Program Specialist

For Applicants Seeking Job Opportunities within the University
Internal: Internal applicants will be considered within the first five (5) business days of the posting period.
External: External applicants will be considered on the sixth (6) business day of the posting period.

• This specific position specializes as an academic resiliency, well-being and belonging specialist for students who identify as Asian, Asian American, Desi, and Pacific Islander (APID).
• Create, design, and implement Cultural and Affinity Group-Based Programming: programming focused on equity and social justice, anti-racism, intercultural development, identity/intersectionality, and societal empowerment and belonging (including ethnic identity, sexuality, race, able-bodied status, sexual orientation, first-generation status) of underrepresented students including education components and opportunities for coalition building for key events such as APID Heritage month, and affinity graduation celebrations.
• Create, design, and implement Retention Centered Initiatives and Programming: retention focused collegiate success and resiliency programming (including social adjustment to college, empowerment strategies, well-being, academic well-being and – skill development, graduate school preparation, campus and community connections, and academic belonging).
• Provide direct services with One-to-One Collegiate Coaching and collaborate with university resources (Faculty Advisors, tutorial, etc). Monitor the academic progress of students and initiate appropriate interventions, including assisting underrepresented students in identifying barriers to success and helping students create personalized action plans with short and long-term goals; thoroughly document each student meeting and regularly consult with ISS team regarding students’ progress and appropriate interventions.
• Provide direct services with Resiliency and Well-Being Focused Outreach, Intrusive Collegiate Coaching, and Developmental Support: including hosting weekly affinity-based support group gatherings via zoom/in-person and lead discussions on topics related to resiliency, well-being, empowerment, cultural and academic engagement, identity development, self-acceptance and interpersonal belonging; utilizing collegiate coaching practices to initiate regular and consistent resiliency and well-being centered outreach calls, e-mails, and virtual connections to/with individual students; developing and implementing resiliency and well-being focused initiatives for the support of underrepresented students and collaborate across departments in order to help students increase their sense of personal empowerment, well-being, and holistic belonging.
• Implement after hours programming without supervision and represent the department and University both on and off campus.
• Participate in data collection, analysis, consolidation, and reporting of assessment outcomes for retention purposes.
• Understand campus and community resources and serve as referral agent for students needing academic and personal assistance.
• Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement; participate in on-the-job programming and professional development trainings.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Two (2) years’ experience providing guidance and or related services.
• Two (2) years’ experience planning and implementing educational programs.
• Two (2) years’ experience working with Asian, Pacific Islander, and DESI (APID) cultures and deep understanding of the unique experiences and needs of these students.

• Master’s Degree.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues facing diverse students, students of color and students from underrepresented and underserved populations including ethnic minorities, low-socioeconomic, first generation, non-traditional, and LGBTQIA students.
• Strong organizational and written communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
• Knowledge of student programming, student services, resiliency strategies designed for support of retention of underrepresented college students.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times including understanding FERPA and other policies, procedures or regulations that guide interactions with students and colleagues.
• Excellent public speaking and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge/willingness to learn/work with technology related to student information systems.
• Interpersonal, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion.
• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

University of the Pacific is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity. In compliance with applicable law and its own policy, Pacific is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff and does not discriminate in its hiring of faculty and staff, or in the provision of its employment benefits to its faculty and staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, sex/gender, marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, medical condition, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, or mental or physical disability.