Associate Director, Transfer Pathways & First-Year Success

University of California; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

University of California Santa Cruz seeks an Associate Director, Transfer Partnerships and First Year Initiatives, to lead student access and transition efforts. You will foster cross‑campus, K–12, and community college collaborations and guide programs addressing equity, inclusion, and student success for low‑income and first‑generation students.

You will oversee strategic planning, program development, budget implementation, and reporting, ensuring alignment with enrollment and academic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Advanced knowledge of trends, issues, and state/federal policies in higher education.
• Demonstrated experience implementing initiatives that enhance equitable outcomes for historically minoritized students.
• Experience designing and implementing programs that support student access, enrollment, transition, and early academic success.
• Multicultural humility; knowledge and experience working with staff, faculty and student populations from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaboration across departments and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and develop professional staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for access and transition initiatives that support prospective and incoming undergraduate students.
• Develop and manage partnerships with K–12 schools, SAPEP-aligned schools, community colleges, and partners.
• Use data-driven approaches to improve transfer, retention, and graduation for underrepresented students.
• Coordinate with campus partners to ensure a seamless student experience from pre-admission to matriculation.
• Lead staff in training and professional development; oversee program implementation and assessment.

Skills

Leadership

Partnership building

Communication

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related area

Job description

University of California Santa Cruz seeks an Associate Director, Transfer Partnerships and First Year Initiatives, to lead student access and transition efforts. You will foster cross‑campus, K–12, and community college collaborations and guide programs addressing equity, inclusion, and student success for low‑income and first‑generation students.

You will oversee strategic planning, program development, budget implementation, and reporting, ensuring alignment with enrollment and academic