Executive DIrector

Job Summary

AS Executive Director – a senior leadership role within Associated Students of UC Santa Barbara. The Director is the chief administrative and fiscal officer responsible for all fiscal management, staff personnel, facilities and legal matters of the organization under the oversight of the undergraduate student government. The Executive Director supports a complex enterprise with an annual budget exceeding $16 million and a statewide student service and governance mission.

• Serves as the chief fiscal officer, accountable for the financial integrity of the Association, inclusive of budgeting, fiscal planning, internal controls, procurement and financial reporting.

• Oversees personnel management and human resources, ensuring staffing practices align with University policy, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable labor regulations.

• Provides strategic planning and long‑term agenda, unifying various goals into a multi‑year framework, collaborating with student leaders and professional staff.

• Acts as the senior advisor to all areas of student government, including the Senate, Judicial Council, and Executive Officers, providing perspective‑neutral guidance on legal, financial, educational and social matters.

• Manages risk management, legal matters and compliance, ensuring that associated students operations, contracts and programs comply with applicable laws, UC policies and regulatory requirements.

• Leads and approves all enterprise budgeting and long‑range financial planning in partnership with student finance leadership and professional staff.

• Provides executive leadership and final approval authority for space planning, allocation and facility use across all Associated Students locations.

• Directly advises A.S. elections and oversees A.S. elections.

• Maintains transparent reporting and continuous improvement across units, delivering timely status updates to student leaders when delays occur.

• Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• 4–6 years significant management experience.
• 4–6 years significant experience working with student‑led governance bodies or youth‑led organizations.
• Expert knowledge of student development theories and practices coupled with strong cultural competency and sensitivity.
• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques, maintaining a deep reverence and respect for student autonomy in decision‑making and development.
• Ability to foster an inclusive environment and respond effectively to the needs of a diverse student and staff body, including individuals from first‑generation, religious, immigrant, and culturally diverse communities. Effective intercultural communication abilities.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide other managers in the planning and stewardship of new initiatives.
• Strong delegation skills.
• Ability to navigate a variety of complex and sensitive issues and problems with a high degree of political acumen regarding sensitive matters.
• Thorough knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.
• Strong abilities in problem identification and reasoning to address and resolve conflicts effectively among staff and students.
• Expert skills in monitoring/assessing people, processes, or services to drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems and establish a strategic vision for departmental effectiveness.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Strong skills in long‑term project management and accomplishment, with proven abilities in multitasking and managing competing deadlines.
• Proven ability to learn common University‑specific computer application programs necessary for financial management/planning and resource stewardship.
• Demonstrated commitment to community engagement and public service through active partnership and outreach initiatives.

• Advanced degree in related area.

• The Executive Director’s appointment is indefinite.…