Coordinator of the Guardian Scholars Program (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 full salary range for this position is $56,400- $$77,500.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $56,500- $60,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around October 11th, 2023. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position would not be eligible for any remote days until after the probationary period.  Then they would be eligible for up to two remote days per week.

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.

Provides the full range of assessment, counseling, and advice to targeted students (current and/or former foster youth and current and/or former homeless youth) and makes referrals to campus and community resources. Works independently, receiving guidance on complicated problems/situations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides multicultural academic counseling across disciplines and colleges/schools to current and/or former foster youth and homeless youth populations. Conducts comprehensive analyses of students' issues and needs and provides solutions and alternatives to problem areas.
• Plans, implements, and teaches academic and personal development seminar courses to help students develop strategies to solve academic and personal problems.
• Keeps abreast of student trends in higher education, particularly current and/or former foster youth and homeless youth college population to work with academic departments, faculty, and department management to help resolve specific student academic issues.
• Develops and implements assessment plan designed to evaluate program impact. Responsible for grant and funding reporting including report writing and data collection.
• Develops and presents professional development training that focuses on the needs of foster youth/homeless youth, using community partners' expertise to help shape and deliver training. Develops and plans training and educational program content reflecting the needs and skills necessary to be successful. Content designed for educational endeavors include: Orientation, development of a student success course, workshops, peer mentoring, advising and success planning, and acts as an advisor for the Guardian Scholars Student Club.
• Recruits, supervises, coordinates, and develops a team of student Lead Scholars (upper class students who are Guardian Scholars) who will assist students in the transition to the university throughout their first and second years.
• Meets with local and regional community partners to educate and connect with transitioning foster youth. Encourages and informs transitioning foster of their post-secondary educational options including financial aid, application process, academic support services, etc. Coordinates pre-College Advising activities. Collaborates with university, community, and regional agencies to develop outreach and college preparation programs. Responsibilities may include: coordination of meetings, development of educational workshops, planning or retreat. Develops and presents materials that will outline the application process and financial aid opportunities to current and former foster youth graduating from high school and transferring from community colleges.
• Develops marketing and outreach materials including but not limited to: social media, website content, brochures, and educational literature.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in related area from an accredited university in a related field. (Required)
• 3 years of directly related experience. (Required)
• 7 years of experience/education in a directly related area in lieu of bachelor’s degree.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge in how to enhance students' intellectual and personal growth and development, including critical thinking, effective communication, self-appraisal, self-esteem, clarification of values, appropriate career choices, and leadership.
• Knowledge of the methodologies used to enhance student achievement, such as collaborative teaching / learning models, strategies for effective counseling and peer mentoring, small group facilitation and training, coaching, mentoring, and advocacy.
• Knowledge of trends and issues facing low-income and first-generation college, underrepresented, disadvantaged, physically challenged, and under prepared students in higher education.
• Knowledge and experience in analyzing complex situations and identifying solutions for problem solving; skills and experience in developing and administering programs designed to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Knowledge and experience in researching, compiling and analyzing data, and generating reports.
• Knowledge of research methodologies and research designs.
• Knowledge of and experience in conflict management and intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements to provide for access, health, confidentiality, and safety; legal and ethical issues governing the delivery of counseling services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the theories and practice of counseling, learning, human and career development.
• 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.