Program Coordinator, Student Engagement Initiative

University of California - San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego invites applications for a Program Coordinator, Student Engagement Initiative. This in-person role oversees a portfolio of student support and peer engagement programs, including Student First Stop, Mentoring for All, and the Mentor Collective.

You will manage daily operations, supervise Student Ambassadors, lead program development, campus partnerships, assessment and communications, and coordinate National Mentoring Month activities to boost access, engagement and student success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Knowledge of counseling theories and student development as they relate to academic success.
• Experience with mentoring programs and student engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead portfolio of student support and peer engagement initiatives (Student First Stop, Mentoring for All, Mentor Collective).
• Oversee daily operations, supervise Student Ambassadors, and manage the Mentor Collective platform and vendor relationships.
• Drive program development, student/mentor engagement, training, partnerships, assessment, communications, recruitment, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate campus-wide activities (e.g., National Mentoring Month) to promote awareness, engagement and access to resources.

Skills

Student engagement

Counseling basics

Mentoring

Communication

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Payroll Title: ACAD ACHIEVEMENT CNSLR 3 SV

Department: STUDENT RETENTION & SUCCESS (S

Hiring Pay Scale: $70,538 - $90,000 / Year

Worksite: Campus

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: SV Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: Days, 8 hrs/day, Mon - Fri

Date Posted: 10/27/2026

La Jolla: 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093, United States

#141931 PROGRAM COORDINATOR, STUDENT ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/30/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

Provides leadership and oversight for a portfolio of student support and peer engagement initiatives, including the Student First Stop, Mentoring for All, Mentor Collective, and Certified Peer Educator Training.

Oversees the daily operations of the Student First Stop, supervises Student Ambassadors, and provides comprehensive administration of the Mentor Collective program, including management of the Mentor Collective platform and vendor relationship. Leads program development, student and mentor engagement, training, campus partnerships, assessment, communications, recruitment, and continuous improvement to expand access to resources and strengthen student success. Coordinates campus-wide National Mentoring Month activities to promote awareness, engagement, and participation in mentoring.

~ This position is in person Monday through Friday.

~ Cover letter required for a complete application.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the theories and practice of counseling, learning, human and career development. Knowledge of student development theories and practices as they relate to academic success, personal growth, career development, mentoring, coaching, and student support.
• Knowledge in how to enhance students' intellectual and personal growth and development, including critical thinking, effective communication, self-appraisal, self-esteem, clarification of values, appropriate career choices, and leadership.
• Knowledge of strategies that promote student self-awareness, confidence, decision-making, leadership, goal setting, communication, career exploration, and overall personal and academic development.
• Knowledge of the methodologies used to enhance student achievement, such as collaborative teaching / learning models, strategies for effective counseling and peer mentoring, small group facilitation and training, coaching, mentoring, and advocacy.
• Knowledge of evidence-informed approaches to student engagement and success, including peer mentoring, coaching, advocacy, collaborative learning, group facilitation, training, and culturally responsive student support.
• Knowledge of trends and issues facing low-income and first-generation college, underrepresented, disadvantaged, physically challenged, and under prepared students in higher education. Knowledge of current trends, barriers, and challenges affecting diverse student populations and their impact on access, engagement, belonging, persistence, and academic and career outcomes.
• Knowledge and experience in analyzing complex situations and identifying solutions for problem-solving; skills and experience in developing and administering programs designed to meet the diverse needs of students. Knowledge and experience assessing complex student needs, developing solutions, and administering student support programs. Ability to coordinate multiple initiatives, campus partnerships, and services while adapting programs to meet changing student needs.
• Knowledge and experience using quantitative and qualitative data to assess student needs, program participation, engagement, and outcomes; identify trends; inform program improvements; and prepare reports and recommendations.
• Knowledge of research methodologies and research designs.
• Knowledge of and experience in conflict management and intervention strategies. Knowledge of conflict management, intervention, de-escalation, and referral strategies. Ability to address student mentor-mentee concerns, facilitate resolution, maintain appropriate boundaries, and connect students with appropriate resources.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements to provide for access, health, confidentiality, and safety; legal and ethical issues governing the delivery of counseling services.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Evening and weekend hours as needed.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Cover letter required for a complete application.
• This position is a mandated reporter of known or suspected child abuse or neglect, according to the California law, Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA).

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

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 status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

Prospective employees who are ordinarily residents in Iran or who are physically located in Iran are generally not eligible to for employment per suspension of General License G on 24 August 2026. If you have ever resided in Iran or have an Iranian passport and would like to confirm your eligibility, please contact [e-mail] for consideration of your particular circumstances.

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace