Job Title

Director, Colonias Program

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

VP & COO - McAllen

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

McAllen, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

What We Want

We are seeking a visionary and collaborative leader who is passionate about advancing opportunities and improving quality of life for residents in Colonias and other underserved communities. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in program leadership, community engagement, strategic planning, and partnership development, along with a demonstrated commitment to addressing complex social, educational, health, and economic challenges. This individual will excel at building relationships across academic, governmental, nonprofit, and community sectors; securing resources and funding; and leading multidisciplinary initiatives that create meaningful, measurable impact. Preferred candidates will have a strong understanding of U.S.-Mexico border communities and Colonias, experience developing evidence-based programs, and the ability to inspire teams, foster innovation, and advance experiential learning opportunities that support both community outcomes and student success. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is highly valued.

PLEASE NOTE: This job posting will close on 7/21/2026. If you are interested in this role, please submit your application materials as soon as possible.

What You Need To Know

Salary: Commensurate (based on selected hire’s qualifications).

Cover Letter & Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Other Requirements and Factors: This position may be required to work weekends, holidays, or after normal working hours. 

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Ten years experience in administration and management.

• Five years experience in quality-of-life program development and outreach activities (within the ten years of experience).

A Well-Qualified Candidate Will Also Possess:

• Master's degree, or other relevant advanced degree from an accredited institution.

• 6 years in responsible administrative position with grants.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

• Demonstrated experience implementing academic-based programs that improve the quality of life of Colonia residents.

• Fifteen or more years of experience in public interest advocacy, community-based program leadership, or managing community-focused service frameworks.

• Demonstrated experience directing or developing academic health-justice alliances, health-system partnerships, or healthcare-adjacent community outreach programs.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

• Fluency in Spanish Licenses, Certifications and Registrations.

• Knowledge of U.S.-Mexico border dynamics, bicultural communities, and issues affecting Colonias and underserved populations.

• Extensive experience navigating the unique policy, regulatory, and community challenges confronting Texas Colonia residents, with a proven track record of advancing collaborative advocacy.

• Knowledge of community engagement principles and culturally responsive leadership practices.

• Ability to build partnerships across academic, governmental, nonprofit, and community sectors.

• Ability to develop and evaluate programs using evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making.

• Knowledge of grant development, fundraising, and external relations.

Opportunities to Contribute

• Strategic Leadership and Direction - Establishes the direction, goals, agendas, implementation strategies, and policies of the Colonias program with input from faculty, staff, College Administration, and University Administrators. Develops short- and long-range goals and strategic plans to ensure the continuance of quality programs, services, research initiatives, and outreach activities that improve the quality of life of residents in Colonias and other underserved communities. Develops, implements, and evaluates academic-based programs that improve quality of life outcomes for residents of Colonias and other underserved communities. Enhances the development of new programs and services to meet community and stakeholder needs. Oversees the leadership team, including regional associate directors and program staff. Establishes and maintains collaborations with faculty, academic units, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, community partners, and other institutions of higher education to expand Colonias Program initiatives and interdisciplinary engagement opportunities. Develops multidisciplinary experiential learning opportunities by coordinating field placements, clinical rotations, practica, internships, and service-learning opportunities within colonias communities for students across the University. Serves on various University, division, and departmental committees and represents the Colonias Program at various state and national associations.

• Departmental Oversight and Management - Directs and supervises regional associate directors and program staff, including performance management, annual evaluations, and accountability measures. Ensures that programs, activities, grants, contracts, and services comply with University, State, Federal, and sponsor regulations. Assesses departmental needs regarding personnel, administrative support, equipment, technology, and operational resources. Plans and advances technology and infrastructure improvements, including online resource platforms, data tools, and community access points that strengthen Colonias Program service delivery. Administers the budget and oversees fiscal operations of the program. Coordinates with the Office of Sponsored Research Services, business offices, governmental entities, and granting authorities regarding financial reporting, compliance, and fiscal responsibility.

• Community Engagement, Outreach, and Leadership Development - Represents the Colonias Program with university, local, state, and federal stakeholders, including public agencies, community organizations, industry partners, elected officials, and the public. Communicates program accomplishments, identifies community priorities, and supports funding and sustainability efforts. Leads outreach and engagement initiatives across Colonias regions in collaboration with regional associate directors to address community needs and strengthen regional impact. Coordinates with university colleges, departments, regional campuses, and community partners to align expertise, resources, experiential learning, and community-based engagement opportunities with Colonias community priorities. Develops and sustains partnerships that support interdisciplinary collaboration, applied engagement, and student learning opportunities within Colonias communities, including oversight of the Faculty Fellows Program and graduate incubator initiatives. Develops and implements student recruitment, retention, mentoring, leadership development, and pathway initiatives that support students from Colonias communities and strengthen access to Texas A&M University. Plans and facilitates leadership development programs, retreats, and training opportunities for regional associate directors, university personnel, community stakeholders, and partner organizations. Serves as a nonpartisan educational resource by providing research-based information and expertise on Colonias communities and related policy issues in accordance with university policies and applicable regulations. Promotes culturally responsive engagement and fosters relationships grounded in an understanding of U.S.-Mexico border dynamics, bicultural communities, and the unique characteristics of Colonias communities. Builds and maintains cross-sector partnerships among educational institutions, professional associations, healthcare systems, public agencies, judicial and public-service entities, and community organizations to advance coordinated regional solutions.

  Coordinates recruiting visits and related outreach activities in collaboration with academic departments and the Associate Dean responsible for Career Horizons.

• Program Development and Funding - Develops and seeks funding for program initiatives to promote the mission of the Colonias Program. Manages the solicitation and delivery of research, service, grant, and contract opportunities. Identifies grant programs and funding opportunities and coordinates proposal development efforts with faculty, staff, grant writers, and community partners. Collaborates with the Texas A&M Foundation and other development partners to identify and pursue private philanthropy, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and endowment opportunities to establish sustainable and diversified funding streams. Oversees communications, promotions, and public relations activities for the Colonias Program. Develops and collaborates with access to services and justice initiatives, governmental agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, and other strategic partners to expand resources, services, and opportunities in underserved regions. Allocates and prioritizes resources to support research, service, and outreach projects within the Colonias Program. Guides regional associate directors in identifying grant opportunities and funding resources that benefit residents of Colonias communities.

• Departmental Operations and Compliance - Monitors compliance with University, State, and Federal regulations across program initiatives, grants, and services. Develops and implements evidence-based evaluation models and data collection frameworks to assess the efficacy, effectiveness, and impact of program initiatives. Utilizes research findings, outcome measures, and community data to guide program development and continuous improvement efforts. Coordinates resource navigation, referral frameworks, and community-facing information systems that connect residents with available educational, health, social service, and civic resources. Coordinates reporting activities and ensures accountability to stakeholders, funding agencies, and University leadership.