Student Program Advisor

Department Summary

UCLA Student Affairs is the backbone of the Bruin journey, supporting students from admission to graduation and beyond. Engage in a role that spans personal growth, academic success, and community enrichment, connecting students with a wealth of resources and opportunities. Here, you're not just part of a team; you're part of the UCLA legacy. Join us in shaping the future of UCLA, where every day you'll make a difference in the lives of our students and the broader Bruin family.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Operations Finance Manager, with support from the Associate Director of SOLE, the Community Engagement Specialist advises on the day-to-day operations of student-initiated outreach and retention programs that create pathways for prospective students to pursue higher education through engagement in underserved communities. Through community partnerships, proactive engagement, and mentorship, student-initiated programs cultivate a pipeline that prepares and motivates students in grades 9-14 to apply, enroll, and thrive at UCLA and other institutions of higher learning. The Community Engagement Specialist also advises on and leads initiatives for funding and fiscal management to support extracurricular opportunities, including community service, cultural programs, outreach, and retention programs for program participants who matriculate to UCLA. Key responsibilities include directly engaging with and guiding student leaders in the design and implementation of outreach and retention programs, supporting funding applications and compliance, cultivating community partnerships, and facilitating the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of student staff. The Community Engagement Specialist plays a central role in aligning student-led initiatives to advance educational access and student success. Other duties include advising students on developing re-entry plans, connecting them with resources, and helping them progress toward graduation, as well as coordinating and implementing workshops, mentorship activities, and peer advising methodologies to enhance student success. The Community Engagement Specialist also develops program management for proactive outreach and ongoing engagement to encourage student utilization of services.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years Experience in program and project management, including the design, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives serving educationally disadvantaged and underserved students. (Required)
• 2+ years Progressive experience working with 9th-14th grade youth; and college students, with significant experience advising educationally disadvantaged youth. (Required)
• 2+ years Two or more years of experience in staff supervision and training; ability to provide verbal and written feedback. (Required)
• Knowledge of the California higher education systems, including academic standards, administrative structures, and school protocols. (Required)
• Ability to develop partnerships with other organizations/entities. (Required)
• Ability to apply initiative, originality, and judgment to analyze and interpret broadly defined campus, county, state, and federal policies, particularly in the field of education. (Required)
• Experience serving large numbers of educationally disadvantaged and underserved students, with demonstrated success communicating UC admissions requirements to broad audiences. (Preferred)
• Experience working with academic preparation programs and outreach efforts to increase educational achievement, specifically among students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of university policy and procedures, including policies governing the use of university funds and facilities. (Preferred)
• 1. Strong leadership and management abilities, including supervising, delegating, training, and evaluating employee performance. (Required)
• 2. Ability to build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with diverse university staff, community members, and individuals at varying organizational levels. (Required)
• 3. Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with individuals of varying backgrounds. (Required)
• 4. Ability to make sound decisions based on established guidelines or policies. Strong organizational abilities to prioritize, multitask, and meet key tasks as scheduled. (Required)
• 5. Thorough analytical and problem-solving skills to conduct analysis, develop recommendations, and organize work. (Required)
• 6. Demonstrated ability to work independently and creatively, following through on assignments with minimal direction. Ability to comprehend and manage basic fiscal matters such as budgets. (Required)
• 7. Strong working knowledge of MS Office Suite and related productivity tools, with a focus on creating reports in Word, analyzing data in Excel, and scheduling tasks and meetings in Outlook. (Required)
• 8. Strong knowledge of up-to-date information on grade level 9-14 and higher education policies and issues and ability to assess their impact on program strategies. Thorough understanding of and skill in creating and delivering curriculum and trainings for all levels of students and student leaders. (Required)
• 9. Strong written and verbal communication skills for professional interaction, disseminating information, and explaining program details. Demonstrated ability to speak clearly and distinctly using appropriate vocabulary and grammar. (Required)
• 10. Proven skill in preparing and delivering presentations, reports, proposals, and program assessments to multiple audiences. Ability to conduct needs assessments and develop new presentations/courses to meet organizational needs. (Required)
• 11. Knowledge of higher education institutions (UC, CSU, CC, etc.), admissions and financial aid requirements, and the ability to interpret policies and procedures to youth, parents, and school representatives. Demonstrated knowledge of youth and adolescent development theory, including issues facing low-income, first-generation urban youth. (Required)
• 12. Proven ability to handle and protect sensitive information, such as employee and student records, financial data, and ensure proper security in accordance with policies and laws on data protection and privacy. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Bachelor's Degree in a related area and / or equivalent experience / training. (Required) And
• Continuing education in related field required. (Required) Or
• Master's Degree in Higher Education or a similar field, or equivalent experience. (Preferred)

Special Instructions to Applicants

This is a 1 year contract with the possibility of extension and/or conversion to a career appointment.
This position follows a hybrid work arrangement, with approximately 3-4 days per week in the office.

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
• Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.
• CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

Schedule

8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. PT/variable based upon operational needs.

Union/Policy Covered

99-Policy Covered