Director of Public Sector Internships

Job description

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY). The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries. We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY. Primary Location: OFFICE OF SR. UNIV DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Bargaining Unit: No Description The City University of New York (CUNY) is the nation’s largest urban public university and serves 235,000 degree- seeking students and 150,000 non-degree students across 25 campuses. 77% are students of color. CUNY's core mandate is to provide a high-quality, affordable education to all New Yorkers. Guided by CUNY’s seven-year strategic plan, CUNY Lifting NY, to achieve this mission, it is imperative that CUNY students have access to high quality work‐based learning experiences that allow them to gain and demonstrate skills, experience real‐world applications, and directly launch their careers. The CUNY Office of Careers & Industry Partnerships (OCIP) reports to the Chancellor and the University Provost and is responsible for mobilizing the university’s unparalleled scale, assets, and diverse talent to fuel inclusive economic prosperity and is dedicated to the mission of connecting academic pursuits with career competitiveness. OCIP works closely with industry to understand the skills required for the most in-demand jobs and trains City University of New York (CUNY) students in those skills to prepare them for early and sustained career success. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Office of Career and Internship Programs seeks a collaborative and results-driven professional to lead and expand CUNY’s public sector internship initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Director of Career Development and Internships, the Director will lead the development and growth of university-wide internship programs in partnership with New York City and State agencies. This role will focus on scaling employer partnerships, expanding paid internship opportunities for CUNY students, and strengthening pathways to public sector careers. The Director will work closely with campuses, government partners, and other stakeholders to align programs with workforce needs and increase access to high-quality, career-connected learning experiences. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Program Development • Lead the design, expansion, and evaluation of innovative paid work-based learning initiatives aligned with institutional priorities, labor market trends, employer workforce needs, and student success goals. • Establish program goals, performance metrics, operational standards, and annual work plans to measure program effectiveness and ensure continuous improvement. • Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and professional development to program managers and staff, establishing performance expectations, monitoring progress toward departmental goals, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered work environment. • Develop, cultivate, and sustain strategic partnerships with government agencies, employers, academic departments, career services, faculty, campus leadership, and university administrators to integrate internships and experiential learning into academic pathways and increase student participation. • Increase the number of employer partners through new partnerships and funding opportunities that support program growth and sustainability. Program Operations, Administration, and Performance Management • Direct the day-to-day administration of multiple internship and experiential learning programs, ensuring effective program delivery, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and high-quality student experiences. • Create and manage program budgets, fiscal planning, contracts, and financial reporting, coordinating with university and external fiscal partners to ensure compliance, and adherence to grant and funding agency requirements. • Lead the collection, analysis, and develop reporting of program data to evaluate performance, measure student and employer outcomes, assess return on investment, and identify opportunities for operational and programmatic improvement. • Represent senior leadership in internal and external meetings as assigned, providing leadership continuity and strategic support during leadership absences. • Perform other related duties and special projects as needed. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications • Minimum five (5) years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role • Ability to think strategically, problem-solve, and develop programs and plans to achieve organizational goals • Cultural competency and commitment to promoting opportunity and equity in higher education and conducting workshops, webinars, and other career readiness activities and events for students. • Proactive, diplomatic and collaborative work style with strong supervisory, interpersonal communication, group facilitation, relationship building and presentation skills to work effectively with stakeholders. • Dependable with effective organizational, time management and priority setting skills to manage multiple assignments and projects and meet deadlines • Demonstrated computer skills and experience with standard desktop tools (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Zoom) • Ability to travel to multiple sites throughout NYC • Bachelor's degree required Preferred Qualifications • Familiarity with CUNY, RF CUNY, CRM platforms, or student recruitment platforms (e.g, AirTable and Handshake) • Knowledge of career development education policy issues, especially those related to college & career readiness and a deep understanding of access and equity issues •Work Environment and Physical Requirements • This position is based in a professional office environment and follows a hybrid work schedule: 70% in-person (7 days) and 30% remote (3 days) during each two-week payroll cycle. • Laptops and other equipment will be provided to support working remotely. • While performing these duties, the employee may be required to: o Sit for extended periods o Use a computer and other office equipment o Occasionally lift or move items up to 20 pounds • Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals with disabilities or other needs in accordance with RFCUNY policies and applicable laws. • Ability to travel to multiple sites throughout NYC. EEO We are committed to enhancing our diverse academic community by actively encouraging people of any race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, or protected veteran status to apply. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion. CUNY is an EEO/AA Employer. Pay Range: $115,000 - $120,000 RFCUNY Benefits RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.