Associate Director Of Outreach And Engagement (Senior Educational Program Administrator)

Job Summary

The Office of Outreach and Engagement (O&E) at the University of Connecticut centrally oversees and supports public engagement and initiatives at UConn through outreach, community-based learning, and scholarship in dedicated partnerships with communities. O&E strengthens UConn’s activities in particular fields of regional engagement and fosters collaboration with the University’s academic divisions to further the development of UConn’s efforts.

Reporting to the Director of Outreach and Engagement, the Associate Director is responsible for a number of key programmatic initiatives on behalf of the director and O&E , serving as the lead on several program services and activities across the University . The Associate Director contributes to a broad portfolio of initiatives including awareness and recognition of campus-wide engaged service efforts, cultivation of partnerships across the campus and with external partner organizations, and contributes to the advancement and promotion of a robust outreach and engagement program at UConn.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Develops and refines practices and procedures to improve efficiency and quality, directly affecting the operation of the division. May be responsible for reviewing the work of others for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Enhances success of current and future programs and models and implements new initiatives including those towards the University’s designation as a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution.
• Assesses programmatic needs and creates and delivers program services and activities in accordance with initiative goals and objectives while aligning with the University’s academic vision.
• P articipates in planning, development, design, and evaluation of outreach and engagement programs and activities. Collects , analyzes , and synthesizes program data and participates in evaluating program effectiveness.
• Performs office management duties for the program in coordination with other division personnel. Establishes workflow, monitors, and processes necessary paperwork and maintenance of records and filing system.
• Monitors the division’s compliance with University policies and procedures and applies best practices for consistency across outreach and engagement initiatives at UConn.
• Write annual reports about university-wide community engagement work.
• P rovides assistance to constituents by interpreting policies and procedures, exercising decision-making and judgment under prescribed procedures. May escalate complex matters to the director, as appropriate .
• Recommends methods of resolution on the full range of complex administrative and business matters related to progra ms and acti vities in scope by applying innovative thinking .
• Respects diversity and works collaboratively with individuals of diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds.
• P rovides direction and oversight to the University community regarding outreach and engagement initiatives including but not limited to p roviding oversight for University -wide procedural codification of best practices for outreach and engagement, including service learning; w orking closely with O&E stakeholders via affiliated committees, advisory boards, and established partnerships; and participating in designing and evaluating program activities in partnership with the director and division staff.
• Assists in the management and tracking of correspondence and routine communications to internal and external constituents. May be responsible for drafting and disseminating correspondence. May be responsible for updating and managing website content. Engages in communications and promotional activities for the program, in area of responsibility.
• Work independently to analyze available information, draw conclusions and understandings, and present such conclusions effectively to senior management. Serves as a primary resource to students, staff, faculty, and others on programmatic policies, procedures, and activities.
• Coordinates workshops, training programs, courses, program curricula, and training materials, in accordance with program goals.
• Serves as a project manager for outreach and engagement projects, timing tasks for completion, setting deadlines, determining and working with the directors to obtain and align necessary resources , including funding, as necessary , and contributing subject matter knowledge toward the completion of program objectives .
• Lead or support grant proposals that advance institutional engagement activities.
• Coordinates service-learning pedagogy workshops with colleagues in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and provides logistic and operational support for service-learning courses.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least two years of experience serving as an advanced/senior team member or working as a project lead.
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration , higher education, communication, or related area s .
• Proven business acumen commensurate with the needs of a central support services office including the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment to resolve complex issues, and prioritize routine and high-level tasks and demands.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish relationships with a variety of constituents on behalf of the office.
• Six to seven years of professional experience in higher education administration, academic programming, engaged scholarship, community outreach, or a related administrative capacity , with demonstrated progression in duties and responsibilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience collaborating in university-community partnerships.
• Master’s degree in public administration , higher education, communication, or related areas .
• E xperience providing direct and autonomous program support, serving as an advanced/senior team member, or working as a project lead on community- oriented projects.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

To Apply

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs , Staff Positions, Search #497711 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.