Director, Center for Crime, Urban Research and Education

The Director of the Center for Crime, Urban Research, and Education (C-CURE) provides leadership for this newly formed center at the University of Houston-Downtown. This role guides the research efforts, data analysis projects, and programs that promote awareness of the work of the center. The center’s focus will be on crime and a unified way of reporting crime statistics for the greater Houston area that informs safety, economic and social well-being of the surrounding region as well as special projects in support of grant efforts and select multi-agency support special project. 

• Conducts research and analyzes data on crime statistics, economic trends, demographics, and social conditions in the Houston area to support public safety and community development. 
• Prepares and publishes reports, studies, and recommendations for law enforcement, government agencies, university leadership, and external partners to inform decision-making. 
• Develops and maintains databases for internal and external use, and identifies, writes, and manages grant applications to fund research and program initiatives. 
• Leads strategic initiatives focused on crime data utilization, predictive policing, community engagement, and economic development in alignment with university and C-CURE objectives. 
• Builds and sustains partnerships with law enforcement, government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and regional organizations, including executing MOUs to support data sharing and collaboration. 
• Provides technical assistance and promotes the university’s research and analytical capabilities to external stakeholders through reports, consultation, and outreach efforts 
• Oversees staff, budget, programs, and daily operations to ensure the center functions efficiently and aligns with institutional goals. 
• Facilitates student and faculty engagement in research, data analysis, and outreach through internships and collaborative projects. 
• Designs, implements, and evaluates community-focused programs and manages complex, grant-funded initiatives from inception to completion. 

• Performs all other duties as assigned 

Direct Reports:

• Has authority and responsibility for the supervision of professional staff, including performance management and development

Delegation of Work:

• Delegates tasks and responsibilities to staff members, ensuring alignment with their roles, expertise, and professional growth objectives, while providing appropriate direction and support. 

Supervision Given:

• Provides oversight and guidance to staff, ensuring timely completion of assignments, adherence to organizational standards, and continuous skill development. 

Required Education:

• Master's degree in a related field such as Criminal Justice, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, or related field.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of job experience in data analytics, technology, research and publication, public policy, criminal justice, and economic development, including prior supervisory or management experience.

License/Certification:

• None Required

• A doctoral degree in Criminal Justice, Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, or related field. 

Knowledge:

• Knowledge necessary to perform the duties of the role effectively, including understanding relevant concepts, procedures, and tools. 

Skills:

• Strong analytical and empirical skills for interpreting data, ability to develop informed data reports and documents that can be used by multiple constituents and may inform policy decisions 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to present data and research clearly 

Abilities:

• Ability to provide leadership, manage staff, and build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders 
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute complex projects on time and within budget 
• Ability to obtain required certifications as needed to ensure compliance and interaction with local law enforcement agencies and records

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements. 
• Individuals have discretion in relation to working, standing, etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks. 

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Customer Relations Management

• Ensures customer's needs and expectations are addressed within his/her department or section. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Mentors and guides department/section staff by sharing knowledge and best practices to appropriately respond to customer's requests.
• Monitors staff interactions with customers for professional conduct, consistent application of university policies and procedures, and follow up of outstanding requests.
• Assumes responsibility for addressing complex or unusual requests.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Organizational Management

• Manages department or section planning and assessment consistent with the university's goals and objectives and executive management's directives. 
• Develops and oversees administration of the department/section budget to ensure effective utilization of financial resources and appropriate disbursement of funds. 
• Fosters a cooperative and productive work environment that advances department/section operations and initiatives through motivation, encouragement, and professional development of staff. 
• Develops department/section procedures and work rules for compliance with government regulations and university policies; participates in the development and revision of applicable university policies. 
• Competently represents the department/section through interactions with the university community and/or external constituents. 

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.  
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity. 

Focus on Customer Service

• Focuses on customer’s needs and expectations. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.) 
• Respectfully ascertains customer’s needs and determines appropriate response. 
• Promptly responds by providing requested information, takes appropriate action, or refers customer to appropriate individual or department.  
• If further actions need to be taken, advises customers of realistic timeframes for a response to their request. 
• Follows up with customers on outstanding requests in a timely manner. 
• Tactfully explains to customers why their needs and/or expectations cannot be met if the university does not provide the requested information or services. 

Decision Making

• Demonstrates the ability to make informed decisions in a timely manner. 
• Assimilates and/or secures relevant information to assess the risks and benefits of alternatives. 
• Considers impact of decision in the long and short term.

Supervision

• Supervises the work of staff employees. 
• Sets clear goals and expectations within reasonable timeframes. 
• Motivates staff through constructive feedback, challenging assignments, and recognition of achievements. 
• Provides mentorship and guidance by sharing expertise and best practices. 
• Supports staff by providing essential resources, professional development opportunities, and open communication. 
• Promptly addresses performance issues with appropriate measures and discretion.

Building External Relationships

• Demonstrates the ability to build rapport and develop relationships with external constituents. 
• Displays a genuine interest in constituents’ ideas and concerns, and pursues mutual interests and aspirations between the university and external constituents. 
• Builds trust and forms alliances through shared respect and cooperation.

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.