Associate Director, Summer Programs

The Associate Director of Summer Programs provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for several of the University of Arizona's summer transition initiatives. Some of these include New Start and Wildcat LEAP, which support incoming students in their academic, social, and personal transition to the university. These types of programs play a central role in advancing the institution's commitment to Success for Every Student by creating pathways to connection, coursework, and essential campus resources.

Housed within the Division of Enrollment Management and in collaboration with the Student Transitions and Customer Service team, the Associate Director ensures high-quality program strategy and delivery, oversees seasonal and permanent staff, partners closely with academic and administrative colleagues, and manages the year-round operational cycles required to run impactful summer bridge and transition experiences.

Enrollment Management enrolls and supports students throughout their Wildcat experience. Our division's mission is to ensure our high-potential students succeed at Arizona and beyond.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here

Strategic Leadership, Vision, Program Direction, Program Oversight & Delivery

• Develops and implements strategic leadership and day-to-day management for programs like New Start, Wildcat LEAP, and/or other complimentary initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, funding priorities, and student success outcomes.
• Supports additional departmental programs and initiatives and helps to envision strategy for summer transition programs at-large, including collaborating with colleagues on new efforts as appropriate to support strategic goals.
• Represents Enrollment Management on committees and working groups related to summer operations, first-year initiatives, and student success.
• Collaborates with campus partners and academic departments to ensure integrated and streamlined support for all program participants along with gaining cooperation on program policies.
• Oversees New Start's academic, co-curricular, social, and interactive programming, including coordination of related courses, partnerships with academic departments, instructor support, and development of co-curricular workshops, community-building activities, and engagement experiences that support first-year success.
• Oversees Wildcat LEAP's early engagement model, including workshops, coaching, peer support, and targeted programming that helps new Wildcats strengthen academic placement and build early connections to the university.
• Communicates leadership direction and leads the strategy, planning, and execution of program operations for New Start, Wildcat LEAP, and/or other related programs, including outcomes, facilities, student services, orientation touchpoints, academic support, and co-curricular programming.
• Develops and manages communication strategies for students and families, including application timelines, onboarding materials, and pre-arrival engagement.

People Leadership, Operations, and Financial Stewardship

• Manages recruitment, hiring, training, scheduling, and performance supervision of full-time staff, peer leaders, and seasonal summer teams, in partnership with team and colleagues.
• Oversees program budgets, fee structures, financial forecasting, and reconciliation; ensures responsible stewardship of institutional, auxiliary, and external funding sources.

Assessment, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement

• Designs and implements assessment plans to evaluate participation, success metrics, persistence indicators, and program effectiveness; uses findings to inform continuous improvement.
• Ensures compliance with university policies, risk management protocols, safety standards, and regulatory guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of first-year transition models, student development, and evidence-based support practices and commitment to student success.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory expertise managing complex, high-volume programs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, academic departments, and cross-campus partners.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, faculty, and colleagues.
• Ability to manage budgets, allocate resources, and oversee seasonal staffing and operational planning.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or related field.
• Experience leading or supporting summer bridge, first-year transition, or early-start academic programs.
• Experience working with course coordination and academic department partnerships.
• Demonstrated success supporting first-generation, Pell-eligible, or conditionally admitted student populations.
• Experience with assessment, program evaluation, or data-informed decision-making.
• Experience designing and delivering large-scale student programs that meet supporting participant needs.