Associate Director for Educational Equity & Access Job Listing at University of California in Merced, CA (Job ID 63944)

Description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $83,400 - $155,800. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $95,000 - $110,000 .

Job Closing Date

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is Hybrid eligible.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around February 9, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

About the Job

The incumbent will provide leadership, management, vision, and direction to the efforts to recruit, admit, support, and retain undocumented students and other specifically defined populations of students. The AD will work with specific populations of students from earliest identification through recruitment and admission, matriculation, and throughout their time as UC Merced students. The AD will provide individualized services to undocumented students and specific groups of students who are generally underrepresented, low-income, BIPOC students, first-generation college, and/or otherwise at a higher risk of experiencing academic and transitional difficulty. The Associate Director will be the primary point of contact between the campus and college preparation programs such as CEP, College Bound, the Kipp Schools, Coalition of Concerned African American Parents, Foundation Fund, and others. The incumbent also works with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management to ensure that the programs for undocumented and other marginalized students that are funded by the Office of the President are successfully implemented and assessed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and supervise education, equity, and access programs designed to meet the needs of an increasing and ever-changing student body. Design programs to meet the unique needs of first-generation students, students who have enrolled through established or new partnerships with the University. Responsible for strategic planning, budget management, program assessment, hiring, training, and supervision of staff. Implement programs designed to support year-round support yielding student success. Supervise staff responsible for the design of programs that meet the needs of historically minoritized college student populations including: undocumented, first-generation low-income, and foster youth. Communicate and collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Students/ Director regarding program status. Serve as the designated authority to make decisions related to the daily and general operations of the program. Supervise professional and student staff responsible for program development and implementation.
• Manage complex and diverse partnerships, student success data, and outreach systems. Responsible for overall program budget management. Communicate & collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Students regarding budget management & status.

Data Collection and Assessment:

• Collaborates with the Center for Institutional Effectiveness and the Director of Calvin E. Bright Success Center the VCSA and the AVC-EM to coordinate student and educational data.
• Provides increased accountability by capturing and analyzing data to track student success.
• Prepares reports and completes research on topics related to undocumented students, other marginalized student populations, and specific student populations' success and learning outcomes.
• Supports data and reporting needs for the campus and other specific groups.
• Tracks, assesses, and reports data used to assess student achievement and retention; implements continuous improvement programs and processes, as appropriate.

Contributes to Student Academic, Professional, and Personal Success:

• Work collaboratively with academic advising units to conduct student assessments, develop individual study plans, recognize and address academic and non-academic barriers to academic success, and counsel/coach on other aspects that may affect student retention and academic success.
• Engages in continuous learning through professional development and active collaboration with colleagues.
• Provide expertise related to undocumented students, and other marginalized student populations, student development theory around these priority populations, and intervention strategies and programs designed to enhance the acquisition of skills necessary to successfully navigate UC Merced (e.g., research skills, preparation for graduate programs, effective communication, academic/work/life balance).
• Identify and collaborate with on- and off-campus resources and partners to help undocumented and other marginalized student groups to address and overcome obstacles to success and well-being.
• Develop a clearinghouse for resources and information throughout the Admissions process as well as a safe space for these students on the campus.
• Under general direction utilize initiative to create and implement programs and services related to student learning and development that align with the mission of Student Affairs at UC Merced.
• Provide and expand support for career readiness through partnership with the Center for Career & Professional Advancement; employment through on- and off-campus employers, post-secondary partners, internships, community-based organizations, city and county field studies.
• Actively assist in the development of a career readiness and preparation program.
• Development and implementation of a UC Merced chapter of Graduates Reaching A Dream Deferred (GRADD) to assist undocumented undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing graduate education -Author information to be used in the Summer Bridge Program Co-instruct a section of the Introduction To Undergraduate Studies (USTU 010) for first-year students.

Outreach, Recruitment, and Retention:

• Seek out and facilitate presentations to high schools, community colleges, community-based partners, educators, and family/parent empowerment programs about college access.
• Represent UC Merced at varied local, state, and national events pertaining to undocumented and students with marginalized identities -Oversee all forms of communication pertaining to a clearinghouse for resources and information throughout the Admissions process; e.g., publications, website, social media, press releases, etc.
• Develop and facilitate workshops and conferences for undocumented youth and their families throughout Central Valley.
• Coordinate efforts of student partnerships for student-initiated outreach and retention programs.
• Build Leadership among BSC scholar students, student leaders across campus, students from marginalized communities and their allies.
• Coordinate leadership retreats for students and allies.
• Recruit, select, train, and support a base of active volunteers for the Bright Success Center for presentations, fundraising, networking, and other opportunities.
• Research and develop collaborative relationships with grant-funding organizations.
• Advocate For Systems And Policy Change To Eliminate Barriers To Undocumented and other Marginalized Students' Success.
• Develop and foster relationships with units within Enrollment Management to coordinate communications and outreach to prospective students.
• Develop and foster relationships within the campus community to assist with student retention and success for undocumented and other marginalized student populations.
• Participate in local, state, and national conferences related to these specialized students.
• Develop and implement campus-wide workshops for faculty and staff on issues related to undocumented and other marginalized student populations.
• Work with Counseling and Psychological Services in regards to cultural competencies related to undocumented students.
• Participate in University of California meetings, statewide association meetings, and discussions related to these specialized student populations.
• Coordinate the planning, development, implementation, and assessment of programs and services to engage and support of undocumented and other marginalized student populations at UC Merced.
• Facilitate and manage the collection and assessment data related to undocumented students at UC Merced.

Advocate College Access Opportunities:

• Provide leadership for the collaborative work within the State of California including aligning with other agencies and institutions with similar goals.
• Gather and utilize data and information to develop recommended short and long-term actions to assist low-income and first-generation students prepare for college admission.
• Partner with community leaders, school districts, and post-secondary education institutions to ensure college readiness of students.
• Participate in fundraising activities, including grant writing.
• Plan and facilitate training sessions for high school and community college counselors, community-based groups, and district administrators.
• Provide workshops to assist with the completion of the FAFSA or California Dream Act application and later offer assistance in interpreting financial aid award letters.
• Using a strengths-based and solutions-focused approach, track students' progress towards achievement of college readiness.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.
• Advanced degree Masters Degree in related field. (Preferred)
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

• Previous experience in and knowledge of university/college contemporary admissions outreach practices.
• Management, leadership, and/or supervisory experience, including the ability to address diverse problems, foster a cohesive organizational structure, and motivate a diverse and multi-functional staff.
• Excellent organizational skills to establish priorities, delegate workloads, and manage multiple activities to meet unit, campus, and UC system-wide deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including skills in public speaking. 
• Proven ability to work independently, as well as cooperatively as a member of a team, and to coordinate efforts and collaborate with a variety of constituencies.
• Previous experience and knowledge of university/college practices as they are related to the undocumented and other marginalized student populations. (Preferred)
• Bachelor's Degree with three or more years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Background Check

Background check and fingerprinting will be required.

Policy Statement

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy.  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

Employee Referral Program

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

 

Step 5 of 7                                           Referrals                         

How did you hear about the job?        (select) “other”

Additional information?                       (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source?                   (write in) first and last name of referring employee 

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility. 

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