General Information


Job Description STDT LIFE DEV SPEC 4 Working Title Assistant Director of Transitional Initiatives and Retention
Job Code 004565 Grade 21
Department Name Residential Life - VCSA - D02035 Department Head Christine Bender
Supervisor Christine Bender Effective Date
Position(s) Directly Supervised
Job Code Title FTE
004329 STDT ACTIVITIES APPT OFFICIAL 0.49

Generic Scope
Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues/problems without precedent and/or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.

Custom Scope
Utilizing advanced, specialized expertise provides direction and guidance to lower level Student Services professionals in specialized student life and development programs, and resolves the most complex cases/situations; and/or has programmatic responsibility for a discreet complex Student Life & Development function or content area.

Department Custom Scope
Under the general direction of the Associate Director for Residential Life, the Assistant Director of Transitional Experiences is a part of the Residential Life leadership team. This position has primary responsibility for the development and implementation of transfer and sophomore year residential program, as well as, first-year transition initiatives and identity based Living-Learning Communities. This position looks to provide leadership and direction for the development, implementation and sustaining of these transitional experiences within campus residential communities. The AD assists with staff training, selection, ongoing-development and provides support and direction for the Residential Life staff in these initiatives. This position supervises student staff members who assists with the coordination and planning of transitional programs and has indirect supervision of Residential Life staff with collateral responsibilities for transitional programs.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education Requirements
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Required
Master's degree. Preferred

Experience Requirements
Experience Requirement
6 - 10 years of related experience. Required

License Requirements

Certification Requirements
Certification Requirement

Educational Condition Requirements
Condition Requirement

Key Responsibilities

Description % Time
May provide strategic vision and oversight on development of program design and applicability. Measures, assesses, and evaluates programs and staff.
  • Direct, develop, implement, and promote the Departments First-Year Experience program, Sophomore Year Experience program and Transfer Experience program, as well as First-Generation population. Articulate a vision and goals for student learning and development within these vital transitional communities, additionally the creation of academic and co-curricular programs in support of these transitional programs. Build effective assessment tools to determine learning outcomes for the transitional programs and success of other academic initiatives. Development, implementation, and assessment of living-learning communities specific to transitional experiences.
20
Administers comprehensive student program(s) and/or administers comprehensive programs in the residence halls.
  • Develop a cohesive and integrated academic and co-curricular program that supports the wide-range of transitional needs. This includes but is not limited to first year, second year, transfer, international student populations, and identity based living-learning communities. Set direction for future phases of programs and initiatives to serve students in transition (IE: first year, second year, transfer). Provide oversight and direction to overnight host program, including training and support of student organizations, student staff, and professional staff.
20
Manages a program of providing counseling, guidance and development to student leaders or student government. Oversee(s) a program(s) and service(s) of diverse complexity and scope.
  • Empower first-year students, sophomores, and transfers to excel through providing opportunities to enhance academic and professional success, sense of belonging, engagement with faculty, overall wellness, and community citizenship and leadership. Provide oversight and training to student staff members on the above mentioned student populations and their unique transitional experiences in residence. Work collaboratively with the Counseling and Psychological Services and Student Affairs Case Management to oversee the Counselor-in-Residence (CIR) program.
15
Independently resolves the most complex individual cases regarding student affairs or student life issues.
  • Participate in an elevated on-call emergency response rotation with other members of Residential Life Leadership Team. Serve as a departmental lead in major crisis/emergencies.
10
Develops and maintains complex or sensitive relationships with external organizations critical to program success. Represents the organizations to UC, the local community, and other relevant audiences.
  • Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and other administrative units in the planning, development and direction of successful transitional programs for first year, second year, transfer and international student populations. Including but not limited to orientation, faculty engagement, and mentoring programs. Collaborate with Student Affairs and other administrative units in the planning, development and direction of residential overnight host programs. Attends UC Residential Educators or other meetings and developments pertaining to building robust transitional student initiatives in residential communities.
10
Oversees multiple business services and may supervise business coordinators. Defines criteria for service and assesses risk/benefit, balances financial and cost considerations against the degree of students served. Provides guidance for new services and advises students on development of business plans. Responsible for long range planning and development and new initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Associate Director to create and develop communication and marketing resources specific to students in transition. Oversight and management of the budget for programming in their specific area.
10
May supervise clerical and/or student staff.
  • Supervises a team of student staff members who assist with the carrying out of various programs and initiatives within the residential communities.
10
Administers an extensive public service program identifying suitable public service agencies; working with outside agencies to develop large-scale programs to work in public service roles; creating visibility for the public service center of the organization. Provides education, training and reflection opportunities to students engaged in public service.
5

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge/Skill/Ability Requirement
Advanced knowledge of Student Affairs/Student Life specialization. Required
Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance. Required
Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Required
Advanced ability to develop original ideas to solve problems. Required
Advanced abilities in project management, problem identification and reasoning skills. Required
Ability to work independently. Required
Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and assess data related to student success, student learning outcomes, and program effectiveness. Preferred
Demonstrated understanding of student development theories and practices. Preferred
Significant and increasing experience in transitional programs for transfers, second years, first-generation, international students. Preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of best practices regarding students in transition. Preferred
Advanced 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. Preferred

Special Requirements & Conditions
Special Condition Requirement

Other Special Requirements & Conditions

Level of Supervision Received
Direction

Environment

Working Environment
Campus

Other Requirements

Items Used
  • Printer
  • Standard Office Equipment
  • Copier
  • Computer
  • Copier
  • Scanner
  • Scanner
  • Computer
  • Printer
  • Standard Office Equipment

Physical Requirements
  • Climb : N/A
  • Bend : Occasionally
  • Crawl : N/A
  • Squat : Occasionally
  • Sit : Frequently
  • Stand : Frequently
  • Walk : Occasionally

Mental Requirements
  • Perform Calculations : Frequently
  • Write : Constantly
  • Read/Comprehend : Constantly
  • Communicate Orally : Constantly
  • Reason & Analyze : Constantly

Environmental Requirements
  • Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity : No
  • Is around moving machinery : No
  • Is exposed to excessive noise : No
  • Dust : No
  • Fumes : No
  • Works in confined quarters : No
  • Drives motorized equipment : No

Critical Position

Is Critical Position: Yes

More Information

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Riverside, CA 92521
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