Project Director - UB Gustine (Onsite)

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 salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,000- $90,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around March 4th, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is full on-site.

This position is a oneyear contract with the possibility of extension based on available funding and is eligible for full UC benefits.

This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License and to participate in the University's DMV Pull Program.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

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 assure 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. Work 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.

• Oversee the logistics of assigning and placing staff at partner school site(s).

• Organize 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 bases.

• Oversees the participates in the collections of data needed for assigned school(s).

• Prepares semi-annual analytic reports detailing and describing program activities and outcomes, and 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 component.

• 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 in education, counseling, social work, psychology, public administration, higher administration or related area from an accredited institution. (Required)

• Master's degree in education, counseling, social work, psychology, public administration, higher administration or an appropriate field related to project objectives from an accredited institution. (Required)

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the areas of staff supervision, budget management, program development, and evaluation; and reporting and compliance with federal regulations. (Required)

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience with federal TRIO programs, academic support programs, or similar program for disadvantaged students. (Preferred)

• Experience advising and assisting low-income and potential first-general college students (12th grade students) with the college admissions and financial aid process on an individual and group basis. (Preferred)

• Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those facing project participants. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Extensive experience advising and supporting educationally disadvantaged students regarding postsecondary opportunities and careers. (Preferred)

• 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. (Preferred)

• Extensive supervisory experience. (Preferred)

• Advance organizational and project management skills with ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. (Preferred)

• Extensive knowledge of higher education institutions, admissions and financial aid requirements, and matriculation processes. (Preferred)

• Knowledge of state and national education policies and current education theories and successful educational equity programs. (Preferred)

• 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. (Preferred)

• 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 report.

• 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 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

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

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: