Senior Director of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long‑term disability; an employee assistance program; tuition remission; and generous time off. Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity, the Senior Director of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides dynamic leadership, management, and supervision for HEOP across the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses. This pivotal role ensures the HEOP program adheres strictly to all academic, financial, and reporting guidelines set by both the New York State Education Department and Fordham University. The Director collaborates closely with university partners to provide HEOP students with transformative educational support and a strong foundation for collegiate success across the campuses. This position advances the University’s mission by amplifying and promoting Opportunity Programs while supporting the goals of the Strategic Plan and Mission Priority Examen. The position requires on‑site presence, regular travel between campuses, and may involve evening and weekend hours.

Essential Functions

• Oversee daily operations of HEOP at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center, providing supervision and professional development for program staff.
• Coordinate the design, delivery, and assessment of academic and student support services, ensuring compliance with program guidelines.
• Evaluate program outcomes and inform decision‑making.
• Manage program budgets and grants, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Contribute to the development of policies and practices that promote access and equity, and ensure alignment with the university’s broader equity and inclusion efforts.
• Develop and support external partnerships and alumni engagement that enhance HEOP’s visibility and sustainability.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity (OEIO) – CSTEP, STEP, Talent Search, and other initiatives – to build coordinated opportunity pipelines and services.
• Partner with OEIO leadership to strengthen cross‑campus collaboration, resource sharing, and program alignment in support of student success.
• Serve as a representative of OEIO and HEOP on university‑wide committees, build strong relationships with faculty, administrators, and external stakeholders to advance institutional priorities, and contribute to strategic planning processes, accreditation efforts, and campus‑wide equity initiatives.

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership and contributes to higher‑level direction. Typically oversees managers via direct and indirect reports. Responsible for hiring, developing leaders, managing performance, corrective action, and compensation decisions.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated success in managing state or federally funded higher education opportunity programs.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of equity, inclusion, and access issues in higher education.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to work across multiple constituencies.
• Strong data analysis, assessment, and budget management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in education, leadership, or a related discipline.
• Experience with Jesuit or mission‑driven institutions.
• Demonstrated record of fostering cross‑campus or cross‑institutional collaborations.

Compensation

Minimum Starting Salary: $160,000 Maximum Starting Salary: $175,000 Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

Opportunities Union Position: No

Physical Activity and Work Environment

• Sitting – Often
• Repetitive hand motion (such as typing) – Often
• Hearing, listening, talking – Often
• Standing – Seldom
• Walking – Not required
• Running – Not required
• Bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, crouching, crawling – Seldom
• Climbing stairs – Not required
• Climbing ladders – Seldom
• Reaching overhead – Not required
• Pulling, pushing – Not required
• Shoveling – Not required
• Lifting – up to 20 pounds – Seldom
• Lifting – up to 50 pounds – Not required
• Lifting – over 50 pounds – Not required

Work environment: Office environment; protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes.

EEO Statement

Fordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.