Student Engagement & Retention Specialist

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 $51,7000- $89,100.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $52,500- $61,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around August 22nd, 2023. Posting will remain open until filled.

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

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.

The Office of Student Involvement is charged with providing an engaging, educational, and involved co-curricular experience for UC Merced students. The Program Coordinator for Student Involvement & Inclusion Initiatives, under the direction of the Associate Director of Student Campus Involvement Programs, assists in the day-today operations, programs, and long-range planning for all student involvement programs, facilities, and initiatives. The Program Coordinator for Student Involvement & Inclusion Initiatives will provide expertise, support, and leadership for student clubs/organizations for diversity and inclusion in the University of California, Merced. The Program Coordinator will collaborate with students and colleagues to plan, implement, assess, and coordinate learning opportunities that provide student clubs/organizations skill building, knowledge, and mindset to achieve and sustain an inclusive learning and working environment. As part of the Office of Student Life, Involvement Programs and Initiatives, the Program Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing in-person and leadership development content related but not limited to inclusion, recruitment, diversity, equity, student advising, inclusion processes in membership selection, and advocacy. Expertise in the field of inclusion, collaboration with others and innovation are core expectations for this position. Along with administrators, faculty, and staff from the University of California, Merced, the Program Coordinator will work closely with colleagues within the Division of Student Affairs and campus partners. The Program Coordinator reports to the Associate Director of Office Student Involvement, and will be specifically responsible for working with students involved in the creation, implementation, and growth of innovative initiatives, training, workshops, and programs. In addition to participating fully in a wide variety of Student Involvement programs and initiatives, the Program Coordinator will provide direction, vision, and coordination for the Office of Student Involvement and the area of Inclusion and Social Justice throughout Involvement programming and initiatives. Using professional student services theories and concepts, the Program Coordinator for Student Involvement & Inclusion Initiatives performs a limited range of duties and responsibilities within a Student Life specialization. Provides information and interpretation of straightforward policies, procedures, and regulations. Identifies individual student needs for programs and services. Works independently under general supervision in providing relatively straightforward information. Receives direction regarding more complex programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Planning and Implementation:

• Develop and implement programs, trainings, workshops and initiatives rooted in inclusion and social justice theory and practice and provide support outreach and advocacy to students related to identity exploration/intersection of identities, power, privilege, in the areas of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, etc., and increase campus-wide dialogue and understanding on topics related to inclusion, social justice, equity and access.
• Serve as staff support for the student success initiatives.
• Provide mediation, advising, and support to student organizations and student leaders.
• Assist in creating partnerships with community/off-campus agencies to promote awareness and understanding of inclusion and social justice.
• Serve as the chair of signature programs such as Welcome Week and Family involvement initiatives.
• Advise and support cultural and ethnic clubs and organizations and work collaboratively with all clubs and organizations including Fraternity and Sorority Life to establish trainings, workshops and programming designed to enhance student's academic, personal and career pursuits.
• Work in collaboration with other departments to provide large and small-scale student-centered programming, including training and workshops.
• Plan and implement theme months to promote awareness and appreciation.
• Create and distribute educational and program resources related but not limited to cultural identity and inclusion issues.
• Use strategic planning process to expand inclusion and Social Justice Initiatives in accordance with student success, Student Affairs divisional priorities and Office of Student Involvement goals.
• Manage program budget, resources, and supplies.
• Provide ongoing, transformational advising and development to student leaders participating in cocurricular programs and/or organizations on a wide range of issues.
• Provide supervisor with monthly reports. Meet regularly with the Associate Director of Student Involvement.

Special Events and Collaborations:

• Coordinate a variety of special events throughout the year designed to enhance campus life.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strong campus-wide inclusion and Social Justice initiatives, infusing a sense of multiculturalism throughout the Office of Student Involvement, the division of Student Affairs and UC Merced campus.
• Actively serve on campus-wide committees and as needed assist with other special campus events. Plan, implement and staff various campus activities and events.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external organization stakeholders critical to program success.
• Lead set up and support of technical equipment (such as sound, lights, and computer equipment) for OSI programs and student events.
• Coordinate, facilitate and support, evening and weekend programs.
• General Administration and Supervision:
• Participate in overall planning and management of the Office of Student Involvement.
• Assist in programmatic and planning efforts as needed in other areas of Student Involvement.
• Assist /participate in the student staff hiring process for the Office of Student Involvement.
• Solicit funds and coordinate fundraising for programmatic activities.
• Serve on various department and campus committees.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned by the Director, Associate Director, and AVC.
• Provide direction and supervision to interns and/or student staff.
• Develop and implement assessment and evaluations of student programs and events.
• Conduct an annual benchmarking/evaluation initiative regarding selected programs or services.
• Assist the Associate Director of Student Involvement, with the development of area and assessment goals.
• Develop and implement innovative ways to communicate with students, faculty, and staff regarding events.
• Manage content and update department web-pages.
• Conduct quarterly and annual reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s in related discipline and three years of progressively responsible related experience. (Required)
• Master’s Degree in Leadership in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, or closely related field preferred. (Preferred)
• 3 years progressively responsible experience within field/discipline/specialty. (Required)
• Experience working with faculty, staff and students in a 4-year higher education environment also preferred. (Preferred)
• Multi-lingual (Spanish and/or Hmong). (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.
• Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs/Student Life specialization including advising and counseling techniques.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability related to topics of social justice, including power, privilege, oppression, and intersections of identity.
• Proven experience coordinating large and small-scale multifaceted events including budget management, meeting/event coordination, and organization and management of volunteers. (Preferred)
• Ability to appropriately advise and support student-driven events, activism including educational, social, academic, and political activities.
• Knowledge of student development theory and practice (i.e. Abes, Jones & McEwen, Torres, Jones, & Renn, Adams, Bell, Griffin, etc.). (Preferred)
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans for programmatic and administrative management services. (Preferred)
• Ability to administer and manage multiple operations and related systems and procedures. (Preferred)
• Working knowledge of University of California Policy, Guidelines and Procedures to Campus Protests. (Preferred)
• Ability to work independently with little direction, yet maintaining accountability through regular reporting. (Preferred)
• Follows trends, issues, and concerns in real time that may impact the university population and require adjustments to plans and goals. (Preferred)
• Experience understanding of how and when to partner with or direct students to professional counseling, crisis management, or other avenues of support on or off campus. (Preferred)
• Experience in full life cycle of campus programming (needs assessment, program design, and evaluation). (Preferred)
• Experience and understanding of the norms of student conduct philosophy, procedures, and practice. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated comfort working with a diverse set of colleagues, supervises, administrators, students, guests, faculty, staff, visitors and other parties in reviewing procedures, setting policy, resolving problems, and following through to implement change. (Preferred)
• Ability to make clear, informative and persuasive presentations to internal and external groups. (Preferred)
• Skill and temperament to provide and create opportunities for strong collaborations, cross-cultural communication, and department interaction. (Preferred)
• Experience creating and implementing training models and programs. Ability to deliver educational workshops around advising, leadership theories, group dynamics, etc. (Preferred)
• Experienced with coordinating event logistics (i.e., security, parking, sound equipment, design, etc.). (Preferred)
• Competence using computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office/Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat Pro, etc.
• Experience interfacing and collaborating with college and University student organizations and programs.
• Ability to execute flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends. (Preferred)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write complex and comprehensive reports, marketing copy, general correspondence, and other documents. (Preferred)
• Bachelor’s Degree in related discipline such as Counseling, Education, Social Justice or Human Rights and three years of progressively responsible related experience working with diverse populations including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic backgrounds, and/or a variety of religions, etc., working to support through education, activism, social, political, and academic activities. (Preferred)

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.