Associate Director, First Year Experience (STDT SVC SUPV 2)

Responsible for managing the First Year Experience program in New Student Programs (NSP), Student Success & Equity Innovation (SSEI). Responsible for holistic and inclusive academic support & advising, peer mentoring programs, cohorts/seminars & services for student success, transition and retention of new undergraduate students. Manages career and student staff, operations, policy, stewardship of resources and assessment for FYE. Develops learning outcomes, curriculum, communication and engagement opportunities for new first-year and transfer students, including Living-Learning Communities aligned with SSEI partners and extended orientation Aggie Connections. Supervises FYE career and student staff, responsible for hiring, training, employee performance & evaluation. Directly responsible for the curriculum & instruction of student staff training. Collaborates with Colleges, UE, other academic units & student affairs to develop, implement & assess essential new student academic services, programs & cohorts/seminars for all first year students; partners with Student Housing & Dining. Position has delegated authority to represent NSP & serve as an expert resource and advisor to campus units, committees and leadership on matters relevant to FYE, peer supervision, training and best practices. Serves as member of NSP leadership team and makes recommendations to Executive Director for changes to policy, resources, and procedures related to academic programs. Directs FYE assessment, analysis and reporting in consultation with Executive Director & Analyst. Serves in absence of NSP Executive Director on matters related to FYE, NSP personnel, policies, crises and risk management. Coordinates the development of print and digital communications & media related to FYE/Peer Mentoring/Academic Advising/Aggie Connections. Position requires extensive expertise & background in supervision, team development & training, academic support, first-year experience, project management, college student development, conflict and change management.

Apply By Date

April 22, 2026 at 11:59pm

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences (e.g. Psychology), Arts & Humanities (e.g., Sociology, Ethnic Studies), Education, Human Development or in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 3 years of career-level (post-grad) experience in successfully developing and managing large, complex college academic success/first-year experience/transition programs, or peer advising/mentoring programs and/or equivalent experience (i.e., residence life) designed for first-year and/or transfer students.
• Experience in direct supervision to recruit, hire, train, direct work, evaluate & reward performance, influence attitudes & behaviors, stimulate growth, ensure accountability & provide corrective action for career and/or student employees; experience applying knowledge and skills of student development and multicultural theories, practices and competencies.
• Demonstrated experience taking initiative, leading/completing projects without direction, exercising independent judgement in problem-solving balanced with seeking and consulting supervisors; experience working as part of a team.
• Advanced interpersonal, communication and diplomacy skills to establish and maintain effective collaborations with stakeholders, to positively affect partnerships, outcomes, structures and student success, navigating political complexities of a large, research institution.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and manage projects, meeting expectations and successful execution within established timelines and resources; skills to identify, map, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks, managing competing deadlines; guiding staff from concept through implementation with attention to communication, collaboration and accountability.
• Analytical, problem-solving & management skills to identify patterns, challenges & equity gaps, evaluate policy decisions and programs, develop strategies to resolve and communicate complex service & personnel issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in designing and teaching college level curriculum and/or trainings; facilitates engaging, experiential workshops, meetings, discussions using best practices of adult learning principles and advising theories, maximizing learner engagement and retention for students and staff from diverse backgrounds; extensive public speaking demonstrated.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education administration, college student personnel, or related field of study, or an equivalent combination of education & relevant university experience (e.g., residence life, multicultural center, student activities).
• Experience working in a large (10,000+ students), four-year, R1 - R3, not-for-profit institution, planning & coordinating academic support, first-year experience, or equivalent field (e.g., residence life, cultural center, student activities); experience identifying, educating and supporting the personal & social issues encountered by college students.
• Experience employing effective time management, project management & financial strategies to achieve timely progress on multiple, simultaneous, complex projects, distribute effort appropriately & maintain high level of productivity, as well as demonstrate ethical stewardship of students' money by monitoring/tracking expenses and making resource recommendations.
• Experience developing ideas, analyzing & summarizing complex data, and creating high-level reports to effectively present to supervisor/leadership to facilitate decision-making, strategic planning and recommend solutions.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to new processes, procedures, systems, structures, and coach others through effective change management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• 55% - First Year Experience Planning, Development & Management
• 30% - Supervision, Recruitment, Selection, Hiring
• 10% - Teaching,Training & Development
• 5% - General Responsibilities & Leadership

Department Overview

The UC Davis New Student Programs department is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the UC Davis New Student Orientation and First Year Experience programs for new undergraduate students and their families and supporters. New Student Programs (NSP) is a self-supporting auxiliary, within Student Success & Equity Innovation (SSEI), Division of Student Affairs. NSP provides orientation, transition, academic and retention support to approximately 9,500+ first-year and transfer students, as well as resource support for their parents and supporters. NSP is an embedded, collaborative partner with Student Housing & Dining Services (SHDS). For more information about New Student Programs visit our website at https://newstudentprograms.ucdavis.edu/ Student Affairs programs and services are open to all, consistent with state and federal law, as well as the University of California's non-discrimination policies. Every initiative, whether a student service, faculty program, or community event, is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all students.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $69,600.00/yr. - $124,200.00/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 21
• UC Job Title: STDT SVC SUPV 2
• UC Job Code: 004579
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Office area located in shared/common space with students, professional staff, visitor traffic & noise from on-going meetings, telephone conversations, etc. Full time position. Must be able to work occasional overtime & varied lunch hours to meet operational needs. Work occasional weekends & holidays. Work may include limited in/out of state travel. Work hours will vary with program needs. Must be able to work flexible hours during the year to support the FYE programs. Vacation may be restricted during peak times during the academic year or summer months. Work & travel in extreme temperatures during programs & trainings.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-SE