Director of Leadership Program
CU Colorado Springs
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) seeks a Director of Leadership Programs within Student Life and Leadership. The role provides strategic leadership for a portfolio of leadership initiatives, including the Chancellor's Leadership Class, UCCSlead, and Clyde's 5, with accountability for program growth, assessment, and donor engagement.
The Director leads budgeting, staffing, and policy alignment, driving partnerships across campus and with alumni and donors to promote student success
Qualifications
- Requires Bachelor's degree and experience leading initiatives in higher education.
- Proven track record in directing strategic initiatives, supervising staff, managing budgets, and data-informed decision-making.
- Experience supporting fundraising, donor relations, advisory boards, or advancement activities.
- Strong leadership, collaboration, and program development skills.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for Leadership Programs and establish priorities aligned with university goals.
- Oversee resource management including budget planning, analysis, and fundraising oversight.
- Lead staff development, performance management, and policy alignment with institutional requirements.
- Develop and evaluate leadership initiatives (CLC, UCCSlead, Clyde’s 5) and partnerships with donors and alumni.
- Engage in campus events and community partnerships to advance leadership education.
Skills
Education
Job description
University Staff
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Director of Leadership Programs to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.
At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery-a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.
$70,544 - $85,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.
This position is currently funded for five(5) years, with the extension of the funding likely to continue beyond the initial term.
This role is primarily campus-based, with a strong focus on connecting with students, colleagues, and the community.
At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:
- Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
- Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
- Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
- Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
- Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your 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 the complete picture!
The Director of Leadership Programs provides strategic leadership, vision, and administrative oversight for the student leadership development portfolio. The Director is responsible for establishing strategic direction, driving program growth and innovation, advancing assessment and performance outcomes, cultivating philanthropic support, and ensuring the operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability of a comprehensive portfolio of leadership programs, including but not limited to the Chancellor's Leadership Class (CLC), UCCSlead, and Clyde's 5.
The Director 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 position advances leadership development initiatives in alignment with divisional and institutional priorities. Through data-informed decision-making, assessment, and continuous improvement, the Director strengthens outcomes related to student success, retention, leadership development, scholarship stewardship, and institutional impact. The ideal candidate brings energy, enthusiasm, and strong presentation and facilitation skills to create engaging leadership programs that blend education and entertainment to maximize student learning and participation. Regular participation in evening and weekend activities is an important part of this role.
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Provide leadership and establish a strategic vision for Leadership Programs that promote student leadership development, engagement, and success.
- Establish long-range goals and annual priorities for the student leadership development portfolio in alignment with divisional and institutional priorities.
- Effectively manage resources and provide fiscal management, including budget planning, analysis, resource allocation, stewardship, and oversight of operating, scholarship, endowed, and fundraising funds.
- Lead a workplace climate that is supportive of employees, encourages professional development and continuous improvement, and emphasizes student growth and learning.
- Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional staff and student employees within the reporting line.
- Establish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and staffing plans to support effective departmental operations and program delivery.
- Ensure staff and programs are responsive to emerging trends, best practices, and changes in student demographics and expectations.
- Develop, review, and revise departmental policies and procedures to support effective operations, appropriate risk management, and alignment with institutional requirements and values.
- Represent Leadership Programs at campus events, university committees, community engagements, and other programs as appropriate.
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive portfolio of student leadership development programs and initiatives.
- Provide oversight for the Chancellor's Leadership Class (CLC), UCCSlead, Clyde's 5, retreats, seminars, mentoring programs, coursework, leadership workshops, advisory board activities, Days of Service, and other leadership development initiatives.
- Oversee the CLC scholarship application and selection process and ensure effective administration of scholarship programs.
- Assess the interests and needs of the student body related to leadership development and engagement opportunities and adjust programs and services accordingly.
- Develop and implement multi-year plans, measurable program goals and objectives, and student learning outcomes that support divisional and institutional priorities.
- Utilize participation, assessment, and student success data to guide program development, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.
- Establish and maintain assessment and reporting processes to evaluate program effectiveness and inform strategic decision-making.
- Provide leadership development opportunities, coaching, and advising that support student growth, engagement, and success.
- Promote accessible leadership development opportunities and pathways that encourage participation from students with a broad range of experiences and perspectives.
- Support student placement and engagement in leadership opportunities across campus.
- Monitor local and national trends and best practices related to student leadership development and engagement, adjusting departmental strategies and programs as appropriate.
- Lead advancement and development efforts that support the sustainability and growth of leadership programs, including donor cultivation, scholarship fundraising, and stewardship.
- Ensure appropriate 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 evenings and weekends as appropriate.
- Support day-to-day operations of the department during staffing shortages and support campus response efforts during emergencies as appropriate.
- Foster collaborative relationships across campus to further the mission and goals of the division and enhance student leadership development, engagement, and success.
- Partner with campus and divisional leadership on university-wide leadership development, student engagement, and student success initiatives.
- Serve as a liaison to University Advancement, the CLC Community Advisory Board, and other university and community stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, community partners, and other stakeholders that strengthen programs and expand opportunities for students.
- Serve on campus and university committees and participate in strategic initiatives related to leadership development, student engagement, and student success.
- Advise divisional leadership regarding emerging trends, opportunities, and strategies related to student leadership development and engagement.
- Develop cross-functional partnerships that strengthen programs, leverage institutional resources, and advance divisional and university priorities.
- 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 all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.
- To be considered for this role, you must possess a Bachelor's Degree.
- Experience supporting or leading initiatives in higher education, student affairs, leadership development, or a related organizational setting is required.
- Proven track record in directing and implementing strategic initiatives, including supervising professional staff, managing budgets, cultivating partnerships, and using assessment, organizational planning, and data to inform decision-making is required.
- Experience supporting fundraising, donor relations, advisory boards, or advancement activities is required.
- Experience managing significant fundraising initiatives, scholarship programs, endowments, or collaborating with advancement professionals to cultivate philanthropic support and steward donor relationships is highly desirable.
- Experience leading a comprehensive leadership development portfolio, department, or functional area within higher education is highly desirable.
- Experience developing high-performing teams and building partnerships with community organizations, alumni, donors, and other external stakeholders is also highly desirable.
- A Master's Degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or a related field is highly desirable.
- The ideal candidate also possesses experience with leadership certificate programs, scholarship programs, student leadership education, civic engagement initiatives, honors programs, or leadership cohort models.
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has implemented a misconduct history check program with respect to final candidates for specific appointments. The misconduct history check program is intended to allow UCCS to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination - before making hiring decisions. All final candidates to these appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information and provide contact information for their previous institutions.
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