Senior Program Officer, TCU Computer Science Programs
Position Description
The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) strives to positively impact the lives of American Indians by supporting their higher education and career objectives. College Fund team members believe education is the answer and collectively we raise funds, provide scholarships, and holistically support students in achieving their goals. Programming, research, and enhancing the capacities of tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) are also integral elements of our mission.
Note: The fields of CS and AI are both broad and interconnected, and TCUs in this program are supported to build capacity in both areas. However, many foundational concepts of AI are built from an understanding of traditional CS topics and principles. For this reason, and for the sake of simplicity, references to the Computer Science Program will be stated as computer science or “CS” though it supports capacity building in both CS and AI.
The priority of the College Fund Computer Science Program is to facilitate the development and capacity of TCUs with new or improved CS learning opportunities. And as a result, seeks to increase both the number of community-based ICS Computer Science academic programs and the number of Native students and community members with Computer science and knowledge. Programming under this initiative primarily empowers TCUs to build capacity through the development of computer science courses through certificate and degree programs, through hiring and professional development of computer science instructors, and through support of TCU-identified areas that help create a computer science culture. The development of programs includes fostering innovative, community centered approaches to integrating, enhancing, and developing computer programming, architecture, and curriculum and by providing direct support to computer science students to participate in internships, apprenticeships and classroom learning programs. Further, the initiative seeks to increase the integration of computer science and knowledge and education throughout TCUs various academic programs, ensure delivery of introductory computer science courses throughout the TCU system, and encourage participation in computer science education through outreach to students of all ages.
The Senior Program Officer of TCU Computer Science provides expertise in program design and development, faculty development, and creation of services that support student pathways into computer science education. The Senior Program Officer is responsible for the successful implementation of all aspects of the TCU Computer Science program and the implementation with TCU and other external partners. They manage the Computer Science Initiative, the consortium of TCUs with funding under the TCU Computer Science Program, who are actively building and/or adapting their computer science academic programs.
The Senior Program Officer supervises the Computer Science Specialist position and related consultants. This position will work directly with TCU administration, staff, faculty, students, and other external constituents such as donors and contractors, and fellow College Fund employees.
Engagement in strategic growth and expansion of the College Fund Computer Science Program is an expectation for this position, therefore, visioning, planning and implementation of new grant programming is a critical area of focus for the Senior Program Officer. The Senior Program Officer serves as a mentor to the Programs team members and supports the team in alignment with the College Fund’s strategic and annual plans. Close collaboration and proactive communication with other members of the Programs, Research and Evaluation, Student Success Services, and Resource Development departments are essential for overall program success. Evolution and refinement of the Computer Science Program through Programs team alignment and broader organizational focus is imperative to success.
Job Objectives and Responsibilities
- Designs, innovates, grows, and leads the overall TCU Computer Science Program
- Develops program plans and monitoring systems, including process for selecting TCUs to participate in program based on TCU readiness, faculty, and other resources.
- Collaborates with TCUs on program implementation through co-visioning, planning, implementation of re-granting program, evaluation, and replication/expansion.
- Creates formal and informal relationships with industry, education organizations, and computer science associations.
- Provides financial oversight according to the approved grant budget.
- Fosters widespread awareness and effective collaboration of computer science among TCUs to share best practices through a community of practice.
- Monitors grantee progress towards grant objectives and provides support and guidance, and problem solves as needed to ensure objectives are met.
- Coordinates retreats/gatherings/convenings and site visits
- Coordinates and manages consultants and contractors, as needed.
- Ensures communication and reporting to donors are appropriate and timely.
- Participates in program development processes that highlight emergent outcomes, practices, and program models at TCUs.
- Supports program evaluation by aiding the development of indigenous evaluation metrics and methodologies for showing progress and defining overall success of the program.
- Provides reporting on program activities and impact.
- Manages and develop a direct report.
- Fosters relationships with foundations, corporations, and private donors interested in funding the TCU Computer Science Program by writing case statements and grant proposals that match tribal college community needs with donor interest.
- Facilitation of an advisory process whereby industry and education partners have the opportunity to support TCUs program development and student experiences.
- Uses the advisory process with industry and education partners to rebrand the TCU Computer Science Program to explicitly incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and clearly communicate AI alongside CS as pillars of this program and its funding opportunities.
- Works to contribute to College Fund Strategic Goals and Objectives
- Collaborate with other teams within the College Fund to accomplish organizational goals.
- Actively participates in department level and organizational strategic and annual planning.
- Engages in Programs and College Fund discussions related to program impact and provides summarized/analyzed project information.
- Supports sharing of successful programming between the College Fund and the TCUs and among the TCUs themselves
- Creates and gather monthly and quarterly summaries of the TCU Computer Sciences program for reporting to Board and senior leadership.
- Disseminates information about program activity for internal accountability, fundraising, and public education purposes.
- Presents College Fund programming and outcomes at conferences and other venues.
- Creates and gathers monthly summaries of sponsored programs for reporting to Board and senior leadership.
- Shares student stories and program successes to support the College Fund’s general awareness and fundraising efforts.
- Supports related programming managed by the Programs Team when needed.
- Extensive travel (plane and car) is expected for conducting successful TCU grant implementation, site visits, and selected conferences.
- Administers other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
Competencies
- Demonstrated initiative and creativity in program development and program management Self-directed, and seeks to develop new innovations in programming
- Ability to manage a program in an organized way while also maintaining flexibility with multiple partners at various stages and capacity for implementation
- Experience in communicating program highlights and success to broad audiences via multiple media streams
- Ability to develop and enhance relationships with Native-led and other organizations that are focused on building CS/AI capacity in Native communities in the K-12 space
- Strong and proactive communicator comfortable in developing relationships with new people by listening and learning
- Strong financial management of programs
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work to meet project, department, and organizational timelines
- Ability to contribute to department strategic and annual planning
- Strong desire to engage in professional development to increase program, leadership and research skills
- Flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within and across departments as well as with external partners
- Willingness to travel extensively during certain periods and to remote locations
- Proficient IT skills particularly with databases and Microsoft Office products
Education/Experience/Certification Requirements
- Master’s or higher degree or work equivalent in STEM field, with relevant technical coursework in computer science and artificial intelligence. Significant experience in program design, implementation, and supporting virtual communities of practice.
- Extensive experience working with AI/AN communities focused on students in high school and/or college.
- Experience in curriculum development and program evaluation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical Program Management
- Experience with program leadership and design.
- Experience managing programs in person and virtually with rural Native communities.
- Experience working with TCUs at the faculty or administrative level.
- Knowledge of Indigenous frameworks and pedagogies.
Work Environment and Physical Activities
- Professional office environment
- Frequent computer use
- Frequent travel by car and plane to tribal colleges and universities located in rural communities, up to 40% of the time
- Lifting from 20-30 pounds
Note: The intent is not to provide an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with this position. Incumbent may perform other duties as assigned.
American Indian College Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employee
