Assistant Director, Basic Needs

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $53,500 - $82,300. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $65,900 - $82,300.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility:

In person - opportunity for seasonal hybrid work during summer or extended student break periods.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around October 24, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Under the supervision of the Director of Basic Needs, the Assistant Director of Basic Needs will maintain oversight of campus emergency food assistance initiatives, support food recovery initiatives, partnership development, communication and development of educational and training resources. The Assistant Director will provide coordination and collaboration with a variety of campus and community stakeholders. Community stakeholders will include local food bank, food recovery programs, as well as private vendors and charitable organizations. The incumbent will assist in the delivery of services and assist in the supervision of full-time professional staff and student staff. The incumbent will be responsible in supporting the data collection, legislative reporting, program assessments and providing program budget oversight.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Supervision and Program Development:

• Provides supervision and guidance to program coordinators, Basic Needs student staff, student volunteers, fellows/interns, student government, and other student organizations on related issues to Basic Needs goal/mission. Assists with hiring of professional staff, student staff, coordinates meetings, creates schedules, and provides guidance with program logistics. Supports facilitation of student-employee training. Aid in campus department cross training. Supports campus events such as Bobcat Day, New Student Orientation, Off-Campus Student Housing Fair, etc. Develops projects in consultation with Basic Needs Director. Conducts focus groups and engages campus populations to develop initiatives, campaigns, prevention strategies and support communication channel for service updates. Ensures employees adherence to campus-level trainings and requirements.

Communication, Education and Partnership Development:

• Supports in the development of campus training material to raise awareness of basic needs issues and programs available to support students facing basic needs insecurity. Oversees the development, delivery, and assessment of educational programs. Communicates with partners across campus and within the community regarding basic needs programs, events and opportunities to partner on new initiatives and existing programs. Makes recommendations on prevention education programs to help meet the complex and varied needs of the campus. Assists with developing workshops and content information focused on intersectionality issues impacting students basic needs. Tailors content to the diverse student population, staff members, and faculty at UC Merced. Initiates and designs revisions to education material and program design and/or content. Collaborate with Director for oversight and determination of appropriate methods for communication.

Data Collection, Legislative Reporting and Program Assessment:

• Works with Basic Needs colleagues to regularly track, communicate and report relevant data (eg:
• focus groups, surveys, etc.) and integrate feedback into program operations and accessibly communicate basic needs efforts to a range of audiences. Works with the Basic Needs Director to formulate, execute, and evaluate progress on data-informed, multi-year plans that incorporate metrics and milestones. Provides support to the Basic Needs Director in drafting, gathering data, reviewing and submitting proposals for both internal and external funding opportunities. Assists in reporting requirements outlined by UC Office of the President, institution and division.

Advocacy and Outreach:

• Develops and maintains relationships with internal and external organization stakeholders critical to program success. Represents Basic Needs on campus committees, the local community, and other relevant audiences. Represents Basic Needs at systemwide Basic Needs network meetings. Participates as requested in expert panels and workshops.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree Public/community health, Nutrition, food systems, psychology, sociology, social work, human services or related area from an accredited institution
• Advanced degree Public/community health, Nutrition, food systems, psychology, sociology, social work, human services or related area from an accredited institution. (Preferred)

AND

• Five years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student support services job function.
• Previous experience with food, housing and/or crisis resource initiatives in higher education and/or community settings. (Preferred)
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders to develop a common vision and implementation plan. (Preferred)
• Experience in marketing of college campus programs and campaigns. (Preferred)
• California Food Handler Certification (ServSafe). (Preferred)

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.