Project Director for Transfer Scholars Program (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 20th, 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.

Supports the Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP) and the Director of the Office of State College Preparation Programs in the monitoring and assessment of policies and practices related to the design, planning and implementation of academic preparation programs, and K-14 district wide partnerships, geared to improve student outcomes. Establishes new organizational relationships with K-14 and higher education institutions. Assignments require advanced knowledge of highly complex policy and technical information. May have supervisory responsibility. 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. Under the general direction of the Director for the Office of State College Preparation Programs of the Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP), the incumbent will be responsible for supporting with the coordination of K-14 academic preparation program services through improved procedures and protocols to be implemented by program staff. The incumbent will work closely with the CEP Executive Director and CEP Director for the Office of State College Preparation Programs 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 support full-time staff and district partner administrators with professional development and necessary protocols to implement and integrate student services at partner schools. Provides expert recommendations and feedback to project directors and management on strategic and program planning to improve student outcomes. Assists CEP Director for the Office of State College Preparation Programs in formulating policies and procedures. Supports leadership in developing and advancing short- and long-term program goals and strategies. Ensures compliance with mandated program requirements. Represents the CEP and/or programs internally and externally. Develops and manages CEP partnerships and services to stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides personalized advising to community college students interested in transferring to UC or CSU campuses. Assists students in understanding transfer requirements, application procedures, and deadlines for various programs and majors. Offers guidance on course selection, academic planning, and extracurricular activities to enhance transfer prospects.
• Organizes and conducts workshops, information sessions, and orientation programs to educate students about transfer opportunities and resources available. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and university representatives to provide up-to-date information on transfer requirements and pathways.
• Guides students through the application process for UC and CSU campuses, including helping them complete applications, essays, and other required documents. Reviews transfer applications and provide feedback to students to ensure completeness and competitiveness. Establishes and maintains partnerships with UC and CSU institutions to facilitate seamless transfer pathways for community college students. Collaborates with university representatives to develop articulation agreements and transfer pathways for specific programs and majors.
• Maintains accurate records of student interactions, transfer outcomes, and program effectiveness. Generates reports and analyzes data to evaluate the success of transfer initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
• Develops and implements summer programming designed to support transfer-bound students, including academic enrichment activities, workshops, and seminars focused on college readiness and transfer success. Collaborates 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.
• Serves 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. Develops and maintains 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.
• Develops 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.
• Supports 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; supports with the monitoring of the program budget and allocates resources efficiently; stays current with education trends and best practices to improve program offerings.
• Establishes performance standards, monitors performance, and conducts appraisals. Coaches, provides direction, and designs professional development plans. Provides input on salary recommendations and corrective actions. Monitors 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. Oversees and participates in the collection of data needed for assigned school(s). Prepares semi-annual analytic reports detailing and describing program activities and outcomes and makes recommendations for improvements. Actively participates 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 and 5 years of directly related experience, or equivalent experience / training. (Required)
• Master's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Must maintain valid CA DL, a clean DMV record and enrollment in DMV Pull-Notice Program.
• Extensive experience advising and supporting educationally disadvantaged students regarding postsecondary opportunities and careers.
• Extensive 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 and understanding of K-14 education, policies, and educational equity issues. Strong interpersonal skills, including presentation, communication, negotiation, leadership, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
• Extensive supervisory experience.
• Advance organizational and project management skills with ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Extensive knowledge of higher education institutions, admissions and financial aid requirements, and matriculation processes.
• Knowledge of state and national education policies and current education theories and successful educational equity programs.
• 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.
• Highly skilled in communicating clearly and effectively verbally and in writing. Advanced writing skills with demonstrated experience producing complex report.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and manage multiple critical projects with deadlines. Strong project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Leadership and supervisory skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a variety of settings and to maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations with diverse individuals and institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret college and admissions and financial aid policies and procedures to K-14 students, parents, and school representatives.

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.