"Program Specialist"

Job Description

Primary Purpose: Reporting to the Director of Community Involvement Program (CIP), the Program Specialist will develop and lead services and initiatives around retention, community engagement and leadership. The Program Specialist serves as a belonging specialist supporting the retention of CIP students at Pacific through intrusive collegiate coaching, resiliency, and well-being focused outreach, intrusive advising and developmental support.

This position is funded through June 30, 2026.

Essential Functions:

• Leads retention services to participants of the CIP program by providing guidance, mentorship and advocacy to ensure improved retention and persistence with an emphasis on:
  • Facilitating regularly scheduled one-on-one collegiate coaching and group meetings,
  • Making referrals to relevant campus and community resources,
  • Developing various peer support opportunities for participants (i.e. advising, study groups, etc.).
• Leads the CIP/CHASE YOUR DREAMS Mentor program, trains and supervises mentors, develops curriculum specific to underrepresented 7th and 8th graders. Generate program assessment data in reports.
• Identifies pipeline outreach opportunities in the local community, develops appropriate programming to support CIP's mission in promoting educational access, and presents educational workshops.
• Develops and implements first year mentoring for CIP students to promote student development.
• Develops and executes the specific goals and outcomes for CIP's Cohort Program and (multiyear) Curricular Component.
• Collects, analyzes data and prepares monthly reports Director regarding program operations, outcomes and events.
• Lead programmatic efforts independently to support student identity and leadership development.
• Implement after hours programming without supervision and representing the program and institution both on and off campus.
• Is an engaged member of the Pacific community and performs relevant service such as committee membership.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritizes policy and decision-making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio-cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio-economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty and staff.

This position serves as Campus Security Authority (CSA) as outlined by the Clery Act. CSAs have federally mandated responsibilities to report crimes that are reported them.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Two (2) years of experience related to providing support and referral services to students, facilitating programs, supporting mentorship programs for peers and youth, and providing resources and information to underrepresented students in the local community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Education, Counseling or related field.
• Experience supporting underrepresented, first generation college students.
• Demonstrated intercultural competence and the ability to successfully work with diverse constituencies including first-generation, low-income and/or disabled students from a variety of racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong organizational, writing, interpersonal and technological skills.
• Demonstrated skill in database management, recording, tracking, analyzing and reporting of data.
• Demonstrated understanding of social justice issues, and sensitivity to concepts related to diversity, access, equity, and multiculturalism in higher education.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues related to the educational benefits of diversity in a University setting and how individuals from diverse backgrounds enhance overall student learning.
• Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to work effectively in a collegial and collaborative manner with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Possess and utilize effective interpersonal skills and sound judgment necessary to interact with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including administrators, faculty, staff, students, and members of the local community.
• Effective communication skills and demonstrated ability to present professionally, express ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing, especially the ability to simplify detailed information and articulate complex ideas in a manner that is easily understood.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational and informational programs.
• Demonstrated skill in developing strong partnerships with academic and administrative departments, student organizations, and community groups. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Analytical skills to evaluate program requirements, information, or problems in an objective manner and provide logical conclusions.
• Ability to understand and apply database concepts and use electronic media for correspondence and research.
• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience in advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative but not definitive of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work requires sitting for extended periods of time. Moderate standing and repetitive use of hands and wrists while using computer keyboard. Infrequent walking, climbing stairs, stooping, bending, kneeling and reaching. May be requested to lift up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment/Work Week/Travel: Work performed in a standard office environment. Work performed during normal business hours, additional evening and weekend hours may be requested to support program projects and initiatives. Light travel within local community.

Hiring Range: $68,640 annually that will be prorated based on hire date; This position is funded through June 30, 2026; We consider factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, internal equity, as well as

Background Check Statement: All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: University of the Pacific complies with California Assembly Bill 810, requiring candidates accepting conditional job offers to disclose any final administrative or judicial findings, ongoing proceedings, allegations, resignations under investigation, or appeals related to sexual harassment or misconduct within the past seven years.