Associate Director; Stdt Svc Advisor Sv

Associate Director (Stdt Svc Advisor 4 Sv)

University of California, Davis, Davis, CA

Reporting directly to the Director of the Strategic Chicanx and Latinx Retention Initiative and El Centro, the Associate Director serves as campus subject‑matter expert in Chicanx/Latinx student retention, academic advising, program development, and all operational aspects of El Centro, which serves over 8,000 students annually. The Associate Director independently develops and administers more than 75 complex, high‑impact programs with independent budgets, provides advanced multicultural counseling for the most complex and sensitive student cases, and advises faculty, departments, and UC system committees on strategies to advance equity and eliminate barriers for student achievement.

The Associate Director supervises 10–15 student staff and interns to ensure the delivery of academic (curricular), social, and cultural (co‑curricular) services that foster student success and belonging.

Salary range: $67,700 – $120,500 per year.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Ethnic Studies, Psychology, Sociology, or equivalent experience and training in student services, academic retention, or a related area.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in higher education student services or academic retention initiatives, including training and oversight of student staff, team coordination, conflict management, and management of complex and sensitive operational needs.
• Professional experience developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs, workshops, and retention initiatives that advance student success for underrepresented and Chicanx/Latinx student communities, including the ability to build and sustain campus and external partnerships.
• Experience with academic advising and policy interpretation, including management of complex advising cases (such as academic notice, dismissal, and exceptions), and the ability to apply academic policies and institutional guidelines to support student progress and retention.
• Skills in program management, assessment, and data analysis to design, implement, and measure effectiveness of student success, retention, and academic support initiatives.
• Knowledge of higher education structures, student support systems, curricular elements, and policies affecting underrepresented students, with the ability to interpret and apply these frameworks in decision‑making and program planning.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse student populations, staff, faculty, senior leaders, and external partners with tact and political acumen to advance program and institutional goals.

• Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced or graduate‑level work in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field, with emphasis on equity, organizational leadership, or research.
• Management experience developing, implementing, and evaluating complex student service or retention programs, including designing and delivering workshops, seminars, and training for students, staff, and faculty.
• Experience designing and assessing educational programs that enhance student development, success, and retention.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with Chicanx/Latinx alumni, families, community organizations, and student groups to advance student success and belonging.
• Professional experience addressing the financial, emotional, cultural, and academic needs of Chicanx/Latinx students in higher education settings.
• Advanced analytical, problem‑solving, and conflict resolution skills to assess complex situations, develop innovative solutions, and establish effective guidelines across interdisciplinary groups and programs.
• Ability to exercise political acumen and cultural competence in building coalitions, sustaining partnerships, and representing student equity goals in campus and UC system‑wide committees.
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