Description:

The Director of Rio Grande Valley (RGV) External Relations serves as the university’s strategic lead for advancing a comprehensive portfolio of external initiatives, specifically student recruitment and alumni relations, that deepen engagement across the region. This is a highly visible role that builds and sustains relationships with diverse RGV stakeholders.
As a senior member of the Presidents Division, the Director reports to the Chief of Staff and collaborates closely with the Office of the Provost.

Strategic Leadership
1. Develops and executes a comprehensive external relations strategy that aligns with university priorities.
2. Identifies emerging regional needs and opportunities, advising senior leadership on strategies to strengthen partnerships.
Budget Management
3. Tracks expenses for recruitment and other external expenses.
4. Pursues external funding opportunities, including grants and sponsorships.
Program Oversight
5. Directs the planning, implementation, and assessment of initiatives designed to advance short and long term outcomes.
6. Reviews program data and reports to evaluate progress, and recommends adjustments to strategies.
Stakeholder Engagement
7. Builds and maintains strong relationships with community leaders, K–12 partners, business and nonprofit.
Operations Management
8. Oversees day-to-day operations.
9. Establishes clear goals, metrics, and evaluation processes to track progress and ensure improvement.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree with 3 years minimum experience
• Relevant Experience in Relationship Building
• Connections with RGV

Experience will be considered in lieu of education.
Education will be considered in lieu of experience.

Objectives/Outcomes:
• Increase Brand Awareness for UH in RGV
• Build stronger Alumni Engagement in RGV
• Increase enrollment from RGV to UH
• Enhance business and philanthropic relationships with UH

Additional Responsibilities
• Serve as a lead for the university’s activities in the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding South Texas region.
• Assist with the region’s undergraduate recruitment efforts by attending recruitment fairs, high school events, and counselor engagement events.
• Design and coordinate recruitment activities for UH’s graduate programs under the guidance of the Graduate School.
• Organize official university events in the region for prospective students, families, and school officials.
• Serve as an alumni relations liaison for the region. Design engagement activities for area alumni including watch parties, mixers, alumni and admitted student receptions.

The ideal candidate for this position should possess the following:
• Knowledge of Texas High Education Environment.
• Prior experience working in the Rio Grande Valley and/or South Texas.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be a multi-tasker, organized, and able to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact with all levels of internal and external constituents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

The following documents are required:
• Cover letter delineating the manner in which your work experience applies to the posting.
• Resume
• Salary History
• Transcript
• Three work references. The hiring department expects you to name current or past supervisors.
NOTE: We will maintain your confidentiality and notify you in advance of making contract with any of your references. References will be contacted only after the interviewing process has been completed.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.