Program Director of the Center for New Directions in Politics and Public Policy

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Official Title: Academic Services Program Director
Working Title: Program Director of the Center for New Directions in Politics and Public Policy
FTE: Part Time (0.50) 50% FTE | Hybrid
Salary Range: $37,500-$40,000
Position #00824609 - Requisition #39747
Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $665 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

This appointment is part-time, term-limited to one year and is dependent on available funding.

The Political Science Department within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Denver invites applications for a part-time Program Director of the Department's Extended Studies Graduate Program: The Center for New Directions in Public Policy and Political Science.

The Center for New Directions in Politics and Public Policy (CNDPPP / The Center), provides graduate-level academic programs, courses and research focused in the areas of politics and public policy, with the purpose of developing the leadership capacities necessary to address public challenges and opportunities within local communities, governmental jurisdictions, and nonprofit entities. The Center aims to be a state leader in providing academic and professional development opportunities to government officials, public policy professionals, non-profit professionals, and community organizing and development practitioners at the local level.

The Program Director will be under the supervision of the Chair of the Department and will be responsible for the following areas: recruitment of students and adjunct faculty, curriculum design, oversight of New Directions student credentialing, class scheduling, coordination and oversight of course delivery by various instructors, advising of students, and budgeting. Teaching courses in the program is a possibility, with a separate lecturer appointment paid at the lecturer rate.

The Program Director will also interface and build partnerships with local government jurisdictions, non-profit agencies, and other civil society organizations, which serve as internship placement sites for New Direction students. Though most partnerships will be with Denver-area jurisdictions and community-based organizations, The Program Director may also build upon the Department's history of partnerships with small and rural government jurisdictions across Colorado. The Center for New Directions in Public Policy and Political Science is a "Continuing Education" program of CU Denver, and all revenues are derived from student tuition, requiring extensive recruitment of students.

Program Director of the Center for New Directions in Politics and Public Policy:
What you will do:

• Recruitment of new student admits into the New Directions Program, including substantial marketing efforts such as through community outreach, digital advertising, and social media strategies.
• Curriculum Design to align with New Directions program goals of public, non-profit, and community leadership development.
• Schedule program courses each semester such that program goals are advanced and students can make timely progress towards 2-3 years master's degree completion.
• Recruitment and mentoring of part-time lecturers in the New Directions program, with a goal to attract lecturers with professional experience in the fields of public, non-profit, and community leadership.
• Advise students in terms of mapping their progress in the program, advancing their professional and educational goals, and completing their masters program.
• Crafting, overseeing, and reporting on New Directions program budget, including regular reporting on revenues and expenditures.
• Outreach and partnership development with local government jurisdictions, non-profit agencies, and labor organizations, and community groups to develop New Directions curricular opportunities, such as internship placement sites.
• Pursuit of grant opportunities and/or funded internship partnerships to build financial strength of the program and funding support for students.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• B.A. Degree in Political Science, Public Administration/Public Policy, Law, or related field,
• Four years of management or elected experience in local, state or national government, OR in leadership positions in non-governmental public policy or community leadership/development organizations, OR in administrative experience in university settings in the field of Political Science, Public Administration or related discipline.

Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• Masters degree in Political Science, Public Administration/Public Policy, Law, or related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in the following areas:
  • Directing programs, especially in the university environment.
  • Coordinating with local and state government jurisdictions across Colorado.
  • Collaborating with non-profit organizations, community groups, and/or labor sectors in the Front Range.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Denver-area community and non-profit organizations and/or local government networks.
• Knowledge of community development practices in fields such as affordable housing, cooperative and social economics, and labor movements.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Demonstrate a commitment to providing outstanding customer service skills.
• Demonstrate an exceptional understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion with a commitment to developing equitable practices.
• Ability to perform duties independently without guidance and direction from other professionals.
• Ability to manage ambiguous situations and/or information and translate them into results.
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional management and leadership qualities.
• Ability to manage and oversee multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively plan, establish and implement program goals and objectives.
• Ability to manage day-to-day oversight of program processes, workflow and administration.
• Demonstrate progressive supervisory qualities.

Conditions of Employment

• Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Working from the office is encouraged when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration.

• This appointment is part-time, term-limited to one year and is dependent on available funding.

Mental, Physical, and/or Environmental Requirements

• This position may be performed in a hybrid or remote environment, requiring the ability to work effectively in a remote setting. This includes maintaining a dedicated workspace free of excessive noise or distractions, reliable internet connectivity, and the ability to participate in virtual meetings for extended periods. Employees must be able to independently manage time, remain stationary for prolonged computer-based work, and transport necessary equipment (such as a laptop and peripherals) between their remote work location and the office as needed.

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.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

Employment Sponsorship
Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $37,500-$40,000 at .50 FTE.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by May 11, 2026, 11:59:00 PM. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

• A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
• A current CV/resume
• List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)

Questions should be directed to Robin Kniech, robin.kniech@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.