Director of Leadership Program

University of Colorado System; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 71,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Time Off

Robust Health Coverage

Financial & Retirement Benefits

Further Your Education

Wellness & More

Total compensation calculator

Job summary

University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) seeks a Director of Leadership Programs to provide strategic leadership for student leadership initiatives, including the Chancellor's Leadership Class and related programs. You will oversee budgeting, assessment, donor relations, and collaborative partnerships to enhance student learning and program impact.

This campus-based role emphasizes leadership development, data-informed decision making, and cross-functional teamwork with alumni, donors, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience leading initiatives in higher education or student affairs.
• Proven track record directing strategic initiatives, supervising staff, managing budgets, and using assessment/data.
• Experience supporting fundraising, donor relations, and advancement activities.
• Master's degree in a related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision for Leadership Programs and support student leadership development.
• Oversee budgets, fundraising activities, and donor relations within the department.
• Develop multi-year plans with measurable goals and outcomes.
• Collaborate with alumni, donors, and campus partners to strengthen programs.
• Represent the department on campus committees and at events.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff supervision

Budget management

Partnership development

Assessment & data use

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree (desirable)

Job description

Director of Leadership Programs

Student Life and Leadership

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact inthe Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself onacademic excellence, research, and community engagement and isactively seekin g a Director of Leadership Programs t o joinour team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professionaldevelopment, and fostering an environment that supports innovationand student success. At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by itsstunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Thiscity is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and avibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community thatcherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, anexceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range

Salary Range : $70,544 - $85,000 annually .Compensation will be commensurate upon experience andqualifications.This position is Exempt from the Fair LaborStandards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

This position is currently funded for five(5) years, with theextension of the funding likely to continue beyond the initialterm.

Work Location: This role is primarily campus-based, with astrong focus on connecting with students, colleagues, and thecommunity.

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud tooffer:

• Generous Time Off : Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paidparental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions forbereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage : Our comprehensive medical plans coverpreventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental healthvisit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, andcompetitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits : Take advantage of ourhealth savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disabilityinsurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education : Avail twelve (12) waived credits peracademic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in youreducational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More : From wellness programs aimed at achievingyour best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage,we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get thecomplete picture!

Summary

The Director of Leadership Programs provides strategic leadership,vision, and administrative oversight for the student leadershipdevelopment portfolio. The Director is responsible for establishingstrategic direction, driving program growth and innovation,advancing assessment and performance outcomes, cultivatingphilanthropic support, and ensuring the operational effectivenessand long-term sustainability of a comprehensive portfolio ofleadership programs, including but not limited to the Chancellor'sLeadership Class (CLC), UCCSlead, and Clyde's 5.

The Director leads organizational and strategic planning; overseessignificant human, financial, and programmatic resources; andbuilds collaborative partnerships across the university and withalumni, donors, and community stakeholders. The position advancesleadership development initiatives in alignment with divisional andinstitutional priorities. Through data-informed decision-making,assessment, and continuous improvement, the Director strengthensoutcomes related to student success, retention, leadershipdevelopment, scholarship stewardship, and institutional impact. Theideal candidate brings energy, enthusiasm, and strong presentationand facilitation skills to create engaging leadership programs thatblend education and entertainment to maximize student learning andparticipation. Regular participation in evening and weekendactivities is an important part of this role.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but arenot limited to:

Leadership, Administration, and Resource Management —35%

• Provide leadership and establish a strategic vision forLeadership Programs that promote student leadership development,engagement, and success.
• Establish long-range goals and annual priorities for thestudent leadership development portfolio in alignment withdivisional and institutional priorities.
• Effectively manage resources and provide fiscal management,including budget planning, analysis, resource allocation,stewardship, and oversight of operating, scholarship, endowed, andfundraising funds.
• Lead a workplace climate that is supportive of employees,encourages professional development and continuous improvement, andemphasizes student growth and learning.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional staff andstudent employees within the reporting line.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountabilitymeasures, and staffing plans to support effective departmentaloperations and program delivery.
• Ensure staff and programs are responsive to emerging trends,best practices, and changes in student demographics andexpectations.
• Develop, review, and revise departmental policies andprocedures to support effective operations, appropriate riskmanagement, and alignment with institutional requirements andvalues.
• Represent Leadership Programs at campus events, universitycommittees, community engagements, and other programs asappropriate.

Operational Support — 45%

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuousimprovement of a comprehensive portfolio of student leadershipdevelopment programs and initiatives.
• Provide oversight for the Chancellor's Leadership Class (CLC),UCCS lead, Clyde's 5, retreats, seminars, mentoringprograms, coursework, leadership workshops, advisory boardactivities, Days of Service, and other leadership developmentinitiatives.
• Oversee the CLC scholarship application and selection processand ensure effective administration of scholarship programs.
• Assess the interests and needs of the student body related toleadership development and engagement opportunities and adjustprograms and services accordingly.
• Develop and implement multi-year plans, measurable programgoals and objectives, and student learning outcomes that supportdivisional and institutional priorities.
• Utilize participation, assessment, and student success data toguide program development, resource allocation, and continuousimprovement.
• Establish and maintain assessment and reporting processes toevaluate program effectiveness and inform strategicdecision-making.
• Provide leadership development opportunities, coaching, andadvising that support student growth, engagement, andsuccess.
• Promote accessible leadership development opportunities andpathways that encourage participation from students with a broadrange of experiences and perspectives.
• Support student placement and engagement in leadershipopportunities across campus.
• Monitor local and national trends and best practices related tostudent leadership development and engagement, adjustingdepartmental strategies and programs as appropriate.
• Lead advancement and development efforts that support thesustainability and growth of leadership programs, including donorcultivation, scholarship fundraising, and stewardship.
• Ensure appropriate risk management, compliance, accountability,and operational effectiveness across departmental programs andactivities.
• Participate in campus and community events supporting studentleadership, engagement, and success, including evenings andweekends as appropriate.
• Support day-to-day operations of the department during staffingshortages and support campus response efforts during emergencies asappropriate.

Collaborative Relationships — 20%

• Foster collaborative relationships across campus to further themission and goals of the division and enhance student leadershipdevelopment, engagement, and success.
• Partner with campus and divisional leadership uponiversity-wide leadership development, student engagement, andstudent success initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison to University Advancement, the CLC CommunityAdvisory Board, and other university and communitystakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, alumni,community partners, and other stakeholders that strengthen programsand expand opportunities for students.
• Serve on campus and university committees and participate instrategic initiatives related to leadership development, studentengagement, and student success.
• Advise divisional leadership regarding emerging trends,opportunities, and strategies related to student leadershipdevelopment and engagement.
• Develop cross-functional partnerships that strengthen programs,leverage institutional resources, and advance divisional anduniversity priorities.

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: November 22, 2026.
• Potential interview dates: December 10, 2026-December 17, 2026.
• Potential start date: February 1, 2027.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does notdiscriminate based on sex in our employment or compensationpractices.

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications

• To be considered for this role, you must possess a Bachelor'sDegree.
• Experience supporting or leading initiatives in higher education,student affairs, leadership development, or a relatedorganizational setting is required.
• Proven track record in directing and implementing strategicinitiatives, including supervising professional staff, managingbudgets, cultivating partnerships, and using assessment,organizational planning, and data to inform decision-making isrequired.
• Experience supporting fundraising, donor relations, advisoryboards, or advancement activities is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing significant fundraising initiatives,scholarship programs, endowments, or collaborating with advancementprofessionals to cultivate philanthropic support and steward donorrelationships is highly desirable.
• Experience leading a comprehensive leadership developmentportfolio, department, or functional area within higher educationis highly desirable.
• Experience developing high-performing teams and buildingpartnerships with community organizations, alumni, donors, andother external stakeholders is also highly desirable.
• A Master's Degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or arelated field is highly desirable.
• The ideal candidate also possesses experience with leadershipcertificate programs, scholarship programs, student leadershipeducation, civic engagement initiatives, honors programs, orleadership cohort models.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has implemented amizconduct history check program with respect to final candidatesfor specific appointments. The misconduct history check program isintended to allow UCCS to collect and review information about acandidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specificallyconduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/ordiscrimination – before making hiring decisions. All finalcandidates to these appointments are required to complete anAuthorization to Release Information and provide contactinformation for their previous institutions.