Academic Program Director; HEO

Academic Program Director (HEO) - 400481

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Represent SLU and PSTC at citywide 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.

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

• Doctorate or equivalent

• Experience in high school administration; NYC public education system;
  Proven ability to work with diverse at-risk students;
  Experiential learning and college and career readiness programs (such as those outlined by NACE or AAC&U) is strongly preferred.

• Progressive leadership experience;
  Experience developing and managing 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

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

• Admin…