Associate Director - Comprehensive Review & Evaluations

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

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The IRD for this job is: 02-19-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions generates, reviews, and processes in excess of 67,000 applications and serves approximately 38,000 campus visitors each year. The office has 44 career staff FTE, 45-50 part-time/temporary staff, and 150 student staff. Staff work locally and regionally throughout California and the nation.

The office is part of Enrollment Management, which includes Financial Aid and Scholarships, Orientation and Undergraduate Admissions. Enrollment Management is part of the multi-faceted academic Division of Undergraduate Education. Undergraduate Admissions, Enrollment Management and Undergraduate Education work closely with select Academic Senate committees.

Since its founding in 1965, the University of California, Santa Cruz, has grown from 652 students to nearly 19,000 students (2017-18) and earned international distinction as a world university with high impact research, ranking 3rd in the world for research influence by Times Higher Education, and among the top 50 universities in the world, according to the U.S. News and World Report 2017 Best Global Universities rankings.

A campus with world-class facilities and one of the most visually spectacular settings in higher education, UC Santa Cruz offers rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research opportunities. At the core of our progressive educational approach are our 10 distinctive residential colleges, which organize the campus into smaller living/learning communities.

More information can be found at: https://admissions.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Senior Associate Director, the Associate Director directs, organizes, and monitors all activities related to Comprehensive Review (freshman application review), coordination of appeal of denial processes, and serves as the resident expert on eligibility and evaluation guidelines for first year and advanced standing students seeking admission to UC Santa Cruz. They independently oversee the day to day operations and make recommendations on program improvements. The incumbent participates in the planning and execution of transfer review and posting of academic credit from California community colleges and other institutions. A member of the leadership team, the Associate Director participates in the development and implementation of complex policies and procedures to strengthen infrastructure, take a digital first approach, and ensure proper alignment of resources to achieve campus enrollment goals. In this role, the incumbent maintains knowledge of industry best practices and works collaboratively with department leadership to maximize resources and uphold the security and privacy of student records.

The Associate Director trains, supervises, and determines the goals and expectations of subordinates responsible for executing tasks associated with reviewing undergraduate applications for admission, including the evaluation of academic records and awarding transfer credit for new and continuing students in the Academic Information System (AIS). The incumbent is responsible for implementing policies that directly affect subordinate staff, leading a team of professionals with varying areas of expertise in solving complex business or systems issues.

Represents Undergraduate Admissions in meetings and committees at local, system wide, regional and state level on appropriate topics. With the department leadership establishes strategies that meet the goals of the unit, its campus clientele, and UC; serve as a member of various standing and ad hoc committees such as the Senior Admissions Evaluators Workgroup, Apply UC, etc.

A successful candidate is someone who thinks critically and creatively about how to organize, track, and complete large volumes of work within a compressed timeline in a fast paced organization. This requires strong organization skills, and an understanding of people, data and systems required to do the work. While responsible for leading a diverse team, the incumbent must be able to work independently, own their work, set priorities, multitask and see projects through to completion. The position offers the flexibility of telecommuting two days per week.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $86,500 - $95,000/Annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus / Hybrid

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: ADMISSIONS RECRMT SUPV 2 (004512)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

25% - Project management

• Oversees and evaluates the comprehensive review, appeals and first year finalization processes. Ensures that staff are utilizing up to date UC and UCSC policy and procedures for admission eligibility and evaluation. Develops a comprehensive and detailed training plan (to include norming sessions) and develops and maintains training materials and resources which staff can use in making admission decisions. Establishes sub-unit reading goals and organizes staff effectively to achieve those directives. Ensures all procedures in areas of responsibility are clearly documented and regularly updated. Participates in developing and monitoring operational and budget processes, personnel, and space planning. Provides work flow analysis across sub-units to inform the strategic plans

25% - Supervision of full-time staff

• Provides direct supervision to a team of professionals, managing the work by coordinating, assigning and developing project plans and timelines. Assists with hiring of new employees, salary actions, terminations, and performance ratings. Sets assignments, establishes schedules, approves timecards and conducts annual reviews in accordance with SHR procedures. Provides overall support to staff for system testing, and mandatory compliance reporting requirements. Provides staff with conflict resolution support and intervenes in situations of public conflict and confrontation. Provides guidance to subordinates on most complex issues. Provides structured professional growth opportunities for admission counselors. Participates in the development of department communications with regard to first year and transfer evaluation processes and procedures.

20% - Implement new systems

• Works as part of a team to implement new systems within department. Makes recommendations based on how the evaluations processes will be impacted by changes to current Admissions' systems. Leads system implementations, upgrades and enhancements in Comprehensive, Appeals and First Year Finalization Review. Oversees and evaluates operational processes and recommends changes to streamline operations; participates in development and implementation of process improvement initiatives. Manages electronic files, applications makes suggestions surrounding other evaluation processes within Undergraduate Admissions as needed.

20% - Frosh holistic review leader

• Provides direct supervision to staff in their assessment of a student's self reported academic record for admission to UC Santa Cruz. Responds to questions and gives direction to staff about complex Admissions processes, including the evaluation of applicants' overall record and experience for final admissions determination and recommendation. Functions as advisor to unit and department leadership on first year eligibility requirements, transfer evaluation guidelines, and UC Academic Senate policy. Supervises staff to assure accountability and stewardship of department resources (operational, financial, and human) in compliance with departmental goals and objectives.

10% - Student contact person

• Serves as primary liaison for students and parents at public and private high schools and community colleges. Plans visits, makes presentations, provides group and individual advising. Provides in-depth information to prospective students and their parents on admissions requirements, prerequisite major courses, programs and curricula, financial aid criteria in school and community-based organization settings. Works with the Marketing and Communication team to review and revise applicant messaging during the admissions recruitment cycle.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Knowledge of human resources management policies with the ability to train, monitor, evaluate, and document human resources issues and performance. Demonstrated ability in supervising the work of others and the ability to organize and set priorities that accurately reflect department goals and objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to provide clear, concise information, and to effectively communicate and present complex, technical information in professional settings with co-workers, prospective students, their families and the general public.
• Thorough and comprehensive knowledge of academic programs, including curricula, admissions requirements, and financial aid programs, at colleges / universities.
• Ability to manage projects and budgets, provide accurate accounting of expenditures, analyze and interpret reports, and formulate and present recommendations. Ability to analyze data, including return on investment, to assess the efficacy of evaluation, outreach and recruitment programs.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using standard computing tools including Microsoft Office applications, on-line databases, email, and web-based research tools.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion, particularly in matters relative to sensitive or confidential student records, personnel or organizational matters. Demonstrated ability to utilize critical thinking skills to analyze problems and develop effective solutions.
• Thorough knowledge and experience working with a diverse student population.
• Ability to work in a deadline driven environment, making effective use of limited resources, while maintaining a professional demeanor. Demonstrated ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of tertiary level foreign credentials, secondary school records, study abroad programs and policies, and knowledge of major educational systems of the world. Experience with the online UC A-G Course List and ASSIST transfer student information resource.
• Thorough and comprehensive knowledge of academic programs, including curricula, admissions requirements, and financial aid programs, at colleges / universities and specifically at UC/UCSC..
• Working knowledge of Oracle/PeopleSoft Campus Solutions system and CRM Systems, as well as other student-based computing environments.
• Knowledge of languages other than English, both written and oral.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to perform essential physical job functions.
• The selected candidate will be required to work a hybrid work schedule and must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• Ability to travel nationally.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hUBiz3WS3zErEGOhSOu7KZZPzGkTwr_2/view?usp=sharing. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.