What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Casa De Las Americas (Academic Center Director) position at CUNY?
Director of Casa De Las Americas (Academic Center Director)
POSITION DETAILS
Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York/CUNY. LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree and certificate programs, as well as dozens of workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 25,000 students. More than one-third of our degree-seeking students were born outside of the United States, coming to LaGuardia from 136 countries and speaking forty-three heritage languages. More than half are first-generation college students. Sixty-nine percent live in Queens; the rest live in Brooklyn and beyond. Approximately two-thirds of our degree students receive financial aid. Since forty-five percent of them identify as Hispanic, the US Department of Education has designated LaGuardia a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Please visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.
This position acts as the central point of contact for all La Casa-related activities and programming, partnering with internal departments, faculty, student leaders, and external organizations to create meaningful and mission-aligned experiences. The Director will manage day-to-day operations, including staffing, budgeting, grant compliance, and program delivery, while ensuring strong communication across campus stakeholders and external partners. In addition, the Director will oversee the Crear Futuros program, a mentorship and college success initiative sponsored by the Hispanic Federation, ensuring its alignment with La Casa’s mission and its successful implementation on campus.
The Director will also lead strategic planning efforts, develop and oversee event logistics, facilitate site coordination, and implement systems to assess the impact and sustainability of La Casa’s programming. By cultivating community partnerships and securing funding through grants and sponsorships, the Director will enhance La Casa's visibility and long-term success within the college and the broader community.
Other responsibilities of the Director include, but are not limited to, the following:
Develop and implement strategic plans in collaboration with the Executive Committee, Advisory Council, and key stakeholders.
Lead grant writing, sponsor solicitations, and government funding applications.
Expand fundraising efforts through grants, sponsorships, individual donors, and community partnerships.
Ensure compliance with grant agreements, financial reporting, and timely submission of invoices for awarded funds.
Prepare and manage La Casa’s annual budget in collaboration with the Grants Office and VP of Finance.
Lead the administrative, operational, and financial management of La Casa.
Supervise and coordinate the work of staff, committees, faculty, student ambassadors (Embajadores), colleagues (Colegxs de la Casa), and Crear Futuros Mentors.
Prepare and present La Casa’s annual report to the President’s Office and the Executive Committee and Advisory Council.
Prepare grant reports for Crear Futuros to the Hispanic Federation.
Develop and manage cultural, academic, and community-driven programs.
Establish and maintain relationships with faculty, departments, and external partners to enhance La Casa’s mission.
Develop and implement marketing strategies to enhance La Casa’s visibility within CUNY and the broader community.
Oversee educational workshops, exhibitions, and outreach initiatives focused on Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean heritage, social justice, and cultural enrichment.
Work with student interns and volunteers to promote mentorship and leadership development.
Oversee day-to-day operations, including event coordination, scheduling, and space utilization.
Ensure proper maintenance and security of La Casa’s facilities and resources.
Collaborate with other campus departments, such as Facilities, IT, Security, and Marketing, to support La Casa’s initiatives.
Maintain an updated portfolio of La Casa’s programs, initiatives, and success stories.
Represent La Casa at community events, conferences, and networking engagements to expand partnerships and outreach.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Staff or designee.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree and eight years' relevant experience required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of 6–8 years of experience in program management, nonprofit leadership, or academic administration.
Proven fundraising experience, including securing and managing large local/federal grants.
Strong background in budgeting, financial oversight, and compliance with funding requirements.
History of working with Latinx communities and advancing cultural initiatives.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) proficiency is strongly preferred.
Experience supervising staff, students, and volunteers, with strong mentorship and leadership skills.
Excellent communication, writing, and public speaking skills.
Experience in marketing, public relations, and community outreach.
Strong organizational, project management, and strategic planning skills.
Ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.
Ability to work under difficult schedules and pressure and produce accurate results and ability to remain flexible and adjust to situations as they occur.
Excellent interpersonal, analytical and oral/written communication skills essential.
Proficiency in computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW
Directs a specialized academic and/or research center.
Designs, implements and monitors curriculum for programs sponsored by the Center
Oversees the design and delivery of courses and workshops; assesses learning outcomes
Develops and manages Center's budget and operations
Implements ongoing faculty and/or student development activities
Plans, develops, and initiates strategies for generating resources and/or revenues
May seek and acquire grant funding to further advance Center initiatives
Manages professional and clerical staff
Performs related duties as assigned.
Job Title Name: Academic Center Director
CUNY TITLE
Higher Education Officer
FLSA
Exempt
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary commensurate with education and experience.
CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.
CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 6.09% with additional increases of 3.25% effective 9/1/2025 and 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement.
HOW TO APPLY
Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.
Candidates must attach a resume, cover letter, and three professional references (name, title, organization, and contact information).
CLOSING DATE
May 11th, 2025
JOB SEARCH CATEGORY
CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
Job ID
30141
Location
LaGuardia Community College
