Degree Completion Recruitment Specialist (Hybrid)

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 $25.62- $44.11. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.40/hr - $28.72/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 11th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

The position is 4-days in office, 1-day remote hybrid position.

This position is a contract appointment with an end date of June 30, 2026. Renewable upon eligibility of funding.

This position is eligible for full UC benefits.

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.

Under the general direction of the Degree Completion Program Admissions Director, this position will identify, recruit, and serve students for the UC Merced Degree Completion Program, the UC System, and Higher Education. As a representative for UC Merced and the University of California, the Degree Completion Recruitment Specialist will provide direct student/parent development and outreach services; organize and implement conferences, tours, events, projects, and activities; analyze data; track and evaluate program effectiveness and develop strategies to meet strategic goals as set forth by the Assistant Director or Director of Degree Completion Program.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development, Outreach, and Recruitment: Plans and delivers presentations to students, parents, educators, community-based groups, and others regarding admissions and university policies. Provides information to prospective Degree Completion students, educators, and the general public regarding admission, financial aid, housing, campus tours, summer programs, and other campus related areas. Learns and maintains current knowledge of higher education, including but not limited to admission policies and procedures, entrance examinations, financial aid procedures, and academic program offerings. In addition, is knowledgeable of campus housing arrangements, campus tour information, student support services, and individual campus characteristics. Serves as a knowledgeable adviser on transfer admission requirements, selection, tools, and their use. Serves as a knowledgeable adviser on UC Merced reinstatement requirements, tools, and their use. Develops and presents UC application and Degree Completion application workshops, essay workshops, and college entrance examination workshops in addition to others as needed. Actively assist in developing effective program strategies, including planning conferences and other events to increase enrollment of applicants and students. Provides support for website and e-recruitment projects. Tracks and manages cohorts of students in the program from identification through the admissions cycle. Screen applications for admissions and make recommendations for selection. Provides follow-up of identified prospective UC applicants. Provides academic counseling on areas listed above including the unofficial evaluation of high school and college transcripts for the purposes of determining minimum UC eligibility, preparation, and evaluation. Assists in the development and distribution of publication materials. Evaluates applications for admissions eligibility, determine admission status in the selection process, and assist in the overall admission process as required.
• Liaison: Develops and maintains positive relationships with educators, including counselors, teachers, principals, career technicians, and others as necessary. Develops and maintains positive relationships with valley community-based organizations and private industry.
• Reporting and Evaluation: Tracks and evaluates program effectiveness. Maintains data on services provided and population served. Prepares reports on projects or services provided. Produce correspondence, presentation materials, reports, and spreadsheets as requested.
• Operations/Other: Maintains personal schedule and promptly returns all phone calls including contacts in the database of students. Utilizes computer technology in daily operations; Prepares, maintains, and updates calendar; Works flexible hours, including split shifts as required. Works according to schedules that assure maximum contact and the delivery of services with designated colleges and high schools; attends and records notes at meetings as necessary. Develop and maintain an organized filing system. Responsible for assigned equipment. Maintains a clean office environment; assists in office upkeep. Inform the Coordinator and or Assistant Director of time sensitive issues, problems, or questions as they occur. Assumes responsibility for the assigned equipment. Performs other duties as assigned.
• Assist in preparing mail, greets visitors, and answers phones.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related area, or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• One year of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services job function, or an equivalent combination of education/training/experience. An advanced degree is preferred, but may not substitute for the required year of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Must maintain valid CA DL, a clean DMV record and enrollment in DMV Pull-Notice Program.
• Knowledge and experience working with a diverse student population.
• Working knowledge of UC Merced, and the ability to interpret policies and procedures to prospective applicants and the public. (Preferred)
• Working knowledge of academic programs, including curricula, admissions requirements, and financial aid programs at UC Merced. (Preferred)
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with schools, universities, community organizations and other institutions.
• Working knowledge of admissions requirements for campus/school/college.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Ability to maintain cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisor.

Background check will be 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/