Director of Graduate Student Life - CAMPUS ONLY RECRUITMENT

This is a CAMPUS ONLY recruitment. Only current employees, or former employees with current Preferential Rehire rights will be considered for this position. Former employees with Preferential Rehire rights should apply through the external candidate gateway and identify themselves as such in their application to be considered for this position.

Current UCSC employees must apply to the job posting in the Internal Candidate Gateway. You can access the internal job posting at the link below.

https://ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu/peoplesoft-native/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Employee&SiteId=12&JobOpeningId=XXXXX&PostingSeq=1

If you are a current UCSC employee and apply through the External Candidate Gateway, you will not be considered for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 6/12/2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Division of Graduate Studies is a strategic unit at UCSC; working closely with academic divisions and departments, the Division of Graduate Studies leads the campus effort in graduate student outreach, admissions, and matriculation. UC Santa Cruz graduate enrollment is approximately 1975, with over 60 degree tracks in over 40 graduate programs. UC Santa Cruz is deeply committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse graduate student community. The Graduate Division seeks to be a catalyst for the development of scholarship, leadership, and professional skills of graduate students from every background.

More information can be found at: https://graduate.ucsc.edu

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Assistant Dean, the Director of Graduate Student Life oversees the Graduate Student Commons, provides direct services to students, supervises support staff, and coordinates specialized student life and professional development programs in support of graduate student success and retention. The incumbent is responsible for strategic planning and policy development, budget administration, staff development and supervision, student development, facility management

The Graduate Student Commons is a unit within the Graduate Division that houses on campus programming and support services for the non-academic life of graduate students. It encompasses both support for individual well-being and professional development, as well as events that support social connection within the graduate community.

The Director works independently and as part of a team to plan and implement inclusive educational programs and events. Creates effective and compelling communication and marketing materials to reach a diverse audience of students. Promotes success of students who have faced barriers. Serves as point of contact for non-academic student issues, and resolves the most complex cases/situations and/or directs students to resources, etc.

In addition, the Director collaborates with campus partners, including the Colleges, Academic Departments, faculty, student service units, and student organizations, and serves as a leader on retention/student success initiatives.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $95,000/Annually
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: STDT LIFE DEV SPEC 4 (004565), Grade 21

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

40% - Coordinate Student Life and Professional Development Programming

Provide strategic vision for student success initiatives that enhance the graduate student experience and promote retention. Oversee and coordinate the development of graduate student life programs and services of diverse complexity and scope. Examples include:

• Student programming sponsored by the Graduate Student Commons (GSC)
• Peer Mentoring Program
• Writing Support Programs
• Graduate Research Symposium
• Grad Slam
• Graduate Student Orientation
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop a comprehensive suite of offerings that address a wide set of needs and interests (i.e. professional, financial, social, wellness). Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution for Graduate Division/GSC events. Oversee marketing and promotions of events. Collect data on participation and impact.

15% - Oversight of Graduate Student Commons

• Provide operational, facilities and programming oversight of the Graduate Student Commons (GSC) and Restaurant. Coordinate and administer the daily operation of the Graduate Student Commons Building such as monitoring inventory, ordering supplies, coordinating repairs and maintenance of equipment. Ensure the Graduate Student Commons is an organized, welcoming, and clean space for all graduate students and guests.
  

10% - Oversight of Graduate Student Groups

• As needed, serve as point of contact and mentor for various student groups on campus such as the Graduate Student Commons Governing Board, Graduate Student Association (GSA), First Generation Student Group, Women of Color Student Group, etc. Provide guidance and development to student leaders or student government.
  

10% - Budget

• Oversee approval, monitoring and processing of all financial activity pertaining to the Graduate Student Commons (GSC) and student groups under direct supervision. Oversee budgeting and financial planning for the GSCGB budget. Initiate and/or assist with preparation of grant or funding proposals to secure external resources for programming.
  

10% - Liaison with Campus Constituents

• Collaborate with campus partners including the Colleges, Academic Departments, faculty, student service units, and student organizations and serve as a leader on retention/student success initiatives. Create opportunities for ongoing conversations with graduate students and graduate program staff about issues concerning graduate students.
  

10% - Supervise clerical and/or student staff.

5% - Special projects, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• 3-5 years experience working in higher education with direct student support experience.
• Experience planning activities and programs which enhance the sense of campus-wide community and promote the professional, social, cultural and educational development of graduate students.
• Experience in managing funds designated for special programs
• Knowledge of and experience in conflict management and intervention strategies; demonstrated effectiveness in mediation and conflict resolution.
• The ability to interpret and assimilate, from oral or written sources, a broad knowledge of UC and agency policies and procedures, and apply and communicate them to faculty, staff, and students.
• Experience in establishing and implementing short- and long-term program goals and objectives.
• Proven strong organizational and prioritizing skills to meet deadlines of shifting, high pressure work assignments requiring accuracy and attention to details, with the ability to anticipate needs and monitor progress.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of documents.
• Experience managing facilities, preferably in a college or University setting, including the ability to plan, budget, and coordinate projects ranging from minor maintenance to renovations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in designing and implementing programs and strategic initiatives that promote student success.
• Knowledge and experience in working with historically underrepresented communities and first generation college students.
• Knowledge in the methodologies used to enhance student achievement, such as collaborative teaching/learning models, strategies for effective counseling and peer mentoring, small group facilitation and training, coaching, mentoring and advocacy.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to occasionally work overtime with little or no advance notice.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The selected candidate will be subject to the annual financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

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.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

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.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.