Associate Director (STDT SVC ADVISOR 4 SV)

Reporting directly to the Director of the Strategic Chicanx and Latinx Retention Initiative and El Centro the Associate Director position serves as the campus subject matter expert in Chicanx/Latinx student retention, academic advising, program development, and all operational aspects of El Centro which serves over 8,000 students annually.
Independently develops and administers over 75 complex, high-impact programs with independent budgets, provides advanced multicultural counseling for the most complex and sensitive student cases, and advises faculty, departments, and UC system committees on strategies to advance equity and eliminate barriers for student achievement. The Associate Director supervises 10-15 student staff and interns to ensure the delivery of academic (curricular), social, and cultural (co-curricular) services that foster student success and belonging.

Apply By Date

April 20, 2026 at 11:59pm

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's Degree in Ethnic Studies, Psychology, Sociology and/or equivalent experience and training in student services, academic retention or related area.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in higher education student services or academic retention initiatives, including training and oversight of student staff, team coordination, conflict management, and the management of complex and sensitive operational needs.
• Professional experience developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs, workshops, and retention initiatives that advance student success for underrepresented and Chicanx/Latinx student communities, including the ability to build and sustain campus and external partnerships.
• Experience with academic advising and policy interpretation, including management of complex advising cases (such as academic notice, dismissal, and exceptions), and the ability to apply academic policies and institutional guidelines to support student progress and retention.
• Skills in program management, assessment, and data analysis to design, implement, and measure the effectiveness of student success, retention, and academic support initiatives.
• Knowledge of higher education structures, student support systems, curricular elements, and policies affecting underrepresented students, with the ability to interpret and apply these frameworks in decision-making and program planning.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse student populations, staff, faculty, senior leaders, and external partners with tact and political acumen to advance program and institutional goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration or Student Affairs or an equivalent combination of education and experience in student services, academic retention or related area.
• Advanaced or graduate level work in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field, with emphasis on equity, organizational leadership, or research.
• Management experience developing, implementing, and evaluating complex student service or retention programs, including the ability to design and deliver workshops, seminars, and training for students, staff, and faculty.
• Experience designing and assessing educational programs that enhance student development, success, and retention.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with Chicanx/Latinx alumni, families, community organizations, and student groups to advance student success and belonging.
• Professional experience addressing the financial, emotional, cultural, and academic needs of Chicanx/Latinx students in higher education settings.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills to assess complex situations, develop innovative solutions, and establish effective guidelines across interdisciplinary groups and programs.
• Ability to exercise political acumen and cultural competence in building coalitions, sustaining partnerships, and representing student equity goals in campus and UC systemwide committees.
• Knowledge of program evaluation and current research on academic retention to co-author reports, assess outcomes, and contribute to institutional and systemwide policy development.
• Proficiency in Spanish (verbal and written) and/or demonstrated bilingual/bicultural skills to effectively serve the Chicanx/Latinx community and broader student populations.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Leading Success Initiatives
• 40% - Program Management & Development
• 20% - Academic Advising

Department Overview

The Chicanx and Latinx Retention Initiative (CLRI) at UC Davis supports student success through academic guidance, mentorship, leadership development, and community-building. CLRI fosters belonging and empowerment while promoting cultural understanding and holistic growth. As part of the university's Academic Retention Initiatives, CLRI contributes to campuswide efforts that use data-driven strategies and cross-campus partnerships to close equity gaps and strengthen retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $67,700/yr. - $120,500/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: STDT SVC ADVISOR 4 SV
• UC Job Code: 005157
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: SV - Student Service Advising Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• 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

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
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 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

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• This position is required on-site and in-person. Schedule, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. which are the operational hours of the physical center this position oversees. Occasional remote work may be approved at the discretion of the supervisor based on operational needs, but is not guaranteed

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

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

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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