Assistant Director for Student Life and Engagement/Intercultural (On-Site)

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 $68,600/yr - $85,800/yr.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully On-Site.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around July 9th, 2026. Posting will remain open until filled.

This is a union represented position, covered by UAW-SSAP (SV).

CANRA (U13): Mandated Child Abuse Reporter

Clery Act (U15): Campus Security Authority Other special conditions of employment

Other special conditions of employment

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.

The Assistant Director for Student Life and Engagement / Intercultural & Affinity Centers provide leadership, coordination, and strategic support for student engagement initiatives with a primary focus on intercultural and identity-based affinity centers. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Life and Engagement, the Assistant Director plays a critical role in fostering inclusive, welcoming, and culturally affirming environments that support student belonging, leadership development, and holistic success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Intercultural & Affinity Centers

• Provide leadership and oversight for engagement initiatives connected to intercultural and affinity centers, supporting identity-affirming spaces that promote student belonging and success.
• Collaborate with student leaders, staff, and campus partners to plan, implement, and assess culturally responsive programs, events, and initiatives.
• Support student advisory boards, councils, or committees affiliated with affinity centers, fostering leadership development and shared governance.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for students from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Student Engagement & Leadership Development

• Design and implement inclusive co-curricular experiences that promote civic engagement, leadership development, and community building.
• Advise and support cultural student organizations and initiatives connected to cultural, social justice, and identity-based engagement.
• Develop workshops, trainings, and leadership opportunities centered on identity development, social justice, and intercultural competence.
• Helps Student Rights and Responsibilities with Judicial Cases pertaining to RCO's/FSL.

Program Management & Assessment

• Coordinate logistics, budgeting, and resource allocation for assigned programs and initiatives.
• Assess program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative methods and utilize data to inform continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations related to student engagement outcomes and institutional priorities.
• Collaboration & Campus Partnerships
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with academic units, Student Affairs departments, and community organizations to enhance student engagement efforts.
• Collaborate with campus partners including Counseling Services, Academic Affairs, Equity & Inclusion offices, and Residential Life to support student wellbeing and retention.
• Represent Student Life and Engagement on campus committees and working groups as assigned.

Supervision & Operations

• Provide functional supervision, training, and mentorship to student staff, interns, and/or graduate assistants as applicable.
• Support operational needs of the department, including policy development, compliance, and risk management related to student programming.
• Assist with strategic planning and special projects aligned with divisional goals.
• Supervises 8 student interns and helps oversee the centers on campus alongside the other Assistant Director.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.
• Master's degree in related area from an accredited institution. (Preferred)

AND

• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in related field.
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in related field. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWNLEGE and SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Ability to counsel, refer and advise individuals and groups of students.
• Knowledge of counseling practices and crisis management techniques.
• 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 specializations of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Student Conduct. Ability to manage multiple systems and procedures.
• Skills in data management (collect, organize, and maintain) and data analysis
• Proven experience with college & university student life programs.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance.
• Ability to work with a diverse set of colleagues, supervisees, administrators, students, faculty, staff, and other parties in reviewing procedures, setting policy, resolving problems, and following through to implement change.
• Ability in problem identification, reasoning
• Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems
• Skill to work independently and ability to be inventive and creative, including but not limited to initiating new programs, conceptualizing, organizing, and implementing change.
• Ability to foresee needed change, set realistic goals and objectives, organize resources, and schedule the efforts of others to achieve goals.
• Working knowledge and understanding of student development, leadership development, and community development theory and practice.
• Knowledge of assessment theory, strategies and tools.
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of student conduct philosophy, procedures, and practice
• Skill and experience in writing, interpreting, implementing and enforcing policy.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write complex and comprehensive program reports, business reports, marketing copy, correspondence, and other documents.
• The ability to make clear, informative and persuasive presentations to internal and external groups.
• Demonstrated supervisory, leadership, and personnel management skills to effectively hire, manage, and evaluate others
• Demonstrated experience hiring and supervising student staff.
• Knowledge, appreciation of, and experience working with diverse student, staff, and faculty populations. Skill and temperament to provide an open climate and create opportunities for communication, learning, and sensitivity to individual differences.
• Knowledge and experience monitoring operating budgets.
• Ability to provide leadership in creating and implementing educational, recreational and social activities and programs for students and professional staff.
• Experience creating and implementing effective processes, training models and programs for students and professional staff to ensure compliance with policies and procedures
• Ability to deliver educational workshops
• Knowledge and experience working and advising student organizations including academic, social, and professional clubs and councils.

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 ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

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 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/