Director, Strategic African American Retention Initiative (ACAD ACHIEVEMENT CNSLR 4)

Under the direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Success, Equity, and Innovation, in the Division of Student Affairs, the director of the Strategic African American Retention (SAARI) Initiative provides academic advising, academic intervention, case management, and academic programs to engage students with their university experience in multiple and meaningful ways. From orientation through graduation, the SAARI Director is committed to supporting the UC Davis students of the African diaspora in their academic goals. The director will recognize the unique characteristics of African diaspora students and seek to provide an atmosphere of inclusion and understanding of what it takes to be successful academically. The SAARI Director promotes student connections with faculty and advisors, provides training for students and UC Davis personnel, and facilitates cross campus collaboration to help fulfill the university commitment to student success. The SAARI Director participates on departmental and campus-wide committees as requested; collaborates with campus leaders and functions with a high degree of autonomy; develops and manages budgetary projections for departmental and campus wide programs; evaluates retention data to assist, recommend and implement strategies that will enhance African diaspora student success; act as lead coordinator for the SAARI graduation ceremony.

Apply By Date

November 18, 2024, at 11:59pm - 4 WEEK RECRUITMENT PERIOD: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date. This position may be eligible for a hiring bonus.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ethnic or cultural studies, education, counseling or any field with an emphasis on the Black/African Diaspora experience or equivalent training/experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with African American parents, alumni, community groups, and organizations. Experience addressing the financial, emotional, and academic special needs of students of the African Diaspora backgrounds.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated 2-5 years of experience with applying counseling and guidance techniques to provide academic advising and related services to undergraduate students at the University/College level.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated skills to examine and assess college transcripts and compute grade point averages and grade point balances.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws concerning confidentiality of student records. Demonstrated Skills to understand, interpret and apply rules and philosophy to complex policies, procedures and processes.
• Analytical, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to analyze situations, initiate solutions and develop guidelines with coordinating groups and programs, and involving students and student interactions.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with students, parents, faculty, administrators, alumni and community groups including: verbal and presentation skills; writing editing and proofreading skills to compose correspondence and prepare clear and concise summaries; organizational skills to provide direction in program planning and implementation and make presentations in group and public forums
• Computer skills for word processing, creating spreadsheets, data processing and interpretation, and creation of presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Student Affairs or Higher Education Administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience developing, organizing and implementing educational programs, workshops or seminars to enhance student development and retention within the African American student community
• Demonstrated skills to supervise student staff in a variety of venues and circumstances,
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising teams in a professional setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and facilitate complex budgets.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with constituencies inside and outside the university.
• Ability to synthesize information, concepts, and ideas from a variety of sources to design and implement programs, linkages, administrative and financial support systems.
• Ability to develop timelines and work effectively within them.
• Ability to develop and administer goals for projects as necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Strategic Oversight of Direct Retention, Matriculation Efforts and Graduation and Management of Academic Retention Initiative
• 30% - Internal Coordination and Strategy Setting for African Diaspora Retention Initiatives
• 30% - Supervise and Manage Academic Retention Center
• 5% - Academic Advising and Retention Counseling

Department Overview

The Vice Chancellor's Office of the Division of Student Affairs supports the University's academic mission, responds to students' needs for academic support services, and ensures opportunities for students to develop both experience and skills in leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility.

Department Specific Job Scope

The Strategic African American Retention Initiative (SAARI) is intensively focused on the retention, persistence, and graduation of all undergraduate students of the African diaspora at the University of California, Davis. Through data-driven (research-based) decision-making, and collective and individual student experiences, we seek to understand and improve policies and practices that lead to academic excellence. As a team, we systemize institutional collaborations and academic partnerships to create a synergistic approach tailored toward African diaspora student success.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $75,000/yr. - $135,600/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 22
• UC Job Title: ACAD ACHIEVEMENT CNSLR 4
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift Hours: Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Hybrid/Remote/Onsite: This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
* UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

• Work flexible schedule including nights and weekends, sometimes on short notice, to meet business needs.
• Occasional travel providing own transportation.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC Community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdasvispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check(s), including but not limited to criminal record history background check(s)

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don't meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere

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