Special Assistant to the Dean of Students (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 full salary range for this position is $70,200 - $127,400. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,200 - $75,000/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around September 24, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This is an on-site position with occasional remote option.

Please note: This is a 1 year contract.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

As the Special Assistant to the Dean of Students, this position applies knowledge of University policies to conduct analysis or projects of moderate scope and complexity to address a variety of policy, research and procedural issues related to student support. Fully analyzes issues and problems, gathers data and information, finds, and evaluates alternatives and makes sound recommendations. This position will work closely with the Dean of Students and leaders in the Dean of Students portfolio in support of initiatives, processes, policies and procedures, and strategic partnerships with student and academic affairs. The position requires a broad base of technical knowledge and highly effective communication and problem-solving abilities. The Special assistant to the Dean of Students interacts with students, peers and other managers across campus departments as needed and also takes direction from and reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students

The Special Assistant to the Dean of Students must have demonstrated experience in organizing an office and expertise in computer programs (Microsoft programs and web-based applications). The incumbent must have strong communication and organizational skills and must be flexible and able to prioritize workload. Writes, edits and proofreads correspondence, grants and reports. Analyzes correspondence and ensures that follow up actions are completed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Data:

• Applies professional or research concepts to perform analysis of data and systems pertaining to moderately complex projects, policies, initiatives, / processes, and / or functions, such as administration of DOS Salesforce database and other business platform.
• Gathers and assembles analytical and factual data on assigned problems and issues to prepare reports, such as student emergency fund or emergency housing requests, and / or analyses summarizing information on the assigned issues and commenting on other significance for internal or external constituents.

Communication and Outreach:

• Prepares, edits, and modifies documents including research reports, manuscripts, presentations and proposals, such as DOS Office presentations, annual reports/
• Using subject matter knowledge, collects and prepares information for use in discussions, meetings of internal and external constituents.
• On behalf of the AVC/DOS, has broad knowledge of and a strong working relationship with campus departments to streamline processes and allow for ease of communication with faculty and staff.
• Oversees DOS virtual platforms, including webpage content development, maintenance, Salesforce updates to ensure updated information and ease of access for general public and UCM campus community (e.g., Salesforce, resources for parenting students, etc.).
• Provides recommendations and guidelines involving programs / initiatives, such as recruitment and hiring procedures, support of student interns, staff onboarding and training,
• Has access to confidential student information in order to directly assist/triage/connect students with appropriate resources (e.g., educational leaves, emergency funding requests, student and family communication).

Project and Event Management:

• Coordinates program planning and collaboration with program / project staff such as DOS signature events including "Dinner with the Dean," and "Equity and Access Resource Fair" as well as DOS internal events and retreats to promote collaboration and teambuilding. On a project basis, performs analytical studies on a variety of policies, research initiatives, programs and issues.
• Provides a variety of analytical duties in support of a function, research initiative, program and/or organizational unit.
• Participates in administrative / research policy and program project planning and development, in support of such programs as the Black Scholars Research Fellowship and Black Research Symposium and DOS-sponsored resources for students, etc.
• Serve as a member of the Dean of Students Leadership Team and represent the Dean of Students as requested.
• Represent Dean of Students on system-wide calls and/or meetings.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in related area.
• Three (3) year of administrative or directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience or 7 years equivalent related experience / training.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Working knowledge of common campus-specific and other computer application programs. Ability to utilize computerized applications for work processing and spreadsheets, as well as web-based financial applications. Preferred
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, bot verbally and in writing. Preferred
• Solid organizational skills and ability to multi-talk with demanding timeframes. Ability to manage workload, both independently and as part of a team and the ability to meet deadlines and deal with stressful situations. Preferred
• Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns. Preferred
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality. Preferred
• Demonstrated experience with office management, accounting, and budgeting. Preferred
• Demonstrated excellent analytical skills. Ability to analyze complex issues and prepare concise reports and the ability to use internet and other resources for information gathering. Preferred
• Strong leadership skills including facilitation and presentation skills and excellent oral written communication skills. Preferred
• Experience in the University setting. Preferred

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

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/