Assistant Director, Special Programs

Assistant Director of Special Programs

The Leeds School of Business is accepting applications for an Assistant Director of Special Programs! Leeds is committed to serving students of high academic achievement through high-impact, well-executed programming that supports their academic, professional, and personal development. This role reports to the Associate Director of Special Programs and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Business of Sports program (BOS), Business + Engineering Women in Technology program (BEWiT), and Computer Science Integration program, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and delivering high-impact student experiences. This position combines program management, student development and mentoring, partner engagement, and strategic thinking to support student success through coaching, programming, and experiential opportunities. The Assistant Director will collaborate closely with internal and external partners, lead key initiatives, and serve as a central point of coordination across specialized programs and student-facing activities. 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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Program Leadership & Administration

• Management of special programs, including BEWiT, BOS, Computer Science Integration, and other initiatives as needed, ensuring alignment with Leeds' priorities and student success outcomes.
• Lead program planning, execution, and continuous improvement, including events, student advising, budgets, and external partnerships.
• Collaborate with faculty, advancement, and campus partners (including Engineering) to integrate academic, co-curricular, and industry-facing elements into program design.
• Support the development and execution of program vision, goals, and assessment strategies in partnership with the Associate Director.
• Support the implementation of agreed recruitment, selection, and enrollment strategies for specialized programs, including scholarship allocation and yield initiatives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal collaborators across the university to support program delivery and growth.
• Monitor key performance indicators and supervise data collection, analysis, and reporting to measure program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.

Student Coaching and Support

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and support to students within special programs, helping them navigate academic, professional, and personal development.
• Ensure a high-quality, inclusive student experience that is regularly assessed and improved.
• Connect students with relevant resources, opportunities, and networks to support career readiness and success.
• Maintain awareness of student needs and trends to inform program enhancements.

Business of Sports Program Oversight

• Provide leadership and implement strategic direction for the Business of Sports program, including program design, recruitment, and student experience.
• Cultivate and handle relationships with industry professionals to support guest lectures, experiential learning, and career opportunities.
• Coordinate alumni engagement to enhance mentoring, networking, and job placement outcomes for students.
• Ensure alignment between program offerings and evolving trends within the sports business industry.

Outreach, Partnerships, and Promotion

• In alignment with Associate Director, partner with internal teams (Marketing, Admissions, Advancement, CEAS) to develop and complete recruitment and promotional strategies.
• Represent specialized programs at recruitment events, admissions programming, and external engagements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with corporate partners and industry collaborators to support program growth and student opportunities.
• Conduct benchmarking and research on peer institutions to ensure programs remain competitive and innovative.

Course Coordination and Experiential Learning

• Lead or co-facilitate curricular and co-curricular experiences, including first-year global experiences and seminar courses.
• Collaborate with faculty and external partners to design and deliver course content that integrates leadership, career readiness, and industry exposure.
• Coordinate speakers, experiential components, and logistics to ensure high-impact learning experiences.

Budget Management

• Lead operating budget for special programs, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet strategic priorities.
• Ensure efficient and responsible use of funds through thoughtful planning, forecasting, and cost-control measures.
• Find opportunities for efficiency and scalability to continually optimize financial stewardship.

What You Should Know

• The work hours for this position are Monday - Friday, 8am -5 pm.
• This position offers a hybrid work modality with 3 days in the office on the CU Boulder campus and 2 days of remote work per week.
• This position requires 5-10 evenings/weekend days per semester to support workshops.
• Occasional travel required (approximately 2-3 times per year, including international travel).

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this full-time position is $65,000-$70,000. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 3+ years of relevant professional experience, including program management, student engagement, or industry partnership development.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
• Experience liaising with corporate or industry partners.

What You Will Need

• Excellent writing and public speaking skills.
• Ability to build rapport quickly with a variety of collaborators.
• Advanced organizational skills.
• Ability to meet timelines in a goal-oriented environment.
• Experience developing and implementing programs to achieve desired metrics.
• Ability to understand budgets and operate within budget.
• Ability to influence and collaborate successfully with faculty, staff, and students.
• Appreciation of cultural, political, and geographical differences.
• Ability to create program goals that align to the vision and establish strategic goals that have been identified.
• Passion and confidence to develop and mentor students to optimize their potential and success.
• Promotes creating an inclusive environment to reflect our values and vision at Leeds.

What We Would Like You to Have

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience, including program management, student engagement, or industry partnership development.
• Experience leading or advising student organizations.
• Experience working in higher education or business school environments.
• Experience with budget management and forecasting.
• Familiarity with CRM and engagement tools (e.g., Salesforce, Qualtrics).
• Experience developing industry partnerships, particularly in sports or related industries.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials: A current resume. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position. We may request references at a later time. Please apply by July 13, 2026 for consideration. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs. In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.