Program Manager I, Student Life
About
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (cdrewu.edu) is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in response to the Watts uprising. The university was established to address inadequate medical care in the region and to provide equitable medical education opportunities for underrepresented students. CDU is deeply invested in the local and regional community, leading multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in various South Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Summary
The Student Life Program Manager leads programs, services, and initiatives that support student engagement, well-being, and community development while overseeing the operational systems that keep student-life functions running smoothly. This role combines program leadership, staff supervision, facilities coordination, and administrative operations to ensure a high-quality student experience.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and evaluate student life programs, events, and initiatives that promote belonging, leadership, and holistic development.
Assist Student Engagement Coordinator with advising student organizations, clubs, and student leaders; ensure compliance with institutional policies.
Cook up new student orientation, support services, welcome events, engagement activities, and act as the main point of contact for student issues.
Support student well-being through proactive outreach and connection to campus resources.
Provide guidance to student organizations and create initiatives to improve student satisfaction and retention.
Oversee day-to-day operations of the Student Life office, including scheduling, communications, and workflow management.
Manage operational processes such as event approvals, space reservations, risk management, and student organization documentation.
Maintain accurate records, databases, and reporting systems for student involvement and program outcomes.
Monitor student-facing spaces (student lounge and pantry) to ensure they are safe, functional, and welcoming.
Supervise student staff, interns, and student ambassadors; provide training, coaching, and performance feedback.
Collaborate with academic departments, student services, and campus partners to strengthen the student experience.
Participate in committees, working groups, and strategic planning efforts.
Oversee purchasing, reimbursements, and financial tracking for student organizations.
Identify opportunities for resource optimization and cost-effective programming.
Prepare and process disbursements and related requests, including eRequester transactions.
Education
Licenses/Certifications (if applicable): Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience/Skills: At least 3 years of experience coordinating educational programs and activities in a higher education institution, supporting leaders, executives, or managers. One (1) year as an Executive Secretary preferred. Experience in the coordination of staff and students, including experience working in conjunction with HR. Also strongly prefer experience working with diverse partners and cultural sensitivity. Experience with interpreting operating policies and procedures and resolving minor discipline and other employee relations issues within an academic setting or institution.
Knowledge/Ability/Skills
Must be able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and have strong time management skills.
Must have strong organizational skills, be detail-oriented, and can work collaboratively on administrative, and community-partnered teams.
Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships in complex program/organizational settings involving heterogeneous constituents such as academic and clinical faculty, staff, students, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Prefer basic/working knowledge of the Spanish language.
Proficient in Microsoft Applications, including but not limited to Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Ability to apply a high degree of judgment, description, and initiative in coordinating activities/student events.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and computer skills are required.
Initiative to seek alternative approaches to solutions.
Compensation
$73,734 – $80,000 annual
Position Status
Full-Time, Exempt
Complexity
The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.
Physical Demands
Occasional stooping.
Frequent standing.
Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.
Mental Demands
Frequent variety of unrelated tasks.
Constant calculating, interrupted work, a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.
Special Requirements
Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
As a health professions institution of higher education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science seeks to protect the health and safety of the University community. As a condition of enrollment and employment, students, faculty, and staff must comply with the current CDU COVID-19 requirements as described on the CDU COVID-19 webpage. Please visit the CDU Return to Campus website here or email the Campus Nursing Office at nurseofficer@cdrewu.edu.
EEO Statement
Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.
Fair Chance Statement
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local “Fair Chance” laws.