Project Advisor or Coordinator - Upward Bound Math and Science

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:

Talent Search Advisor: $22.89- $28.74

Talent Search Coordinator: $52,700 - $60,000

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is:

Talent Search Advisor: $22.89

Talent Search Coordinator: $52,700

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 17th, 2023. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is fully in-person in Fresno.

This 2-year contract appointment 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.

Under direction of a K-12 Academic Preparation Specialist IV, works with assigned institutions and organizations to implement academic preparation programming of moderate scope. Incumbent maintains program visibility in schools, collaborative relationships with K-12 institutions and/or community entities, and relationships with higher education institutions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under direction of a K-14 Academic Preparation Supervisor Specialist IV: develops and maintains program services to a group of 9th-12th grade students by delivering individual and group advising services.
• Recruits and enrolls 9th-12th grade students for program participation and services.
• Develops student academic plans to ensure post-secondary admission eligibility.
• Implements grade-appropriate college-going workshops, curricula, materials, and activities.
• Serves as advocate for students and parents in the college-going process. Serves as liaison between students, parents, and program.
• Develops and maintains program services to parents/families to support student academic success and access to higher education.
• Works with UC/CSU/CCC Admissions and Financial Aid staff to ensure program participation and a smooth transition from application to enrollment at an institution of higher education.
• Delivers college-going workshops to parents and families at community and school sponsored events.
• Prepares summaries of each month’s activities detailing results and an assessment of monthly efforts.
• Ensures that daily, workshop, and campus visit logs, surveys, evaluations, grades and other data instruments are entered on time.
• Prepares specific reports and updates at the immediate supervisor’s request.
• Assists with development and implementation of college-going services and activities.
• Organize campus visits for students, parents and educators.
• Organize workshops for students, parents and educators.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of academic preparation and parent activities and conference.
• Deliver admissions, personal statement, financial aid, test taking and other workshops as assigned.
• Assist in the organization and implementation of personal and academic enrichment programs for students and parents.
• Assist in the development and production of program publications.
• Maintains relationships with higher education institutions and community entities. Develops and maintains professional relations with educators to identify educationally disadvantaged students to receive academic preparation and parent services.
• Principle liaison to partner schools, including principals, head counselors, parents, and other key school personnel and/or assigned contacts regarding student and parent CEP programs.
• Develops and maintains relationships with other UC/CSU/CCC programs including MESA, EAOP, AVID, Talent Search, CTFMS, Upward Bound, etc. as well as community based organizations, civic groups and private industry.
• Acts as a resource for elementary, middle school and high school personnel and the general public for inquiries regarding admissions, financial aid, housing, campus tours, and other related areas.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Project Advisor

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. (Required)
• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible related experience and/or combination of experience and training. (Required)
• A Master’s degree in related area may be substituted for 2 years of required experience. (Preferred)

Project Coordinator

• Bachelor's degree in related area and one year of progressively responsible related experience and/or equivalent combination of experience and training. (Required)
• A Master’s degree in related area may be substituted for 2 years of required experience. (Preferred)
• Minimum of three (3) years of appropriate and relevant professional experience working for a federal program serving low-income and potential first-generation students (grades 9-12) (Required)
• Experience providing academic advising services and college, career, financial aid, and economic literacy information to an assigned caseload of secondary school students (grades 9-12). (Required)
• Experience advising and assisting low-income and potential first-generation students (grade 12) with the college admission and financial aid process on an individual and group basis. (Required)
• Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those confronted by project participants. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge and experience working with a diverse student population, and sensitivity to culture, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
• Knowledge and understanding of K-14 education.
• Knowledge of higher education institutions (UC, CSU, CC, etc.), admissions and financial aid requirements, and the ability to interpret policies and procedures to youth, parents, and school representatives.
• Experience advising and supporting educationally disadvantaged and academically at-risk students regarding postsecondary opportunities and careers.
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with school district administrators, school counselors, principals, teachers, and community contacts.
• Thorough knowledge of high school graduation and college entrance requirements.
• Spanish speaking preferred for Advisor and required for Coordinator.
• Able to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed. (Preferred)
• Must maintain valid CA DL, a clean DMV record and enrollment in DMV Pull-Notice Program.

Background check and fingerprinting 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 [email protected].

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.