with the College’s mission, the Director supports strategic initiatives, advocates for a comprehensive student experience, and provides direction to the Connection Centers. Through collaborative leadership, oversight of college-wide student programming, and supervision of Connection Center Managing Directors, this role ensures alignment and cohesion across centers and shared programs, all while nurturing a sense of belonging and unity in one place. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Life and Engagement, the Director acts as a thought partner to strengthen collaboration throughout Dallas College and surrounding communities.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a related field.
Five (5) years’ leadership experience supervising staff, program development, training, and handling crisis response.
Five (5) years’ professional, full-time experience at a college or university with demonstrated ability to plan strategically, develop innovative programs, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and develop and manage budgets and resources.
Demonstrated experience supervising large teams in a complex, multi-campus environment.
Demonstrated experience developing high functioning teams.
Excellent interpersonal relations skills.
Current and valid Texas driver’s license required.
Official transcripts are required.
Student Programs and Services: Proficiently skilled in the oversight of administering student programs and campus events, including the evaluation of programs focused on personal growth and development.
Technological Proficiency: Skilled in using integrated software systems and Microsoft applications to support student engagement initiatives.
Student Development Theory: Knowledge and understanding of student development theory, current issues, and trends across the landscape of higher education.
Strategic Oversight: Experience in providing strategic leadership and direction to personnel and programs.
Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage teams, including hiring, training, and evaluating employees.
Project Management: Competent in planning, coordinating, implementing, executing, and evaluating student services, support, programs, initiatives and events.
Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex information to diverse stakeholders.
Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to develop effective relationships at all levels, with a professional and collaborative demeanor.
Customer Service: Committed to providing high-quality service to students and other stakeholders.
Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations regarding special populations, ensuring compliance and accurate reporting.
Audit and Documentation: Experience in preparing documentation for audits and maintaining detailed records of student engagement activities.
Analytical Thinking: Ability to think critically, solve problems, and make data-driven decisions.
Innovative Solutions: Skilled in identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing innovative solutions.
Student Support Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to serving all students and providing accurate referrals when necessary.
Understanding Student Needs: Awareness of the educational, cultural, and social needs of a diverse student population.
Operational Management: Ability to maintain operational calendars, coordinate activities, and ensure timely delivery of student support services.
Time Management: Skilled in managing time and tasks efficiently with attention to detail and minimal errors.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate preferred
Demonstrated progressive leadership experience in student services, student engagement, or student affairs within higher education, ideally at a community college.
Experience with developing, managing, evaluating, and/or assessing campus-based "One Stop" programs at a large, urban, multi-campus institution is preferred.
Knowledge of the purpose of community colleges and the vision of Dallas College, along with a demonstrated commitment to serving students and employees reflecting our community.
Bilingual or multilingual preferred

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning: Provides strategic leadership to designated Connection Center(s) maintaining uniformity across all centers, ensuring alignment with the division strategy established by AVC SLE. Lead center‑level retention program design and monitoring. Lead planning initiatives to align programs and services with Dallas College’s mission and student success priorities. Support Connection Center Managing Directors in achieving program goals and advancing the Seven Pillars of Experience.
Operational Oversight: Supervise Connection Center Managing Directors and provide indirect oversight of Program Leads. Manage daily operations of assigned Connection Center(s), ensuring responsive, localized student support tailored to campus needs.
Staff Supervision & Development: Conduct supervision and evaluation of assigned staff, including performance appraisals, coaching, and professional development planning. Interview, hire, train, and manage employee relations, including counseling and disciplinary actions.
Program Development & Compliance: Serve as a subject matter expert and liaison to offices supporting the Seven Pillars of Experience. Oversee development and implementation of a learning-outcome-based programming model. Ensure all programs and activities comply with institutional, state, and federal regulations.
Budget Management: Develop, manage, and monitor budgets for student programming and center operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.
Assessment & Reporting: Conduct regular assessments using the Council for the Advancement of Standards and other evaluation tools. Prepare executive summaries and reports to communicate program impact and outcomes to the campus community.
Collaboration & Engagement: Work collaboratively with college and community partners to enhance recruitment, development, enrichment, and retention of students.
Professional Development & Compliance: Complete required Dallas College professional development training hours per academic year (minimum 19 hours for all employees; additional 16 hours for people leaders).
Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of Dallas College.
Exercises full discretion and decision-making authority in the recruitment, selection, hiring, mentoring, coaching, development & termination of staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budgetary constraints, and workforce planning strategies.
Drive high performance by administering the performance management process timely, setting clear expectations, conducting performance evaluations, and implementing initiatives that enhance employee engagement, motivation, and retention.