Academic Advisor, Career Support Coordinator (Hybrid)

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 salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $59,000 - $72,500.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around August 5th, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position will be hybrid, with a minimum of 3 days in person in the office per week.

Effective April 18, 2025, the University recognizes UAW-SSAP (SV) as the exclusive representative of this position.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under the direction of the Director of Student Services, and in conjunction with other Academic Advisors within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA), the Academic Advisor, Career Support Coordinator, provides academic advising for prospective and current students in the School's programs. Works closely with SSHA faculty in the planning, development, and implementation of a coordinated and comprehensive academic advising program for students within the Anthropology and Sociology majors/minors, and Community Research and Service minor, Geospatial Technology minor. Interprets and explains University and School policies and procedures relevant to undergraduate programs. Provides a welcoming atmosphere for students in the School and directs them to appropriate University resources. Advises and counsels individuals with unique and/or confidential problems and arranges specialized help for students as needed through other support services within the University.

Applies skills as a seasoned, experienced academic advisor. Provides advice to students on the full range of requirements for the School with a wide variety of course requirements. Develops advising materials and tools for use by students and other academic advising units. Recommends solutions to progression and requirement issues. Advice may include not-clearly-defined programs such as independent study programs, interdisciplinary programs, or multiple programs.

Responsible for career support programming across all SSHA departments and serves as primary contact between SSHA Leadership, SSHA Undergraduate Programs & Departments, Student Career Center, and Alumni Relations for collaborative cross-unit career-focused initiatives and outreach. Coordinates alumni career panels, career-focused events, and career-focused programming with campus partners. Collaborates with Student Career Center and SSHA faculty to develop and distribute career development opportunities to current SSHA undergraduate students. Creates and circulates advertisements of career development opportunities for all SSHA undergraduates.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides advice and assistance to students on all aspects of their academic experience, including progression and requirement matters for the Anthropology and Sociology majors/minors, Community Research and Service minor, Geospatial Technology minor, and School/campus-wide General Education. Identifies students with GPA or progress problems, advises students, and recommends appropriate courses of action by the major or School (e.g., academic probation, dismissal, Normal Progress Policy). Determines barriers, distractions, and complications affecting a student's academic success, helps students recognize these key non-academic issues, and makes appropriate referrals for additional therapeutic counseling and/or assistance from other units. Determines transferability and applicability of non-UC courses and/or courses of the organization within or outside of the department that may affect ongoing requirements.
• Serves as a primary contact between SSHA, Alumni Relations, and the Student Career Center for cross-unit programming and promotion. Represents SSHA at cross-functional meetings. Coordinates alumni career panels with campus constituents and other career-focused events. Partners with the Student Career Center and SSHA faculty to distribute career development opportunities to current students. Oversees career development opportunities, such as workshops and guest speakers.
• Produces and distributes communications promoting career development opportunities for all SSHA undergraduate students.
• Team Contribution: This position requires interaction with several departments and committees throughout the University. It will include collaboration and strong communication with colleagues to accomplish the overall vision and goals of the Mission for the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA).
• Confirms that students have met requirements for degree completion, including when there are no clear precedents or articulations, such as interdisciplinary programs or when transfer work is involved. Advises students on a wide range of course possibilities and / or ways to complete degree requirements that may not be clearly defined. Evaluates and advises students in petitions for exceptions to major and/or School policy or requirements.
• Advises new and continuing instructors on student academic advising issues. Provides faculty referrals to the appropriate office, including Office of Student Conduct and the Dean of Students Office. Advises new and continuing instructors on major, School and university policies and procedures. Assists faculty on determining course scheduling needs for student progression to graduation. Participates in planning academic curriculum in collaboration with chair and faculty, and with other departments, to ensure students' progress through course sequences, avoid conflicts, and ensure compliance with organization-wide policies.
• Other duties as assigned. Includes responding to other unanticipated advising support questions, inquiries and needs.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in related area or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in education, counseling, or student affairs, preferred. (Preferred)
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services job function, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. An advanced degree may substitute for one year of required experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Knowledge of multiple majors, colleges, and school.
• Thorough knowledge of college/school policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving.
• Abilities in problem identification, reasoning, ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment and adjusting priorities as needed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including active listening.
• Demonstrated ability in using Microsoft Office software for business processes.
• Knowledge of and experience with student information systems, such as Banner, MyDegreePath (u.achieve) or similar.

Background check will be 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.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

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/