Project Coordinator - Visalia

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 $52,700-$60,000.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $52,700.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around January 8th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: 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.

As a seasoned, experienced professionals in K-14 academic preparation with the UC Merced, Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP), the regional coordinator works alongside the Project Director of Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) to oversee the coordination of efforts at K-12 partnership sites. Collaborates with other higher education institutions and local organizations to propose and implement a wide-range of academic preparation programming. The K-14 Academic Prep Spec 3 will recommend, develop and oversee the implementation of district, student and parent-centered services. Responsible for maintaining program visibility and collaborative relationships with K-12 and higher education institutions, community entities and other non-UC academic preparation programs. Manages program's curricular implementation and accountability framework. Responsible for the submission of quarterly, mid-year, and annual performance reports to corresponding stakeholders and funders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for collecting student data and information essential for identifying areas requiring academic interventions. Collaborates with the CEP Data Analysis and Evaluation Unit to analyze student data elements to identify, implement, and evaluate academic interventions by grade level and subject area. Produces program reports, collects student data, documents participant contacts and progress, and tracks academic progress of program participants. 
• Participates in strategic and program planning. Coordinates, designs and implements grade appropriate academic enrichment interventions, college-going workshops, curricula, materials and activities. 
• Delivers individual and group advising services and maintains relationships with a group of K-14 students and/or parents. Develops student academic plans to ensure post-secondary admission eligibility. 
• Develops and maintains relationships with parents/families to support student academic success and access to higher education. Delivers college-going workshops to parents and families at community and school sponsored events. 
• Acts as advocate for students and parents. Develops collaborative relationships with other college going programs, K-14 and higher education personnel. Serves on department, campus, and external committees, workgroups, and coordinating bodies.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in related area and three years of progressively responsible related experience. (Required) 
• Master’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. (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)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong knowledge and experience working with educational equity programs serving a diverse student population. 
• Strong knowledge of up-to-date information on K-12 and higher education policies and issues. Ability to assess their impact on program strategies. 
• Knowledge of K-12 and 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. 
• Knowledge of youth and adolescent development theory, including issues facing low-income, first-generation urban youth. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with school district administrators, school counselors, principals, teachers, and community contacts. 
• Strong knowledge of high school graduation and college entrance requirements. 
• Demonstrated cultural competency with respect to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. 
• Strong communications (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills. 
• Significant experience advising and supporting educationally disadvantaged students regarding postsecondary opportunities and careers.

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.