Pacific Islander Center Student Excellence; PICSE Director

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  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.

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.

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.

• 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…