Director of Programs, ConTex

Director of Programs, ConTex

Location: San Antonio, TX
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 13110
Full/Part Time: Full Time

Org Marketing Statement

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution specializing in cybersecurity, health, fundamental futures, and social-economic transformation. With more than 35,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service, and with an intentional focus on career readiness the university produces more graduates for the workforce than any other institution in the region. It is a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property — for Texas, the nation and the world. UTSA has been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UTSA Today or on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

In 2024, the UT System Board of Regents authorized UT System to begin integrating UTSA and UT Health San Antonio into one unified institution, establishing a world-class university that integrates academic, research, and clinical excellence to build a profoundly impactful university of the future. Driven by a vision for growth and impact, this merger will expand capacity to offer robust undergraduate and graduate programs, attract top-tier faculty and staff, develop innovative initiatives, and elevate transdisciplinary research to address the evolving needs of the region.

Posting End Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 02/09/2025. At the discretion of the hiring department, this position posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Salary Range: Commensurate with education, experience and qualifications.

Hours: up to 40 hours per week, exempt.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume and cover letter are required.
• Writing sample in English and Spanish submitted at the time of application.

Essential Functions

Job Summary

As the Director of the Programs, position is responsible for the broad oversight of ConTex academic and research programs. Academic program responsibilities include oversight of the recruitment and selection process for program participants in graduate student programs, exchange of researchers, and non-degree student training; and the development and alignment of resources to provide academic, research, and logistical support to ensure success for program participants. Research program responsibilities include the dissemination, evaluation, and selection activities. Other responsibilities include coordinating selection committees, monitoring and reporting on ConTex program deliverables, and ConTex program marketing.

ConTex is an initiative established by the University of Texas System to support a program of cooperation with Mexico's Secretary of Science Humanities, Technology and Innovation (Secihti, formerly Conahcyt). ConTex supports binational academic and research activities in graduate education, postdoctoral and faculty exchanges, mobility of non-degree graduate students, and collaborative research projects. The UTSA Office of the President will be responsible for overseeing ConTex program and office.

Core Responsibilities

Graduate Student Fellowships/Exchange of Researchers/Non-Degree Student Training

1. Directs and oversees the implementation and evaluation of international cost sharing agreements in support of graduate education of students at UT System institutions, and post-doctoral and faculty fellows, non-degree student training, and research activities between Mexico and UT System higher education institutions.
2. Develops detailed annual program plans, including recruitment strategies and development of specific program goals within the guidelines of the ConTex mission.
3. Collaborates with UT System institutions, graduate deans, and program coordinators to facilitate a streamlined, intuitive and accessible recruitment and application process for program participants and potential applicants.
4. Designs, coordinates, and oversees recruitment and selection of high caliber graduate students and postdoctoral researchers between Mexico and UT System institutions. Oversees development, selection, and participation criteria. Ensures that established policies are followed. Provides recommendations for exceptional enrollments and researchers.
5. Provides academic and professional advice and guidance to graduate students and researchers. Facilitates coordination with academic department heads and UT System Institutions to deliver robust and responsive academic services and research support for program participants and potential applicants. Collaborates with UT System institutions and university administrators to enhance academic success of program participants, research success of postdoctoral fellows, and an enhanced experience for visiting faculty.
6. Oversees the development and deliverance of tools and systems for recruitment, program evaluation and reporting on the performance of ConTex graduate, postdoctoral research, and non-degree student programs, and the benefits and outcomes of faculty exchanges.
7. Directs and oversees development and rollout of promotional and marketing programs to market ConTex program participation for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty mobility, and non-degree student training.

Grant and Other Research Programs

1. Directs competitive grant programs, including special grant projects on focused topics.
2. Oversees and directs the design and implementation of grant evaluation criteria and processes. Directs the monitoring, tracking and reporting on approved projects.
3. Coordinates the identification, establishment, and development of goals and priorities for research programs commissioned by ConTex. Oversees development of annual research plans.
4. Provides advice and guidance to potential graduate students, researchers and visiting faculty regarding their potential participation in ConTex grants and research projects.
5. Ensures that established ConTex, UT System, and International policies regarding selection criteria and research guidelines are followed.
6. Establishes promotional/marketing strategies to encourage and advocate grants and research projects between Mexican and UT System institutions, facilitating collaborations between students, postdoctoral researchers and scholars between Mexico and the UT System institutions for ConTex commissioned research.
7. Oversees ongoing analyses and reporting of program activities to all concerned higher education institutions, and government agencies in Mexico and UT System institutions.

Development

1. Markets ConTex research programs and opportunities to a wide range of potential funding sources.
2. Participates in the planning and production of conferences, symposiums and public educational events in collaboration with the Director of Operations.

Committees

1. Develops and manages credible application and peer review processes, eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria; and in collaboration with the Director of Operations, terms and conditions of awards and presents to committee members.
2. Serves as an ex-officio member and facilitator of evaluations committees and ConTex advisory committee.
3. Presents results of review processes and makes recommendations to the Executive Director for the allocation of funds to projects.
4. When specifically requested, the Director of Programs acts on behalf of the ConTex Executive Director on the development of academic institutional partnership, agreements and linkages between educational and research institutions and governmental offices in Mexico, and with any of the UT Systems institutions.
5. Supports the Director of Operations on preparing budgets and participates in negotiations for cost-sharing supports for programs participants in all academic and research programs.
6. Ensures the production of quality writing and provides editing for all publications generated by ConTex.
7. Edits, provides materials and advisement for items posted on the ConTex website.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Seven years of progressively responsible supervisory, administrative and academic management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD from an accredited institution.
• Ten years of similar experience.
• Experience in Higher Education and International Education.
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• An in depth understanding of graduate level education and research programs at higher education institutions in both Mexico and the United States.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in data analysis and report writing.
• Demonstrated experience with, and the ability to work effectively with others in designing, analyzing, and modifying, implementing, and evaluating academic and research programs.
• A working understanding of academic, research, and education functions, and the operation principles of a major research university environment.
• Language and cultural proficiency to communicate in both English and Spanish at a professional academic and administrative level.
• Knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office Software Suite, various accounting software, and standard office equipment.

Additional Information

• UTSA is a tobacco free campus.
• This is a security sensitive position. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.
• Valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as applicable.

Working Conditions

• Professional office/academic environment.
• Some travel (including international) is required.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary: Up to 10lbs - Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

This position will require working both remotely in Texas and on campus (approximately five or more days on campus per month). Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility. Applicants must be adaptable and open to working in both environments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. UTSA campuses are accessible to persons with disabilities.


To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to https://zahr-prd-candidate-ada.utshare.utsystem.edu/psp/ZAHRPRDADA/EMPLOYEE/UTZ_CG/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=13110&PostingSeq=1


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