Job Title:  Academic Program Director (HEO) - 400481

Job ID: 21873

Location:  CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies

Regular/Temporary:  Regular

POSITION DETAILS

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) seeks a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve as the founding Academic Program Director of the Public Service Training Corps (PSTC). The Academic Program Director will report to the Dean and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and will oversee the development, launch, and administration of this innovative pilot program, which provides high school seniors in at-risk schools with a pathway to higher education, civic leadership, and careers in public service and social justice.

1. Program Leadership and Management

• Provide overall strategic direction for the design, implementation, and daily operations of the PSTC.
• Work with the Academic Associate Dean and department chairs to integrate the PSTC program into SLU’s operation and brand.
• Apply data-informed decision-making to program development and evaluation of the program.
• Develop and manage the program budget ($2.4 million), ensuring resources are maximized for student benefit.
• Establish and maintain systems for collecting, reporting, and analyzing outcomes—including pathways to higher education and alumni career progression—to drive continuous improvement and support institutional planning.

1. School and Community Partnerships

• Work with one high school partner in each of the five boroughs, prioritizing.
• Build strong, sustained relationships with high school leadership, counselors, teachers, and communities to ensure student success.
• Cultivate partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, and community-based organizations, labor unions, advocacy groups, and nonprofits, to provide field trips, guest lectures, and internships, and job placement opportunities.
• Recruit and manage a diverse network of “credible mentors” from working-class backgrounds engaged in public service and advocacy.
• Student Development and Success
• Oversee student recruitment and selection, ensuring equity and diversity across borough cohorts.
• Support students in developing leadership, critical thinking, advocacy, and career readiness skills through curriculum, mentorship, and experiential learning.
• Ensure integration of PSTC courses into high school schedules and provide wraparound support, including advising, counseling, and career services.
• Track student outcomes from high school through SLU certificate and degree program, internship, and career placements.

1. Advocacy, External Relations, and Fundraising

• Represent SLU and PSTC at citywide student success initiatives, CUNY forums, and community and union organizations.
• Collaborate with the SLU Foundation to secure philanthropic, corporate, and government support for the program.
• Develop evaluation reports and presentations for funders, policymakers, and stakeholders.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the PSTC, advancing its role as a pathway to public service and a national model for civic education and leadership development.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' relevant experience required.

Preferred

• Experience in high school administration within the NYC public education system, with demonstrated success supporting diverse, at-risk students; familiarity with experiential learning and college and career readiness frameworks (e.g., NACE, AAC&U) preferred.
• Progressive leadership experience overseeing integrated academic, leadership development, and career pathway programs
• Strong supervisory skills with the ability to translate vision into effective execution.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Proven ability to build and sustain partnerships with schools, community organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and labor unions.
• Experience in grant writing, program implementation, and overall program development and management. 

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs curriculum development and operations of a college’s specialized academic program under executive oversight.

- Designs, implements and monitors a comprehensive academic program development plan

- Administers all curricular, administrative, and financial aspects of the program

- Oversees program evaluation efforts and creates strategic plan to further develop program offerings

- Manages annual budget; develops proposals and other initiatives for expanded program support

- Cultivates and maintains strategic partnerships; serves as primary liaison to faculty and administrators to plan and execute programming activities

- May participate in faculty recruitment efforts

- Manages professional and clerical staff

- Performs related duties as assigned

Job Title Name: Academic Program Director

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$155,388 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

CLOSING DATE

March 5, 2026

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.