Project Director - Gateway Scholars (Onsite)

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 $63,500- $112,900. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,000- $80,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 21st, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is fully on-site.

This position is a 2-year contract and is eligible for full UC benefits.

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.

Responsible for the design, planning, and implementation of a component of an academic preparation program. Establishes new organizational relationships with K-14 and higher education institutions. Assignments require advanced knowledge of highly complex or technical information. May have supervisory responsibility. Provides direct supervision typically to professional or skilled technical employees. Functions as advisor to unit and administration. Analyzes and resolves problems, interprets policies (i.e., fiscal management, HR, contracts and grants, resource management in defined areas) and demonstrates solid subject matter knowledge. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action. Supervises staff to assure accountability and stewardship of campus resources (operational, financial, and human) in compliance with departmental goals and objectives. Under the general direction of the Assistant Director of Academic Preparation Programs and the Director of the Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP), the incumbent will be responsible for planning and coordinating K-14 academic preparation program services. The incumbent will work closely with the CEP Assistant Director of Academic Preparation Programs and CEP Director in developing short-term and long-term strategic program plans. The incumbent will be depended on to assist in providing program leadership and using best judgments based on professional experience and educational expertise to assist full-time staff and implement and integrate services at partner schools. Supervises K-14 Academic Preparation professionals and support staff (level 2 and 3). Independently oversees day-to-day operations and determines goals and performance expectations of subordinates. Designs, plans, and implements a major component of an academic preparation program. Provides expert recommendations and feedback to management on strategic and program planning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide personalized advising to community college students interested in transferring to UC or CSU campuses. Assist students in understanding transfer requirements, application procedures, and deadlines for various programs and majors. Offer guidance on course selection, academic planning, and extracurricular activities to enhance transfer prospects.
• Organize and conduct workshops, information sessions, and orientation programs to educate students about transfer opportunities and resources available. Collaborate with faculty, staff, and university representatives to provide up-to-date information on transfer requirements and pathways.
• Guide students through the application process for UC and CSU campuses, including helping them complete applications, essays, and other required documents. Review transfer applications and provide feedback to students to ensure completeness and competitiveness. Establish and maintain partnerships with UC and CSU institutions to facilitate seamless transfer pathways for community college students. Collaborate with university representatives to develop articulation agreements and transfer pathways for specific programs and majors. Maintain accurate records of student interactions, transfer outcomes, and program effectiveness. Generate reports and analyze data to evaluate the success of transfer initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement summer programming designed to support transfer-bound students, including academic enrichment activities, workshops, and seminars focused on college readiness and transfer success. Collaborate with faculty and university partners to design and deliver curriculum tailored to the needs of transfer students, with a focus on enhancing academic skills, critical thinking, and college-level study habits.
• Serve as consultant/expert/resource to K-14 institutions and community organizations regarding college access and college-going culture. Work closely with other CEP programs, Data Analysis and Evaluation Unit to ensure that the program is working in an interdependent fashion with other CEP programs. Develop and maintain professional relations with educators to identify educationally disadvantaged students and/or parents to receive program services. Principle liaison to partner school(s), including principals, head counselors, parents, and other key school personnel and/or assigned contacts regarding program.
• Responsible for supporting districtwide partnerships and CEP academic preparation programs with ongoing data monitoring to ensure program objectives are met. May be responsible for planning, directing and monitoring student/parent service implementation to ensure alignment to program goals.
• Develop customized plans to support academic preparation program directors and K-12 district leaders with the implementation and monitoring of improvement initiatives using evidenced based strategies. Responsible for providing technical training to partnering districts and implementing initiatives focused on equity and access. This technical assistance will include professional learning workshops on topics such as academic preparedness, college eligibility, and other admissions-related policies that district leaders must be knowledgeable about in order to close equity gaps. These workshops will take place at each participating district and will involve data analysis, preparation time, coordination and travel.
• Responsible for providing CEP systemwide awareness of longstanding or hidden and unintentional outcomes that contradict the mission and vision of the CEP.
• Support with the coordination of academies that provides in-depth educational support and resources to students, which may include Saturday work as well as transportation of students; maintains accurate records and documentation of program activities and participant data; support with the monitoring of the program budget and allocates resources efficiently; stays current with education trends and best practices to improve program offerings.
• Establish performance standards, monitor performance, and conducts appraisals. Coach, provide direction, and design professional development plans. Provide input on salary recommendations and corrective actions. Monitor program database to ensure that daily, workshop, and campus visit logs, surveys, and other data instruments are entered and/or submitted on time by staff. Recommend program database enhancements to the CEP Director of the Office of State College Preparation Programs on an as needed bases. Oversee and participate in the collection of data needed for assigned school(s). Prepare semi-annual analytic reports detailing and describing program activities and outcomes and make recommendations for improvements. Actively participate in short- and long-range planning for student-centered and parent centered services. Prepare specific reports and updates at the Director's request.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in related area from an accredited institution. (Required)
• Master's degree in related area from an accredited institution. (Required)
• 5 years of directly related experience, or equivalent experience / training combined. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Must maintain valid CA DL, a clean DMV record and enrollment in DMV Pull-Notice Program.
• Comprehensive experience advising and supporting educationally disadvantaged students regarding postsecondary opportunities and careers.
• Advanced knowledge of up-to-date information on K-12 and higher education policies and issues. Ability to assess their impact on program strategies.
• Advanced knowledge and experience working with educational equity programs serving a diverse student population. Demonstrated cultural competency with respect to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
• Advanced knowledge of K-12 and higher education institutions (UC, CSU, CC, etc.), admissions and financial aid and scholarship requirements, and matriculation processes.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with school district administrators, school counselors, principals, teachers, and community contacts. Ability to develop outreach programs, and design effective materials.
• Advanced knowledge of high school graduation and college entrance requirements.
• Knowledge of state and national education policies and current education theories.
• High-level skills in communicating clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.
• Advanced knowledge of youth and adolescent development theory, including issues facing low-income, first generation and urban youth.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of K-12 and higher education policies and issues, assesses their impact on program strategies, disseminates information to school-site and district personnel.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures to youth, parents, and school representatives.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and manage multiple critical projects with deadlines. Strong project management skills.

Background check will be required.

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/

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 (on the application) 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.