Assistant Dean of Students, Leadership & Involvement

*** NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must apply online to the UCSC job website. The recruitment for this position is being managed by our recruitment partner, Another Source. All conversations and applications are held in the strictest confidence.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 08-17-2026

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 Division of Student Affairs & Success (DSAS) comprises nearly 800 professional staff and 2,100 student staff spanning five major units, and provides campus-wide leadership for student success programs and initiatives. The division's work is rooted in educational equity, institutional responsibility, and an unfettered commitment to supporting the whole student. DSAS works collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and campus leadership to ensure every student feels welcomed, supported, and a strong sense of belonging.

The Student Development and Engagement unit (SDE) provides a range of programs, services, spaces, and experiences that support student involvement, leadership, co-curricular learning, essential needs, wellbeing, and belonging. SDE includes Basic Needs Programs, the Dean of Students Office, KZSC, the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Education, Slug Support case management, Student Organization & Advising Resources, Student Media, Cultural Arts & Diversity (SOMeCA), and the Office of Transitions & Involvement. The unit also manages student demonstration response and support, student spiritual life, and advising for the Student Union Assembly (undergraduate student government). SDE is committed to helping students engage fully in their education.

The Center for Leadership & Involvement is a newly established cluster within SDE that includes SOMeCA and the Office of Transitions & Involvement. The Center connects students to the university and to each other, and fosters Banana Slug spirit across the student body by building pathways for engagement and belonging throughout their time at UC Santa Cruz.

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

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Dean of Students for Leadership & Involvement is an inaugural leadership role responsible for establishing the strategic vision, organizational direction, and long-term development of the Center for Leadership & Involvement at University of California, Santa Cruz. Under the general direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students, the Assistant Dean provides executive leadership and administrative oversight for the Center and its departments, programs, services, and operations.

In a complex and dynamic campus environment, the Assistant Dean serves as a key architect of a coordinated, student-centered ecosystem that supports student life. This role advances a comprehensive vision for student engagement that fosters belonging, deepens connection to the university, and strengthens student success and retention.

As a key campus leader and recognized subject matter expert, the Assistant Dean advises senior leadership on student engagement strategy, leadership development, student organizations, orientation and transition programs, and family engagement. The role collaborates broadly across Enrollment Management, Undergraduate Education, Colleges, Housing & Educational Services (CHES), Resource Centers, Academic Divisions, and other campus partners to advance coordinated strategies and initiatives that support student connection, belonging, and success.

The Assistant Dean provides vision, leadership, and accountability for the design, integration, assessment, and continuous improvement of high-impact, inclusive, and accessible student engagement programs and services. Through the use of data, assessment, and emerging best practices, the Assistant Dean leads ongoing innovation to ensure programs remain responsive, effective, and aligned with institutional priorities and the evolving needs of students and families.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $125,000 - $135,000 / 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

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 000320 (STDT LIFE DEV MGR 2) - Grade 25

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

40% - Organizational and Unit-Wide Leadership and Strategy

• Provides strategic, visionary leadership for the Center for Leadership & Involvement.
• Establishes long-term organizational vision, strategic goals, and assessment frameworks for student involvement programming, student leadership development, student organization advising, student media, cultural arts, new student orientation/transition programs, and family engagement.
• Advises the Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students and divisional leadership on student and family engagement strategy, student engagement, leadership development, and the comprehensive student experience.
• Works in close partnership with the Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students and collaborates with other Assistant/Associate Deans of Students to lead strategic planning efforts for the Student Development & Engagement (SDE) unit, ensuring alignment of priorities, resources, and outcomes across functional areas.
• Represents the unit, division, and university in campus, systemwide, and national discussions related to student involvement, leadership, and transition programs.
• Oversees organizational assessment, program evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts across the Center for Leadership & Involvement.
• Leads organizational planning, organizational design, and staff development efforts to strengthen effectiveness, alignment, and organizational capacity across the Center for Leadership & Involvement.

25% - Department Oversight, Management, and Project Integration

• Provides strategic and administrative leadership for departments and programs within the Center for Leadership & Involvement, including Transitions & Involvement and SOMeCA, ensuring organizational alignment, coordination of departmental priorities, effective stewardship of financial and operational resources, and integration of programs, services, and operations.
• Directly supervises the Director of SOMeCA and the Director of Transitions & Involvement, providing leadership, strategic guidance, performance management, and professional development support, while ensuring effective oversight and coordination of departmental staff, programs, services, operations, and student-facing initiatives across both departments.
  Integrates work across departments to create a cohesive student engagement experience that strengthens connection, belonging, and leadership development throughout students' time at the university.
• Provides strategic direction and support for key functional areas, including:
  • Orientation, transition programs, and first-year experience initiatives
  • Student involvement and engagement opportunities
  • Student organization advising, including Greek life
  • Student media
  • Cultural arts and diversity programs
  • Family engagement
• Ensures programs operate as educational environments aligned with institutional mission, student development principles, and inclusive excellence goals.
• Oversees risk management, policy development, and governance structures related to student organizations, programs, and events.

15% - Divisional & Campus Leadership, Student Engagement, and Campus Climate

• Participates as a member of the Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students leadership team and contributes to broader divisional leadership through participation on the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success Cabinet.
• Engages with and advocates for students and their concerns to support their individual and collective success. Maintains a strong, visible, and approachable presence across campus through attendance at student events, programs, and activities (including evenings and weekends) to build and sustain relationships with diverse student communities, student leaders, student organizations, and student activists, and remains informed about emerging student concerns, campus climate, and student voice.
• Represents the unit, division, and university on divisional, campus-wide, and system-wide committees and workgroups related to student engagement, leadership development, student organizations, new student and family programs, the first-year experience, and other related areas.
• Contributes to the planning and facilitation of professional development opportunities, trainings, and unit-wide gatherings for the Student Development & Engagement (SDE) unit.
  Serves as a leader on the Student Engagement Team (SET), contributing to divisional and campus-wide response and support to student protest, demonstration, and other issues of campus climate and conflict.
• Maintains current knowledge of national trends and best practices, research, and emerging issues in student affairs and adjacent fields, including student engagement, student activism, free expression, leadership development, new student and family programs, and inclusive excellence in higher education.

10% - Family Engagement, Advancement, and Revenue Generation

• Leads and advances a comprehensive divisional family engagement strategy that strengthens connection to the university, fosters belonging and support, and cultivates a sustained sense of investment in the student experience and campus community.
• Provides strategic direction and oversight for family engagement programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with divisional priorities and the broader student engagement ecosystem.
• Partners with University Advancement to support parent and family donor cultivation strategies and broader philanthropic engagement connected to student programs and priorities.
• Identifies and develops revenue-generating and self-supporting strategies aligned with family engagement and student success initiatives, including fee-based programs, signature events, sponsorship opportunities, partnerships, and other engagement experiences that enhance connection to the university.
• Cultivates and sustains external community partnerships that support family engagement efforts, student programs, leadership development opportunities, and campus events.
• Ensures family engagement and revenue strategies align across units and advance divisional priorities, including student-centered decision-making, equity and inclusion, and innovation.

10% - Budget, Human Resources & Administrative Oversight

• Oversees budgets and financial planning for the Office of Transitions & Involvement and SOMeCA.
• Makes decisions on hiring, performance management, salary actions, and organizational structure for respective departments.
• Ensures compliance with university policies, risk management practices, and financial controls.
• Oversees development of systems and procedures that support program operations and risk management.
• Develops policies and procedures affecting multiple departments and programs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Advanced experience with strategic planning, program development, organizational leadership, and assessment, including the ability to develop long-range goals, evaluate effectiveness through data-informed decision-making, lead organizational change, and drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Experience providing leadership, supervision, support, and personnel management across multiple functional areas, including supervising professional staff, fostering accountability and growth, and managing complex programs, services, and operations.
• Experience managing budgets, allocating resources, and stewarding financial and operational processes in support of organizational and student success goals.
• Advanced leadership experience in student activities, student organization advising, leadership development, orientation programs, and/or first-year experience initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build meaningful relationships with and effectively advise, mentor, and support college students, student leaders, and student organizations.
• Ability to analyze complex information, situations, and organizational challenges; formulate sound conclusions; establish priorities; and make thoughtful recommendations and decisions.
• Demonstrated political acumen and sound judgment in navigating sensitive, high-profile, and complex issues, with the ability to balance competing interests and perspectives within a diverse and dynamic campus environment.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted advisor to senior campus leaders, providing sound judgment, strategic insight, and thoughtful counsel on complex and sensitive student affairs, organizational, and campus climate matters.
• High level of cultural fluency and demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. Experience working effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, and the ability to navigate complex issues related to the multiple and intersecting identities represented within the student body and broader campus community.
• Excellent judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive issues and information.
• Strong oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in group processes.
• Excellent writing skills to produce concise reports, policies and procedures, and correspondence. Ability to make clear, informative and persuasive presentations to internal and external groups.
• Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution, mediation, and navigating complex interpersonal and organizational dynamics with diplomacy, professionalism, and a student-centered approach.
• Knowledge of national best practices and philosophies of student development theory, including co-curricular learning and involvement, first-year experience, student leadership, and issues related to access, equity, and retention.
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply university and campus regulations, policies and procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree or Doctorate in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Clery Act: This position has been identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA); required to report crimes, incidents, and disciplinary referral statistics as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC * 1092(f)).
• 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.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

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.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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

EEO/AA

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.