Executive Director

Job Title

Executive Director

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

VP & COO - McAllen

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

McAllen, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Who We Are 

The Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen opened in Fall 2018 to expand access by bringing top-tier Texas A&M academic programs to the Rio Grande Valley.  The Center supports student success through high-quality programs aligned with career goals and partnerships that strengthen regional workforce development and economic growth. 

What We Want

The McAllen Higher Education Center is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Center’s core functions. The ideal candidate is an experienced and collaborative manager who excels in leading cross-functional teams, managing facilities operations, and advancing long-term departmental goals. This individual demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills, offers sound judgement in program administration and budget management, and fosters positive relationships with campus stakeholders and external partners. They ensure compliance with university policies and safety standards, proactively address operational challenges, and support a safe, efficient, and mission-ready environment for students, faculty, and staff. We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic setting, champions professional development, and contributes to the success of both daily activities and strategic initiatives while upholding the mission of Texas A&M University.

The Executive Director provides leadership for departmental functions to include planning, directing, and evaluating operations elements. Provides input of business activities, strategic planning and development, and program administration. Functions as departmental liaison to customers and represents the University on various committees, as well as oversees the facilities and day to day operational matters at the center.

What You Need To Know

Salary:  Commensurate based on selected candidates education and experience

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

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•  Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders, vendors, and service providers to deliver reliable operations.
• Strong communication, documentation, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to manage, plan and organize operations.
• Ability to create and oversee execution of maintenance and improvement plans.
• Ability to promptly respond to on-site emergency calls.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and presentation applications.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership and Program management

• Directs and evaluates departmental operations, including planning and coordinating various functions (i.e. transportation, facilities).
• Supervises department and any additional departments that are assigned by Chief Operating Office, including management and other staff, ensuring effective departmental performance.
• Leads the development and execution of short-term and long-term departmental goals and objectives.
• Coordinates the administration of University-wide programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with department goals.
• Serves as an advisor/consultant to the University community on matters related to department operations.

Budget Management and Strategic Planning

• Oversees fiscal operations, establishing and maintaining cost controls for departmental budgets.
• Manages strategic planning and the development of integrated programs to achieve long-term goals.
• Recommends new departmental and University-wide policies or revisions to existing policies to enhance operations.
• Stays abreast of developments in the field to inform budget and strategic decisions.

Internal Communications and Public Relations

• Leads the development and oversight of communications, promotions, and public relations for the department.
• Develops and implements internal controls and process compliance to ensure smooth operations.
• Works collaboratively with executive leadership team to identify long-term plans to promote effective and efficient core administration functions and to find solutions to day-to-day operational activities within.
• Serves as a primary liaison with assigned University representatives to strengthen the overall leadership and the direction of the Center with emphasis on providing needed services and compliance to its faculty, staff and students.

Professional Development and Community Engagement

• Participates in training and professional development sessions to enhance leadership skills and department performance.
• Serves on various State, local, University, and System-wide committees, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Campus Facilities Leadership and Asset Stewardship

• Serves as the campus lead for facilities operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and mission-ready buildings, grounds, and learning environments.
• Establishes and executes preventive maintenance plans, lifecycle replacement planning, and service standards to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
• Coordinates work order intake, prioritization, and completion; ensures timely communication and customer service to campus stakeholders.
• Oversees vendor/contractor performance for facilities services (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing, custodial/grounds), including scope development, quotes, scheduling, and quality control.
• Ensures compliance with safety requirements, inspections, and applicable codes; coordinates emergency response and continuity of operations for facility-related incidents.
• Maintains accurate facilities documentation (inventories, service logs, warranties, keys/access, space use considerations) and supports space readiness for events and academic operations.

Other Requirements and Factors

Required

• This position is security sensitive
• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements
• Work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends. 

 

Why TAMU

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.   

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays   
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacationeach month  
• Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas 
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time  
• Professional Development: All employees have access to freeLinkedIn Learningtraining, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more   
• Educational release time and tuition assistancefor completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee  
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees 

Our Commitment 

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experience.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.