Pacific Islander Center for Student Excellence (PICSE) Director

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)
USD $59,100.00/Yr. - USD $114,300.00/Yr.
United States, California, Los Angeles
Feb 26, 2026
Department Summary The Pacific Islander Center for Student Excellence (PICSE) was established by the Chancellor's Native American and Pacific Islander Bruins Rising Initiative in alignment with UCLA's designation as an AANAPISI-serving institution. The PICSE will offer timely, effective, and supportive holistic services for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree Pacific Islander students at UCLA. The PICSE is housed in the Asian American Studies Center (AASC). The PICSE will work directly with Pacific Islander and other student organizations on campus including but not limited to PISA, P4H, INSPIRE, PIER, PICC, and Hui o 'Imiloa, as well as work with other Pacific Islander identifying students not involved in these organizations and their sponsored programs and projects. The PICSE will support these students through community-building events, student organization networking, resources, counseling, outreach, training, consultation, supporting cultural wellness and advocacy. Established in 1969, the UCLA Asian American Studies Center (AASC) is a national research center dedicated to advancing historical, transformative and interdisciplinary scholarship that bridges research with community voices. The Institute of American Cultures houses the AASC along with the American Indian Studies Center, Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, and Chicano Studies Research Center. The centers are the only ethnic studies organized research units (ORU) among the 10 University of California campuses. The AASC advances research and the field of ethnic studies through publications, public programs and events, providing funding opportunities, maintaining the largest Asian American Studies library and archives in the U.S., housing 7 Endowed Chaired Professorships, and community partnerships with local, state, and national organizations. Position Summary The Director of the Pacific Islander Center for Student Excellence (PICSE) working independently and housed in the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight to advance the academic success, cultural identity, and holistic well-being of Pacific Islander undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The Director will design, implement, and assess culturally rooted programs and services; strengthen relationships with Pacific Islander communities locally, regionally, and nationally; and foster a welcoming environment cultivating academic and cultural wellness where Pacific Islander students feel affirmed, supported, and empowered. The individual engages with undergraduate, graduate, and professional school Pacific Islander students by establishing and maintaining effective networks and collaborations with on- and off-campus partners (including but not limited to faculty, staff, alumni, and community) to implement the vision, mission, and goals of the campus and the PICSE. This position manages daily PICSE operations, supervises professional and student staff, leads strategic planning, oversees budgets and grants, and represents the PICSE across campus and external settings. The Director serves as a key advocate for Pacific Islander students, ensuring the center remains a hub of support, empowerment, and collaboration. The Director will oversee the long-term development, management, direction, and evaluation of UCLA's first PICSE. Salary & Compensation UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits. Qualifications* Five years or more experience working in Higher Education/Student Affairs (Required) Proficiency in one or more Pacific Island Languages (Preferred) Deep understanding of and demonstrated connection to Pacific Islander cultures, histories, community contexts, and student experiences in higher education. (Required) Ability to set strategic direction, inspire staff, and advocate for Pacific Islander student success. Cultural competency to advocate on behalf of under-represented communities. (Required) Ability to design and implement strategies that attract and retain Pacific Islander students. Skilled in developing multi-year plans, setting measurable goals, and adapting to evolving needs. (Required) Expertise in identifying funding opportunities, securing external funding, writing persuasive proposals, implementing innovative funding and development strategies, managing awarded grants, and cultivating donor relationships and developing fundraising campaigns. Proficiency in financial oversight, compliance, and efficient allocation of resources. (Required) Knowledge of university policy and procedures, including policies governing the use of university funds and facilities, as well as those governing development efforts. (Preferred) Creativity in designing workshops, events, and initiatives that foster student engagement and community partnerships. (Required) Experience working in a multicultural environment and skills to communicate, interact, and work with diverse constituencies particularly in program and service development, implementation, and assessment. Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking abilities for reports, presentations, and advocacy. (Required) Strong networking skills to collaborate with UCLA departments, faculty, staff, student groups, and community organizations. Ability to connect and collaborate with counterparts across the UC system and other institutions of higher education. (Required) Strong emotional, cultural and interpersonal skills to build trust, navigate sensitive issues, and foster a supportive environment and work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and identities. Professional experience working with college students in a public university setting. (Required) Ability to conduct needs assessments, evaluate program effectiveness, and use data to inform decisions. Demonstrated skill and knowledge in developing, implementing and assessing policy, curricula, programs and strategies to facilitate student success, student mental health and wellness, and student development outcomes that are both Pacific Islander student-focused and overall student-focused. Ability and willingness to learn new technology to support, enhance and create programs and ensure that knowledge of the department stays current. (Required) Demonstrated management skills to recruit, select, train, assign, motivate and evaluate staff. Knowledge of organizational development concepts and practices, performance management models and practices, and career development practices. (Required) Must be able to work occasional nights and weekends. (Required) Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations Bachelor's Degree in Pacific Islander Studies, Education, Student Affairs, Ethnic Studies, Public Administration, or related field and/or equivalent experience/training. (Required) And Master's Degree in Education, Student Affairs, Ethnic Studies, Public Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Preferred) Special Conditions for Employment Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation. Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment. Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired. CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse". Schedule 8 am to 5 pm Union/Policy Covered SV-Stdt Svs & Adv Prof (SSAP) Complete Position Description https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Student%20Life%20and%20Development%20Specialist%203%20SV%20(TBD_940993)