"Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students"

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $140,000 - $190,000.

Job Closing Date

Initial Applicant Review will begin on or around January 12, 2026.
Posting will remain open through midnight on February 1, 2026.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

About the Job

The Dean of Students provides strategic leadership and oversight of programs, services, and initiatives that promote student well-being, sense of belonging, and academic success. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Engagement, the Dean plays a central role in advancing student-centered practices, responding to critical student needs, and serving as a trusted partner to faculty and staff in addressing student behavioral and academic concerns. The Dean oversees a portfolio of offices and services, including Basic Needs, the Office of Rights and Responsibilities, the Student Response Team, Student Accessibility Services, Residence Education, and Dining. The Dean also serves as a primary interface with faculty regarding student behavioral issues and coordinates comprehensive responses that balance student development, accountability, and community safety.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leadership and Administration of Core Units:Provide vision, strategic planning, and administrative oversight for: Basic Needs Initiative (food security, housing stability, emergency grants). Office of Rights and Responsibilities (student conduct and restorative practices). Student Accessibility Services (disability resources and accommodation). Residence Education and Dining (living-learning environments, community engagement, and dining operations). Ensure alignment of services with UC Merced's mission, equity goals, and student success priorities. Supervise senior staff, manage budgets, and promote professional development across units.
2. Student Response, Crisis Management, and Behavioral Consultation:Lead and coordinate the Student Response Team in addressing students of concern and behavioral health issues. Serve as a campus leader in crisis intervention, threat assessment, and coordinated case management. Partner with Counseling and Psychological Services, campus police, and other stakeholders in support of student safety and wellness.
3. Faculty and Academic Partnership: Serve as a primary faculty liaison on student behavioral concerns, academic disruptions, and classroom conduct. Provide consultation, training, and resources to faculty and academic leaders on navigating student issues. Collaborate with Academic Senate, schools, and advising units to ensure a consistent, supportive approach to student engagement.
4. Student Advocacy and Community Engagement:Champion the holistic student experience through advocacy, visibility, and support of student voices. Build partnerships across campus to address systemic barriers to student success. Represent the university at regional and national associations related to student conduct, crisis response, and student advocacy. Oversees efforts to support students with disability and accessibility needs by providing appropriate accommodation for attendance, test taking, access and other services and student needs on campus.

*LI-RM1

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field of study from an accredited institution: and or
• Advanced degree in Higher Education, Counseling, or related area from an accredited institution; and/or
• Advanced degree, such as PhD or EdD in education or related discipline from an accredited institution (preferred)
• Significant experience in student conduct, crisis response, residence education, or related functional areas (preferred).
• Strong Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student development.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex teams and collaborating across academic and administrative units.
• Highly sophisticated skills in strategy development, systems planning and change management.
• Ability to establish mission and goals at the macro-level; to lead subordinate management to develop goals in alignment with mission.
• Expert leadership abilities to establish department goals and motivate and influence others to achieve.
• Highly sophisticated knowledge of administrative management theory and ability to translate into practice.
• Ability to establish metrics for department and employee goals which measure effectiveness of contributions to efficient department operations.
• Expert project management skills.
• Expert skills to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations; skills in conflict management techniques. Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.