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Program Manager for Experiential Service Learning

Requisition Number:

72046

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

University Staff

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

26-May-2026

Date Posted:

15-May-2026

Job Summary

The Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement office at the University of Colorado, Boulder is seeking applications for a Program Manager for Experiential Service Learning! This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Sko Serve, an alternative breaks program that advances critical service learning through high‑impact, student‑led volunteer travel experiences. The role also supports the design and delivery of year‑round experiential service‑learning programs that deepen student learning and community engagement.

This position is responsible for the coordinated planning, implementation, and evaluation of experiential service‑learning initiatives. Core responsibilities include student advising, supervision, and leadership development; program and curriculum development; community partnership cultivation; training design and facilitation; recruitment and retention of student leaders and participants; event and logistics coordination; risk management; assessment and reporting; and budget management.

The Program Manager demonstrates a sustained commitment to social justice and civic engagement. This position requires strong organizational and project‑management skills, a high level of attention to detail, effective mentorship and problem‑solving abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple initiatives across the year. This role also requires flexibility and availability to support student‑ and staff‑led experiences.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Division of Student Life consists of 36 departments that provide student support and services dedicated to helping students become successful, curious, competent individuals during their time at CU Boulder.

The Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement office builds partnerships between the CU Boulder campus community and Boulder. SLICE staff are dedicated to supporting the CU Boulder campus community to explore opportunities and understand sustainable ways in which to affect positive social change through service. They create programming and events for the campus community that encourage lifelong engagement in our communities. The Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement office organizes under a philosophy that believes education and reflection are essential components of service. This philosophy focuses on strengths and reciprocal relationships, commits to diversity and inclusion, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice issues.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Program Development

  • Lead the design, planning, and implementation of experiential service-learning programs that align with the organization's mission and goals.
  • Integrate theories of experiential learning, social justice, and community development into program design and implementation.
  • Coordinate site leader retreats including training plans, logistics, and event management.
  • Stay current on experiential service-learning program standard processes and implement data-driven continuous improvements.
  • Research social and environmental issues explored during the experiential service-learning trips to better facilitate campus and student learning.
  • Manage recruiting, selecting, and onboarding student leaders and participants, ensuring alignment with program values.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with community partners, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies to identify service opportunities and establish meaningful partnerships.
  • Collaborate with campus departments, student organizations, and alumni networks to engage partners in program planning and implementation.
  • Mediate partnership agreements to formalize collaborations and shared goals.
  • Develop assessment tools and metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of experiential service-learning programs.
  • Collect data and feedback from participants, staff, and community partners to inform programmatic decisions and strategic foresight.
  • Analyze program outcomes and disseminate findings through reports, presentations, and publications.

Curriculum Design and Facilitation

  • Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for student leaders, trip advisors, and other staff involved in experiential service-learning programs.
  • Design workshops, seminars, and retreats with a service-learning pedagogy focusing on ethical engagement, leadership development, cultural competency, and risk management.
  • Integrate diversity, social justice, civic engagement, social responsibility, and critical service learning into all training curricula.
  • Create resources and materials to support orientation, pre-departure meetings, in-service training, and reorientation activities.

Student Development and Supervision

  • Provide supervision, training, and support to student employees, student site leaders, trip advisors, and other staff members involved in experiential service-learning programs.
  • Coach student leaders in facilitating reflective discussions and experiential activities to help participants integrate their service experiences with academic and personal growth goals.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to promote professional growth and development.

Logistics and Fiscal Oversight

  • Manage all logistical aspects of experiential service-learning programs, including transportation, lodging, meals, and scheduling.
  • Coordinate with vendors, travel agencies, and service providers to secure accommodation and resources.
  • Develop risk management protocols and emergency response plans, ensuring all safety protocols are in place during program activities.
  • Manage the budget for experiential service-learning programs, including forecasting expenses, preparing and reviewing budgets, allocating funds, and tracking expenditures.
  • Work closely with the finance team to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
  • Identify potential sources of funding and assist with grant writing and fundraising efforts to support program sustainability and expansion.
  • Align financial decisions with access and sustainability in mind.
  • Assist student and staff partners with budget-related protocols related to service-learning trips, including site leader expenditures, payments to service sites, housing, equipment, food, venue costs, and other related program expenses.
  • Manage the experiential service-learning scholarship application and distribution process.
  • In collaboration with the SLICE leadership team, develop and implement strategies to raise funds for experiential service-learning programs.

What You Should Know

  • Student leader and participant meetings, training, and programming may take place in the evening.
  • Between 4-8 events and retreats a year require staff presence and occur on a weekend or require late night attendance.

What We Can Offer

  • The annual salary range for this position is $62,400 - $65,520.
  • Onboarding assistance is available within Student Life division guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be collaborative. Be inclusive. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
  • Minimum of 4 years of professional, job-related experience including:
    • Training design and facilitation, budget management, partnership development, program evaluation, and student leader mentorship.
    • Participating, leading, planning or managing a program for service-learning travel experiences.

What You Will Need

  • Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in the delivery of student and community engagement programs and related curricular and co-curricular programming in a higher education environment.
  • Experience delivering student leadership training.
  • Previous advising work experience in a collegiate setting with student-centered programs and services.
  • Dedication to social justice, community engagement, and experiential learning principles.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness using Microsoft Windows Office Suite and Google Suite.
  • Experience and comfort with digital and technology tools, including Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, data analytics tools, and volunteer management software (GivePulse is a plus).
  • Demonstrated experience building partnerships within and across groups and organizations.
  • Capacity to manage and prevent risk.
  • Excellent ability to organize and accomplish multiple tasks autonomously and efficiently.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and exercise ethical decision-making on relevant issues.
  • Ability to work in a team-based setting.
  • Excellent communication skills including strong writing, facilitation, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse collaborators.

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Master's degree in higher education administration, student affairs, social work, or related field.
  • Professional experience managing a program for service learning travel experiences in a higher education setting.
  • Experience in social justice education and facilitation.
  • Demonstrated dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Experience supervising student employees and advising professionals.
  • Demonstrated professional risk management experience.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

  1. A current resume.
  2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by May 26, 2026, for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.


In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu