Project Director - Gear Up Golden Plains

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 $64,380- $76,000.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $64,380.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around September 28th, 2023. Posting will remain open until filled.

This contract appointment is eligible for full UC benefits.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

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 ensure 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

• Responsible for the development and implementation of a K-14 academic preparation program.
• Plans and oversees day-to-day operations; evaluates outcomes, and ensures goals and objectives are met.
• Visits partner school(s) on a regular basis to oversee the implementation of program services at the school site(s).
• Plans, develops, and oversees the implementation of students and parent centered activities.
• Recruits, hires, and supervises professional, student, and/or temporary staff. Works with CEP Assistant Director of Academic Preparation Programs and Director to supervise full-time contractors who serve as academy instructors or facilitators for parent workshops.
• Oversees the logistics of assigning and placing staff at partner school site(s).
• Organizes training sessions, meetings, and develop reference manuals for full-time and part-time staff.
• Delegates and assigns tasks to staff to improve program services.
• Monitors and assesses staff performance and workflow. Establishes performance standards, monitors performance, and conducts appraisals. Coaches, provides director, and designs professional development plans. Provides input on salary recommendations and corrective actions.
• Prepares summaries of each month's activities detailing results and an assessment of monthly efforts by individual staff.
• 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.
• Recommends program database enhancements to CEP Assistant Director of Academic Preparation Programs and Director on an as needed basis.
• Oversees the participants in the collections of data needed for assigned school(s).
• Prepares semi-annual analytic reports detailing and describing program activities and outcomes. Makes recommendations for improvements.
• Actively participates in short- and long-range planning for student-centered and parent centered services.
• Prepares specific reports and updates at the Director's request.
• Designs and implements training for professional, temporary, and part-time staff.
• Develops and maintains a working team by serving as team leader, coach, member of staff and coordinator(s).
• Facilitates the implementation of program services by providing guidance to staff on presentation style, preparation, and content as needed for program curriculum, including all workshops and interventions.
• Serves on department, campus, and external committees, work groups, and coordinating bodies.
• Develops partnerships / networks with K-12, higher education institutions, and community organizations.
• Works with school counselors and teachers in the identification, selection of program participants while helping schools identify times and places for staff to serve students and parents.
• 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.
• Reviews academic performance of students of program participants and serves as an advocate in the UC/CSU/CCC admission process.
• Serves as consultant/expert/resource to K-14 institutions and community organizations regarding college access and college-going culture.
• Works 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.
• Develops and maintains relationships with other UC programs including MESA, EAOP, AVID, Talent Search, CTFMS, Upward Bound, etc. as well as community-based organizations, civic groups and private industry.
• Represents academic preparation programs during internal and external meetings, conferences, retreats, and training sessions as assigned.
• Assists with fundraising and development planning; drafts proposals and concept papers.
• Participates in the development and monitoring of policies and procedures for program components.
• Supports or leads assigned CEP central initiative(s) upon the CEP Assistant Director of Academic Preparation Programs and 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. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• 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 reports.
• 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 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/