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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- Work with one high‑school partner in each of the five boroughs, prioritizing schools that serve at‑risk students.
- Build strong, sustained relationships with high‑school leadership, counselors, teachers, and communities to ensure student success.
- Cultivate partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, community‑based organizations, labor unions, and advocacy groups to provide field trips, guest lectures, internships, and job placement opportunities.
- Recruit and manage a diverse network of “credible mentors” from working‑class backgrounds engaged in public service and advocacy.
- 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 programs, internships, and career placements.
- Represent SLU and PSTC at city‑wide student‑success initiatives, CUNY forums, and with 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.
- Doctorate or equivalent preferred.
- Experience in high‑school administration and the NYC public education system.
- Proven ability to work with diverse, at‑risk students.
- Experience in experiential learning and college and career readiness programs such as those outlined by NACE or AAC&U.
- Progressive leadership experience and ability to develop and manage programs that combine academic instruction, leadership development, and career pathways.
- Strong supervisory experience managing professional staff.
- Demonstrated ability as a visionary thinker with practical execution skills.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; experience fostering community engagement and partnerships, and designing development programs.
- Demonstrated success in building partnerships with schools, community organizations, government agencies, non‑profits, and/or labor unions.
- Experience with grant writing, implementation, and program development and management.
- Passion for public service and ability to inspire students, staff, and partners.
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
Academic Program Director
CUNY TITLE
Higher Education Officer
FLSA
Exempt
Compensation and Benefits
$155,388 salary commensurate with education and experience. CUNY’s benefits include health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study, generous paid time off, and access to extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on campus.
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.
Job ID
21873
Location
School of Labor & Urban Studies
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