Director, Bobcat Advising Center (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 range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $95,000 - 115,000.

This position is 100% "on-campus" and not approved for alternative work modalities.

Initial applicant review will take place on or around March 11, 2025. Please submit all application materials for consideration (Offer Letter, Cover Letter, and Contributions to Diversity Statement). You will need to merge two of your documents into one document because there are only two upload links for you to use. For more information, go to Contributions to Diversity Statement.

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.

A seasoned advising administrator, the Director of the Bobcat Advising Center (BAC) is responsible for the implementation, delivery, and continuous assessment of undergraduate academic advising services for first-year students in every major, undeclared students in every class year, and lower division undeclared transfers. Provides oversight and management of programming and professional academic advising staff with a focus on student success, cross-unit and cross-division collaborations, and professional staff development. Guided by best practices, research, and assessment, formulates policies and procedures for comprehensive advising experiences that meet the needs of first-year students in every major and undeclared students. Works closely with key partners, including campus academic advising units, staff in the Divisions of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, academic learning support, and faculty to support student success, fostering effective communication across units and promoting the role of academic advising in the student experience. Achieves organizational objectives through coordinated achievements of subordinate staff, ensuring adherence to campus systems, policies, and procedures. As needed, provides academic advising for prospective and current students, including specialized academic coaching for first-year or undeclared students, and arranges for referrals to University support services.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Academic Advising Strategy and Programming: Provides leadership for the Bobcat Advising Center, which coordinates and delivers undergraduate academic advising services to first-year students in all majors, undeclared students in all class years, and lower division undeclared transfer students. Manages center operations, including staffing and operational calendar, and oversees a budget of approximately $1 million. Responsible for the implementation, delivery, and continued assessment of a comprehensive academic advising program that meets the needs of students served by the Center. Coordinates with campus undergraduate academic advising directors to develop and maintain a consistent academic advising experience throughout a student's tenure at UC Merced. Serves on the UC Merced Undergraduate Academic Advising Leadership Team. Partners with staff and faculty in the academic Schools, including academic advising directors and professional staff, curriculum, faculty, and School leadership to promote programming for target populations, identify barriers that impact student progress and retention, and provide feedback on policy implementation that impact first years, undeclared continuing, and undeclared lower division transfer students. Integrates faculty-approved curriculum and program policies into Center operations, student communications, and staff training. Determines unit strategy, goals, and objectives and designs activities in response to student needs and relevant data in alignment with divisional and institutional priorities
2. Staff Supervision & Professional Development : Provides direction and supervision to professional academic advisors on issues encountered with student academic advising, including degree requirements, interpretation and application of policy, and adherence to institutional student success initiatives (e.g. mid-semester grades, early alerts). Makes decisions on escalated, complex student issues. Develops, implements, and maintains staff training, including onboarding, development of advising competencies, upskilling, and individual growth opportunities for professional staff. Supports subordinate staff in the development of training for student staff, including peer academic advisors. Provides annual training to partner units (e.g. Enrollment Management, New Student Orientation) and partners with campus academic advising directors to develop and implement training and professional development opportunities for campus academic advisors. Makes recommendations on performance, salary actions, hiring decisions, and other human resources-related issues of managed staff, including professional academic advisors, peer advisors, and student assistants. Responsible for annual performance evaluations. May supervise other non-academic advising professionals and student staff employed by the Center.
3. Student Enrollment, Success, and Retention: Collaborates with campus constituents in the development, implementation, and coordination of initiatives and systematic programs with organization-wide impact that support student enrollment, academic success, and persistence (e.g., placement exams, Early Alerts, Subject to Academic Dismissal interventions). Coordinates activities of Center staff in engagement with relevant student success initiatives, ensuring alignment with the scope and impact of academic advising services. Coordinates integration of resources and best practices for supporting student populations supported by the Center. Advises campus partners, including Enrollment Management and New Student Orientation, on communication and engagement strategies and messaging targeting first-year and undeclared students. Consults with relevant staff and campus leadership on complex student cases which may include meetings with students and family members on time-sensitive issues. Maintains collaborative relationships with campus units, including the academic school leadership, Dean of Students, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Accessibility Services, and Housing, as key partners in resolving complex cases. Coaches subordinate staff on moderately complex issues that include course enrollment, special program participation, University withdrawals, or educational leaves. Advises the Assistant Vice Provost and/or Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education on experiences of first-year and undeclared students. Serves on the Divisional leadership team. In collaboration with subordinate staff, develops recommendations on academic actions for undeclared students, with a focus on identifying and removing barriers to degree declaration and completion.
4. Campus and System Service: Participates in strategic committees, bringing professional expertise in academic advising and student success to inform decisions that impact institutional priorities. Participates in functional workgroups, both campus and systemwide, to identify opportunities and address challenges that impact undergraduate academic advising.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training and/or
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs or related area (preferred); and
• Five years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in higher education academic advising, including three years of supervisory experience of full-time professional staff providing academic advising, academic coaching, and/or mentoring (required).
• Deep understanding of advising models, student development theory, best practices in advising delivery (e.g., intrusive advising, developmental advising), and relevant professional standards (e.g., NACADA). This includes knowledge of advising technologies and data management systems.
• Knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs. Knowledge of and experience with student information systems, such as Banner, MyDegreePath (u.achieve) or similar.
• Familiarity with the structure and function of universities, including academic departments, student affairs divisions, enrollment management, and shared governance. Understanding of current trends and challenges in higher education, particularly related to student success and retention.
• Demonstrated application of student development theories to inform advising practices and programming to support special populations, including those under-represented in higher education, first-year students, undeclared students, and transfer students.
• Understanding of academic programs, degree requirements, general education requirements, and transfer articulation policies. Ability to interpret academic policies and procedures.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Knowledge of assessment methods and data analysis techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of advising programs and services. Ability to use data to inform decision-making and improve services.
• Understanding of FERPA, student privacy, and other legal and ethical considerations related to academic advising.
• Familiarity with the specific policies and procedures of the institution, including academic policies, enrollment policies, and student conduct policies; or the demonstrated ability to apply such policies to specific student situations
• Leadership and Management: Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate professional advising staff. Ability to build a strong team and foster a positive work environment. Ability to delegate effectively and manage multiple priorities.
• Collaboration and Relationship Building: Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across campus, including academic departments, student affairs, enrollment management, and faculty. Ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to build rapport with students, faculty, and staff. Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely. Active listening skills and empathy.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Ability to analyze complex situations, identify problems, and develop effective solutions. Ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple demands.

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, 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/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.