MESA Academic Coordinator

Apply for Job Job ID 85359
Location Santa Cruz
Full/Part Time Full Time
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JOB POSTING

Please note: This position will be a hybrid position with time spent visiting school sites throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, work from home, and work from campus.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 04-23-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Santa Cruz offers a vibrant community that inspires the intellectual and personal development of all students. The Division of Undergraduate Education supports students and creates a living-learning community where students thrive, belong, and are engaged world citizens.

As a member of the Division of Undergraduate Education, the Educational Partnership Center (EPC) provides an array of school-centered and student-centered activities for students, parents, faculty, and community members across the Monterey Bay and Silicon Valley/San Jose regions to support students on the college-going pathway. The EPC coordinates new and longstanding student academic preparation efforts of the University of California, Santa Cruz with the goal of increasing access and opportunity to postsecondary education for students across our service area. The EPC provides support to faculty, staff, and outreach groups to work collaboratively with schools, community colleges, and universities to promote educational pathways to success for all students. Programs in the EPC include:

California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP)
California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS)
Central Coast K-16 Regional Collaborative (CCRC)
Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP)
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)
Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)
Educational Talent Search Program (ETS)
Girls in Engineering (GIE)
Access Program

The GEAR UP programs are under the umbrella of the EPC, serving targeted schools in the Pajaro Valley region, Salinas, and South Monterey County with the goal of increasing the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

More information can be found at:

JOB SUMMARY

The MESA Academic Coordinator works with assigned institutions and organizations to plan and implement a wide range of academic preparation programming. Develops and maintains program visibility in K-14 schools. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with K-14 and higher education institutions and community entities. Develops collaborative relationships with other college-going programs.

Under supervision, the incumbent will coordinate large-scale outreach events and participate in efforts to increase the number of educationally disadvantaged and/or low-income students who attain eligibility and competitiveness for admission to postsecondary education. The incumbent will provide services designed to motivate junior high and high school students in assigned region to prepare academically for higher education.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $29.45 - $31.13/Hourly . Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus / Hybrid (see note above)

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: K to 14 ACAD PREP SPEC 2 (004534), Grade 18

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

25% - Student Advising

• Delivers individual and group advising services and maintains relationships with a group of K-14 students (and teachers) to ensure post-secondary admission eligibility.
• Develops/monitors student academic plans to ensure post-secondary admission eligibility.
• Acts as advocate for students and parents.

25% - ProgramOutreach

• Develops and implements grade-appropriate college-going workshops, field trips, curricula, materials and activities.
• Implements and facilitates recruitment for events.

20% - Partnership Development

• Develops collaborative relationships with other college-going programs and K-14 higher education personnel.
• Serves on department, organization, and external committees, workgroups, and coordinating bodies.
• Participates in strategic and program planning.
• Prepare appropriate forms and documentation needed to account for, process and capture expenditures and/or in kind support.

10% - Data Reporting

• Produces program reports, collects student data, documents participant contacts and progress, and tracks academic progress of program participants.

10% - Financial Processing

• Prepare appropriate forms and documentation needed to account for, process and capture expenditures and/or in kind support.

10% - Staff Supervision

• Trains and supervises student staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Experience advising and supporting educationally disadvantaged and academically at-risk students regarding postsecondary opportunities and careers.
• Knowledge of K-12 and higher education institutions (UC, CSU, CC, etc.), admissions and financial aid requirements, and the ability to interpret policies and procedures to youth, parents, and school representatives.
• Knowledge of issues facing low-income, first generation youth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with school district administrators, school counselors, principals, teachers, and community contacts.
• Strong verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated cultural competency with respect to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
• Knowledge of high school graduation and college entrance requirements
• Experience developing, designing, implementing, and monitoring academic/enrichment programs or events.
• Knowledge of the K-14 education system. Familiar with information involving K-12 and higher education policies and issues.
• Experience working with educational equity programs serving a diverse student population.
• Bilingual written and verbal (English/Spanish)

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a hybrid work schedule and must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Selected candidate will be required to take a TB test.
• Selected candidate will be required to take a TB test within 60 days of hire.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

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.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.

EEO/AA

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.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.