Lead Programming Specialist

University of Rochester • Goodwell, OK

17h • Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

This role sets the programmatic strategy for the Office of Engagement and Enrichment (OEE) and executes a portfolio of high-impact initiatives, defining objectives, timelines, metrics, and resources while identifying opportunities for innovation and growth. The Lead Programming Specialist will oversee end-to-end program and event operations, including cross-project resource optimization, risk management, and documentation. This role drives program evaluation through qualitative and quantitative methods and translates data into evidence-based recommendations. As a cross-functional leader, cultivates partnerships with Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders, student leaders, and other stakeholders across the University to support and expand programming that strengthens engagement and belonging.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 8 years of relevant experience including leadership, project management, and diversity equity, and inclusion, including at least 2 years at a managerial level required
• Experience successfully leading or managing grant-funded program preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Outstanding communication skills, including interpersonal skills and strong writing ability required.
• Ability to work with, motivate, and lead volunteers and create, nurture and leverage partnerships required.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.
• Ability to analyze, condense and synthesize information and ability to provide accurate analysis and summaries required.
• Excellent organization and project management skills, with an ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with keen attention to detail required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree or Terminal Degree preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the needs and experiences of a diverse student body and faculty preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops project and program plans, including establishing timelines, outlining objectives and metrics, and leading cross-functional project/program teams.
• Identifies resource needs of each project/program and works with leadership to align requirements to workflows.
• Recommends strategic and tactical approaches to program planning.
• Identifies opportunities for program expansion and innovation, aligning new initiatives with departmental and institutional priorities.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive strategy and governance framework for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), including establishing rules of engagement, aligning ERG charters with institutional mission, vision, and values and ensuring consistency across ERGs.
• Continues to build upon resource group programming and implements strategies to deepen engagement and leverage talent development strategies.
• Ensures processes related to programming and events operate effectively, including operations management, decision management, resource management, financial management, information management, and facilities management.
• Oversees ERG operational processes, including review of annual reports, assessment of progress toward stated goals, and identification and resolution of issues related to ERG activities or member concerns, escalating issues to the Director of Business Administration as appropriate.
• Identifies and addresses ERG-related issues impacting the University community and escalates complex or sensitive matters to the Director as appropriate.
• In partnership with Talent Acquisition, engage ERGs in recruitment activities including sourcing, recruiting, and onboarding.
• Oversees and supports optimization of cross-project resources.
• Negotiates inter-project dependencies.
• Monitors progress of programs and event activities and ensures all critical implementation criteria are met.
• Identifies, tracks, and manages risks and issues to resolution.
• Oversees completion and safekeeping of all program-related documentation, ensuring documentation is accessible, accurate, up-to-date, and high quality.
• Increases accountability through qualitative and quantitative assessments of programs and services.
• Coordinates with OEE leadership and key stakeholders to identify relevant metrics and measures for programmatic strategic initiatives and projects.
• Conducts research and prepares analytical reports and summaries with recommendations for program changes.
• Provides supporting data to inform evidence-based decision-making.
• Implements program changes across department and with external parties/areas as appropriate.
• Provides input into decision making, strategic planning, and goal setting.
• Oversees procedures for the flow of data to internal and external users, ranging from pulling specific data reports to utilizing dashboards or other generally accessed information sources.
• Consults with other leaders to identify team needs, develop programming to mitigate needs, and lead cross-functional teams in implementing solutions-based programming.
• Analyzes large multivariable datasets made up of sensitive workforce or financial data, identifying patterns, gaps, and critical areas of concern.
• Utilizes the data to make fact-based recommendations for program and project development, long-term business sustainability, risk mitigation, and cost projections.
• Leads cross-functional project/program teams.
• Identifies resource needs of each project/program.
• Provides leadership and mentorship to junior staff, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the team.
• Represents the department at University and external events, promoting programs and building partnerships.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with other programming leaders, community members, vendors, and other stakeholders throughout the University to foster a greater understanding of what constituencies need to feel welcomed and valued.
• Serves as strategic leader and advisor to ERG leadership, guiding ERGs in alignment with approved charters, institutional priorities, and established rules of engagement, and influencing adoption of new concepts and approaches.
• Acts as an expert resource and liaison to other internal and external parties to further institutional and program goals.
• Builds and maintains relationships with student leaders from all UR campuses to understand and represent the student perspective in programmatic and educational strategic planning and development.
• Serves on inter-departmental committees as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager