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 over 8,000 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 to highly qualified students from 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.

In fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success, and research excellence.

Reporting to the vice chancellor for student affairs and serving as the senior aide, the chief of staff (CoS) for the Division of Student Affairs serves as the key advisor on matters connected to the division’s mission of student success. The CoS will work closely with the vice chancellor and the student affairs leadership team on efforts that support the division’s strategic initiatives and annual goals around student success. On behalf of the division, the CoS liaisons on high-level strategy and initiatives with key campus partners, including: Academic Affairs, External Relations, Planning & Budget, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Communication. Aligned with the division’s strategic initiatives on student success, the position supports the efforts of the unit leads within the division around the coordination of resource allocation, personnel, and continuous and integrated improvements. Working closely with students, the CoS will coordinate efforts to create student input in divisional decision-making and avenues for student voice in campus planning. The CoS serves as a delegated authority in the vice chancellor’s absence on a wide range of matters, including budget, personnel, and general business operations. The CoS is empowered to make decisions on behalf of the vice chancellor and is charged to ensure the success of key divisional objectives. Further, the CoS is independently responsible for the assessment of inquiries and initiatives directed to the vice chancellor, determines the proper course of action for such requests, and delegates to the appropriate individual for resolution. The CoS works closely with the executive assistant in order to ensure efficient operations within the Office of the Vice Chancellor.

A bachelor’s degree in a related area of study and five years of progressively related experience in Student Affairs or equivalent experience/training are required. An advanced degree such as Masters, PhD, or EdD in higher education or related field of study is preferred. The successful candidates will have advanced knowledge of student development theory, student identity development, and cultural competency. Demonstrated skills in short- and long-range planning, program and project management, facilitation, and collaboration are critical. In addition, the CoS will have a proven ability to focus on priorities, strategies, and vision; advanced ability to coach and facilitate collaboration at all levels of the organization; and advanced ability to build and maintain relationships with a broad range of faculty, staff, students, and members of the community.

Review of applications will begin June 27, 2019, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed Heather J. Larabee at hjl@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the University of California, Merced website at ucmerced.edu

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.