DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, A.S. Administration, the SPACES Retention Advisor is responsible for the leadership development and advising of the SIPHR (Student-Initiated Programs for Holistic Retention) component within SPACES. The incumbent is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of programs dedicated to retention initiatives, such as the Peer Mentorship Programs, Academic Support Programs, wellness and self-care programs, and socio-political empowerment initiatives. The Retention Programs Advisor provides transformational advising to the retention coordinators and SIPHR Co-Directors in the development and strengthening of student-initiated retention programs and serves as the point of contact for student-initiated retention programs. The Retention Programs Advisor oversees the transition of former primary school, secondary school, and community college participant participants who enroll at UC San Diego, such as former participants of the Overnight Program and Summer Summit Program. The Retention Programs Advisor is responsible for following up with them to introduce them to programs and services offered for current undergraduate students at UC San Diego. The incumbent advises students in the development and coordination of over 40 programs including the campus' Book lending program providing textbook support to students who are in need.

Additionally, the Retention Advisor works collaboratively with the SPACES Community Programs Advisor and the SPACES Access Programs Advisor for the administrative oversight, student supervision, and advising of the operations and programs of SPACES.

Using knowledge and skills as a seasoned, experienced Student Services professional, performs the full range of duties and responsibilities within a Student Life specialization. Assesses situations and determines appropriate action or referral. Works independently under general supervision to provide information and interpretation of complex policies, procedures and regulations. Identifies and responds to student needs for programs, services, and crisis intervention.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Educational Psychology, Ethnic Studies or related field ,with a minimum of 4 years of demonstrated, progressive, and substantial student affairs experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Demonstrated sensitivity and experience working with students from historically underrepresented communities and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, with the ability to develop, implement, and evaluate academic support services that reflect the needs of this target population

• Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs / Student Life specialization. In-depth knowledge and/or strong experience working with student-initiated access and retention programs, or equivalent, with the ability to understand academic procedures, issues and language, and articulate to a variety of individuals from diverse, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural, language, educational, and professional backgrounds in an academic environment.

• Thorough knowledge in diversity and social justice issues including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and class.

• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance. Strong experience in program development and assessment, budget management, and student/professional staff hiring, development, supervision and evaluation.

• Demonstrated ability and experience to provide guidance and advice in all aspects of program planning, budget implementation, and evaluation, including creatively solving problems associated with the effective alteration/improvement of established programmatic missions, goals, and needs.

• Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems. In-depth knowledge and/or experience working with student-initiated access and retention programs, or equivalent, with the ability to understand academic procedures, issues and language, and articulate to a variety of individuals from diverse, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural, language, educational, and professional backgrounds in an academic environment.

• Abilities in project management, problem identification and reasoning skills.

• Strong knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Mandated Reporter: This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter pursuant to the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and requires immediate reporting of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect of anyone under the age of 18. It is the responsibility of the Mandated Reporter to ensure that they obtain proper training in order to fulfill their reporting responsibilities as required by the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and University policy, and to complete and submit the required reports to the UC San Diego Police Department without delay.