Director, AS Programs

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Company: ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CHICO

Location: Chico, CA 95926

Description:

Description

The Associated Students of CSU, Chico is recruiting for Director, AS Programs. This is a full-time, full-year (2080 hours), non-exempt position. The pay range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000 annually; new hires typically start at the beginning of the range. The anticipated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and subject to change based on department needs.

Associated Students offers excellent benefits to include medical, dental and vision insurance with a generous employer contribution toward the cost. Basic life, AD&D, and long term disability are fully employer paid. Retirement is offered through CalPERS. An employee contribution to this defined benefit plan is required in addition to a significant employer contribution.

The Associated Students (AS) is a comprehensive campus auxiliary corporation of CSU,Chico serving thousands of students, faculty, staff and community members through myriad student programs, services and business enterprises. With an annual budget of more than $21M, the AS operates residential and retail dining services, the Bell Memorial Union, the Wildcat Recreation Center (WREC), and administers the contract for the Wildcat Store (bookstore). Additionally, the AS offers a wide variety of services and programs such as: CAVE (Community Action Volunteers in Education), Child Development Lab, Adventure Outings, Recycling, Sustainability and student government. Typically, the AS employs more than 100 full and part-time employees and more than 400 students.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position.

In support of campus-wide efforts, the AS is committed to recruiting and hiring candidates who demonstrate and embrace our corporate values and strategic priorities. We take a culturally-informed approach to all our processes related to employee relationships. We provide timely and intentional opportunities to increase our commitment to inclusivity within the Associated Students and actively support University-wide diversity initiatives. Successful candidates are those of variable abilities who will work to advance policies and practices that will strengthen our organizational culture.

To be considered, you must submit an application in full and attach a resume and cover letter.

SUMMARY

This strategic leadership role is responsible for the comprehensive management and administration of Marketing & Programs, Community Action Volunteers in Education (CAVE), the Child Development Lab (CDL), and Sustainability initiatives. The Director provides overarching vision and operational expertise, ensuring that all programs align with the organizational mission and strategic priorities. Reporting directly to senior management and collaborating with staff across departments, the role is designed to balance day-to-day operational needs with long-term planning and innovation. This position works primarily on-site with some opportunity to work remotely.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight
  • Develop and implement strategic plans and operational policies that drive excellence in Marketing Programs, CAVE, CDL, and Sustainability.
  • Provide guidance and support to assigned staff managers in program development, group goal setting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Financial Management & Budget Oversight
  • Lead the budgeting process for each assigned area, collaborating with staff managers to develop, monitor, and manage budgets typically in excess of $2,000,000.
  • Analyze monthly financial statements, initiate corrective actions as needed, and establish robust fiscal controls to ensure financial health and accountability.

Team Leadership & Staff Development
  • Recruit, select, supervise, and evaluate staff across departments.
  • Offer mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities to foster a high-performing, engaged team.
  • Promote a positive, inclusive work environment that upholds the organization's values.

Program Quality & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Ensure that all programs meet and exceed educational, social, cultural, recreational, and service objectives in alignment with our mission.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with the Associate Executive Director and other leadership, ensuring alignment with overall organizational goals.
  • Serve as a key representative to committees, campus groups, community partners, and public forums.


Risk & Contract Management
  • Evaluate and manage program risks in collaboration with the Risk Management.
  • Review, negotiate, and provide recommendations on contracts within the assigned program areas to safeguard the organization's interests.

Data Management, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
  • Oversee the organization and maintenance of program data and records.
  • Prepare periodic reports to monitor performance against goals and support decision-making at the senior management level.
  • Contribute to corporate-wide policy development and share best practices across program areas.

Additional Responsibilities
  • Assist in the development and execution of strategic operational plans.
  • Assume other related duties as assigned to meet emerging needs and initiatives.
POSITIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED
  • Assistant Director of Marketing and Programs
  • Child Development Lab Program Director
  • CAVE Program Director
  • AS Sustainability Program Coordinator
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typical Work Environment:
  • Work is primarily conducted in an office setting with occasional work at offsite locations, including outdoor environments.
  • Regular interaction is expected with internal teams, the campus community, and public stakeholders.

Physical Requirements:
  • Reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • Ability to move efficiently between different departments and facilities; proficient in the use of common office equipment; strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Travel Requirements:

Occasional travel, both in-state and out-of-state, for conferences, training sessions, and retreats is required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS
  • Deep understanding of college-based programs, student activities, and related services.
  • Expertise in developing cultural, social, educational, and recreational programs within a university community.
  • Proficiency in risk management practices and procedures.
  • Experience in contract development, negotiation, and administration.
  • Strong financial acumen, including the development and analysis of large-scale budgets.
  • Advanced proficiency in using computer systems and software applications for program administration.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills including employee development, performance evaluation, and team building.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and the capability to navigate multiple, often competing deadlines.
  • Proven track record in cultivating effective relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
MINIMUM EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's degree in educational administration, student development, business administration or related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressive, full-time program management experience, preferably in student union programs or student activities and services.
  • Five (5) years of supervisory experience.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

Master's degree in educational administration, student development, business administration or related field.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check. A conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check yields any disqualifying information, or if it is determined that any information was withheld or falsified.

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