Guardian Scholar Program Coordinator

Position Number: 40963360

Payroll Title: STDT SVC ADVISOR 2

Job Code: 4574

Job Open Date: 7/31/25

Application Review Begins: 8/15/25

Department Code (Name): ADMS (ADMISSIONS OFFICE)

Percentage of Time: 100%

Union Code (Name): 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Career

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: 18

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.53 - $31.13/hr. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $26.53 - $44.92/hr.

Work Location: 1234 Cheadle Hall

Working Days and Hours: M-F, 8 am - 5 pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations)

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

The Office of Admissions is charged with assisting the campus in reaching its undergraduate admission and enrollment objectives in accordance with the University mission and campus enrollment goals. Department efforts are focused upon increasing the academic quality and diversity of the entering class while maintaining the required enrollment level. Admissions seeks to implement the campus admission goals by providing a number of services and events. Admissions promotes postsecondary education; encourages applications from historically underserved populations and schools; provides admission information to high school and community college counselors, teachers and administrators; provides admission advice to prospective freshman and transfer students; reviews and evaluates applications; develops recruitment strategies and events for admitted students; reviews coursework for transfer credit; and creates a presence on campus that is consistent with UCSB's mission and high academic standards. These services are provided by three units within the department: Visitor Center, Outreach Services, and Application Services.

Benefits of Belonging

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Brief Summary of Job Duties:

The UCSB Guardian Scholar Program supports the unique needs of UCSB students who have formerly been part of the foster care system. Under the supervision of the Guardian Scholar Director, the Coordinator will work to implement student programming and services that support the academic success, retention rates, and graduation rates of former and current foster youth. The Coordinator will arrange for special support services to this student population, including serving as the liaison with other offices directly supporting the students (Housing, Financial Aid, CLAS, Counseling, Career Services, college academic advising) and coordinating weekly meetings and social activities for the program participants. The Guardian Scholar Program Coordinator will also manage the Guardian Scholars Resource Center, where direct student services are provided. The incumbent will serve as the first point of contact for students visiting the center, maintain the space, and supervise intern tasks to ensure smooth daily operations. They will track and report supply needs, including basic needs items, snacks, and office supplies, and inform the Director when replenishment is necessary. Additionally, the Coordinator will assist the Director in supervising a team of seven student peer advisors, delegating daily tasks and overseeing their work within the resource center. Beyond program coordination, the incumbent will serve as part of the Admissions Counselor team, focusing on diversity initiatives to increase interest, applications, and enrollment at UCSB, with special attention to foster youth.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
• Experience working with foster youth, emancipated youth, or youth in any form of placement care
• Demonstrated experience in program coordination and event management
• Ability to relate to and work well with students from diverse backgrounds, manage workload, prioritize tasks and work on multiple projects under the pressure of tight timelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience supporting the unique needs of foster youth.
• Knowledge and experience working in California high schools and community colleges, and experience working with programs and community agencies promoting higher education.
• Experience conducting and/or planning workshops promoting student success
• Working knowledge of UCSB support services for first-generation students, especially those most relevant to former foster youth (Housing, Financial Aid, Basic Needs, Counseling, etc.)
• Knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and pertinent databases.
• Ability to multi-task; verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.
• Basic knowledge of student immigration and visa processes pertaining to international students and scholars.
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning.
• Skills in service orientation, organization, active listening, and critical thinking.
• Knowledge of University processes and procedures.
• Understanding of University rules and regulations.
• Ability to represent the University to K-12 school administrators, teachers, counselors and prospective UCSB students, their families and communities at the highest professional level.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Understanding of Admissions requirements and college preparation.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• Schedule: Flexible hours to include evenings/weekends.
• Occasional overnight travel throughout California.
• Mandated reporting requirements of Child Abuse
• Required to hold a valid CA driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies and procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free Environment

Important Additional Information About This Position:

• This position is in a job classification that recently became part of the Student Services and Advising Professionals (SSAP) bargaining unit. This is a newly-established unit that is exclusively represented by the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).
• The University and the UAW will begin bargaining over the terms and conditions of employment for the SSAP unit in Summer 2025. Additional information regarding the SSAP bargaining unit can be found at https://ssap-uaw.org.

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 allegation 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.

"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

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 50% Coordinate Guardian Scholar Program - Provide direct services to students participating in the UCSB Guardian Scholar Program with the goal of increasing retention and graduation rates. Services include:
  • Assist in organizing weekly meetings of the Guardian Scholar student organization. Organize campus speakers, group team-building activities, and campus activities that pull the students into a cohesive group.
  • Outreach to qualified students to increase participation in meetings and activities
  • Supervise Peer Advisors
  • Delegate weekly assignments
  • Monitor and approve timecards
  • Collaborate with campus departments that provide support services to Guardian Scholars to ensure they are on track from timely graduation.
  • Where appropriate, serve as a liaison between departments and the students to expedite urgent services. This includes: - Financial Aid - Housing - CLAS - Office of Student Life - Counseling Services - Student Health / Campus Social Workers - EOP - College/Departmental academic advisors
  • Counselor Services: Broaden and strengthen our liaisons with school counselors and community organizations serving foster youth
  • Bring awareness of the Guardian Scholar program to community agencies statewide that serve foster youth.
  • Serve as a resource for information about the University of California
  • Provide input and recommend enhancements to outreach initiatives that will strengthen UCSB's relationship with community agencies serving foster youth. Initiates contact with admitted foster youth and first-generation students in order to encourage their enrollment at UCSB.
• 20% Resource Center Manager - As the manager of the Guardian Scholars Resource Center, the Coordinator will oversee the day-to-day operations of the center, ensuring it remains a welcoming and well-maintained space for students to access resources and support. Specific responsibilities include:
  • Student Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for students visiting the center, providing a warm and supportive environment where they feel comfortable seeking assistance or guidance.
  • Intern Task Manager: Manage and supervise student interns working in the center. This includes delegating daily tasks, monitoring progress, providing feedback, and ensuring interns contribute effectively to the center's operations.
  • Resource Tracking and Ordering: Maintain an inventory of supplies provided to students, including snacks, basic needs items, and office supplies. Regularly assess inventory levels and coordinate with the Director to order and restock items as needed.
  • Space Maintenance: Ensure the resource center remains clean, organized, and functional. Arrange furniture and resources to maximize usability, address minor maintenance needs, and report larger issues promptly.
  • Program Support: Facilitate the use of the center for Guardian Scholar Program activities, such as workshops, social events, and meetings. Collaborate with the Director and peer advisors to schedule and set up the space for these activities.
  • Student Needs Advocacy: Act as a bridge between students and the program leadership by relaying feedback and identifying additional resources or services that could enhance student support.
• 10% High School and Community College Outreach - The incumbent conducts outreach to high schools, community colleges, and non-profit community organizations in order to inform prospective UCSB students, parents, counselors, social workers, and educators about the UCSB enrollment opportunities. Conduct visits throughout California, primarily in the fall, with periodic travel throughout the year. Specifically, the incumbent will: Initiate a series of high school, community college, and community agency visits in order to disseminate and articulate admissions policies of the UCSB campus and the UC system. Meet with parents and prospective students seeking information about the campus. Make oral and multimedia presentations pertinent to the needs and interests of the audience. Maintain thorough knowledge and be able to disseminate information covering all aspects of the campus including admission eligibility requirements, academic programs, curricula, EOP, housing, financial aid, orientation, etc. Represent UCSB at appropriate professional conferences. Make on-campus presentations to visiting student groups. Provide pre-admission counseling to campus visitors and students in campus programs (EAO, MESA, SIOP). Evaluate the academic records of targeted students in order to counsel and advise them with regard to achieving and maintaining UC eligibility. Serves as an Admissions Reader to review applications and score applicants using UC Comprehensive Review criteria.
• 5% Special Event Planning - Committee Member - Assist in the coordination of special events, both on campus and throughout California, that address the specific informational needs of the foster youth applicants. Develop new initiatives and assist with the coordination of existing special events including the annual Guardian Scholar Holiday Celebration, Guardian Scholar Commencement activities, Chancellor's Regional Receptions and UCSB Open House activities. Liaison with relevant departments, staff and faculty to ensure appropriate campus representation at these events.
• 5% Needs Assessments for Scholarships - The Coordinator plays a key role in facilitating the scholarship awarding process for Guardian Scholar students, ensuring that student needs are accurately assessed and policies are communicated clearly. Specific responsibilities include:
  • Application Facilitation: Share scholarship application materials with eligible students, providing clear instructions and deadlines to ensure timely submissions. Assist students in understanding the application process and answer any questions they may have.
  • Initial Needs Assessment: Conduct a preliminary review of each student's application to evaluate their specific financial and academic needs. This includes gathering relevant information about their expenses, current financial aid status, and any unique circumstances impacting their situation.
  • Policy Communication: Clearly explain scholarship policies and requirements to students, ensuring they understand the terms of the awards, including allowable uses, reporting obligations, and any conditions for maintaining eligibility.
  • Report to Director: Summarize each student's request, including the amount they are asking for and the needs identified during the assessment, and provide this information to the Director. If necessary, flag applications requiring additional review or a meeting between the student and the Director for further clarification. By conducting thorough needs assessments and effectively coordinating with the Director, the Coordinator ensures scholarships are awarded equitably and transparently, meeting the unique needs of Guardian Scholar students while adhering to program policies.
• 5% Applicant Advocacy - Counsel and advise newly admitted students and their parents with regard to admission, enrollment, housing, financial aid, course selection and other concerns. Serve as a liaison between admitted students and EOP, Financial Aid, Admissions, Orientation, Housing, and student organizations to ensure all special needs and questions the student has are addressed in a timely manner.
• 5% Analysis, Grants, and Fundraising - Assist the Director in fundraising efforts as appropriate.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

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 status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations:

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