Program Manager, Campus Living Learning Communities and Success Initiatives (Hybrid)

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 salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $57,650 - $69,400.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around August 29th, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is hybrid with a minimum of 3 days per week on campus.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the Program Manager manages all non-residential aspects of Academic Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and the development of programming that supports undergraduate student success. The incumbent serves as the campus expert on LLCs, supporting the design and implementation of high-impact experiences. This position supports campus strategic goals by promoting student engagement, experiential learning, and ultimately, student retention through the promotion of student navigation and connections to campus resources. The incumbent works closely with relevant staff to ensure seamless integration between the program and Housing and Residence Education operations. In addition to LLC responsibilities, the Program Manager provides leadership for campus success initiatives, including the annual ASCEND New Student Experience, and manages divisional student success communication strategies. Collaborates with and maintains successful working partnerships with faculty, administrators, academic advisors, and specialty support programs to increase student access to high-impact practices; integrates cross-unit services. Evaluates the impact of programming through tracking, assessment, and reporting of program activities and student outcomes, and makes recommendations for program improvement. Responsible for project operations, including multiple program budgets and work plans. Supervises student employees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Living Learning Community Program Management: Manages all aspects of Academic Living Learning Communities (LLCs), including partnering with faculty and staff coordinators to develop goals and outcomes, programming and staffing structures. Provides training and guidance to faculty and staff coordinators, ensuring knowledge sharing, shared practices and collaborations that provide consistent student experiences. Manages a budget of approximately $70,000, making budget allocations in consultation with faculty and staff coordinators. Partners with academic units to coordinate course offerings, ensuring student access through appropriate registration and housing selection processes, and facilitating cross-unit and cross divisional partnerships to support the success of LLC participants. Works closely with Residential Education and Housing to develop a comprehensive living-learning experience that meets undergraduate students' academic and developmental needs. Develops and delivers marketing strategies to promote visibility of the LLC program to both internal and external audiences, including presentations, orientation sessions and use of social media.
• Peer Educator Support & Integration: Responsible for recruitment, hiring and supervision of up to 15 Peer Academic Community Mentors (student staff) to deliver near-peer support and mentoring of LLC participants. Facilitates continuous training as well as collaborations with Residential Assistants (RA) to ensure effective support of participants. Ensures opportunities for professional growth and development of student staff.
• Student Success Communications: Utilizes institutional data and research to develop and implement communication strategies that promote student learning and use of campus resources that support academic success. Monitors and updates information on relevant websites (e.g. Success Anywhere Website, Division of Undergraduate Education) and the Academic Success CatCourses site (Canvas) to ensure information is responsive to student learning needs. Works closely with campus communication partners to develop consistent messaging, image, and language, facilitates cross-unit sharing of information.
• Reporting & Assessment: Prepares scheduled and special reports; maintains program/project records and statistical information. Contributes to developing and assessing program goals and outcomes, including making recommendations to leadership based on findings.
• Special Projects: Provides leadership for the annual ASCEND New Student Experience and may manage additional student success initiatives at the request of leadership. Such work may include conducting reviews of relevant literature and institutional data to inform projects and activities, and the development of work plans to meet strategic objectives. Applies knowledge of student learning and development theory, literature and institutional data to develop effective student success and retention programming.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university. (Preferred)
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services job function, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. An advanced degree is preferred, but may not substitute for the required years of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Skills in judgment and decision-making.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to identify, investigate, analyze, and recommend solutions to a wide range of student issues and activities.
• Knowledge of student development theory, affective, academic and socio-cultural issues impacting academic student success.
• Demonstrated experience working with undergraduate students, including student community building and academic support services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to identify, investigate, analyze, and recommend solutions to a wide range of student issues and activities.
• Familiarity with current electronic and technological resources, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, databases and social media platforms.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to identify, investigate, analyze, and recommend solutions to a wide range of student issues and activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with campus departments; ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience developing and/or managing student learning communities. (Preferred)
• Ability to apply research, data and best practices for supporting undergraduate student transitions.

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.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

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/