UCSB PaCE Continuing Educator I - Child Life Program Manager

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Extension, now known as Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE), invites applications for Continuing Educator I - Child Life Programs. This role provides strategic leadership, oversight, and operational management of the Child Life program to ensure academic excellence and strong industry partnerships.

Reporting to the Director of Programs, you will recruit instructors, align curricula with ACLP standards, foster hospital partnerships for

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of clinical Child Life experience.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) in good standing.
• Minimum of 4000 clinical hours.
• Experience coordinating internships or student placements and curriculum development.

Responsibilities

• Lead oversight of the Child Life curriculum and alignment with ACLP/CCLS standards.
• Develop and launch new courses, certificates, and professional development.
• Recruit, onboard, and supervise Child Life instructors.
• Foster partnerships with hospitals for internships and clinical training.
• Oversee program growth, outcomes, and continuous quality improvement.

Skills

Child Life experience

Leadership

Curriculum development

Program oversight

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Continuing Educator I - Child Life Program Manager Salary range: $62,939 - $70,000/year Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: 7/1/26 Position duration: Hire date - 6/30/2027, renewable

Application Window

Open date: April 1, 2026

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) invites applications for the position of Continuing Educator, Child Life Programs. The core goals of Professional and Continuing Education are to provide continuing education courses to students and professionals in our community.

UCSB Extension, now known as Professional and Continuing Education, is an agile, self-supported UCSB Department offering professional courses and certificate programs to over 3000 students per year. We provide coursework on essential skills and expertise to compete in today's job market to all local and non-local students and professionals, corporate training and executive education. Our Open University program provides a gateway to the wealth of UCSB courses to all community members. Our International Programs enable visiting scholars and professionals from all over the world to experience the outstanding research and instruction at our top-rated University.

The Continuing Educator I - Child Life Programs, reporting to the Director of Programs, provides strategic leadership, oversight, and operational management of the Child Life program at UCSB Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE). This role ensures academic excellence, industry alignment, enrollment growth, and sustained partnerships that advance the preparation of future Child Life Specialists

Duties Include:

Program Leadership & Academic Oversight

• Provide strategic direction and comprehensive oversight of the Child Life curriculum, ensuring full alignment with the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) standards and Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) eligibility requirements.
• Lead curriculum development, course revisions, and instructional innovation to maintain academic rigor, industry relevance, and compliance with evolving professional guidelines.
• Evaluate program outcomes and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives to strengthen student success and professional readiness.
• Design and launch new courses, certificates, and professional development offerings that respond to emerging trends and workforce needs in pediatric healthcare.
• Secure and coordinate expert webinar speakers and guest lecturers to enhance program depth and industry engagement.

Faculty & Instructional Management

• Recruit, vet, and onboard highly qualified Child Life instructors in accordance with UCSB academic standards.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, and performance oversight to instructional staff to ensure excellence in course delivery.
• Facilitate regular communication with faculty regarding program updates, student needs, and institutional policies.

Student Success & Industry Engagement

• Advise and support students throughout their academic journey, promoting retention, internship readiness, and career placement.
• Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with hospital systems and clinical training sites to expand internship and experiential learning opportunities.
• Represent UCSB PaCE at the annual Child Life Conference and other professional venues to elevate program visibility and strengthen industry relationships.

Accreditation & Compliance

• Lead efforts to secure and maintain program alignment with ACLP and CCLS standards.
• Ensure all documentation, reporting, and compliance measures meet professional and institutional requirements.

Collaboration & Institutional Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with relevant UCSB academic and administrative departments to support program operations and growth.
• Partner with PaCE leadership and the Marketing department to develop data-informed recruitment strategies that drive enrollment and expand program reach.

Program Operations & Growth

• Assist with budget development, contract management, and administrative processes necessary for effective program oversight.
• Contribute to long-term program expansion planning, including market analysis, enrollment forecasting, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Actively recruit and engage prospective students through outreach efforts, presentations, and professional networking.

This position may be eligible for hybrid or remote work. On-site presence required periodically.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Minimum of 10+ years of clinical Child Life experience, preferably across a variety of units and patient populations (e.g., inpatient pediatrics, outpatient, specialty clinics, ICU, oncology, emergency, etc.).

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) in good standing.
• Minimum of 4000 clinical hours

Preferred qualifications

• Demonstrated experience coordinating internships, practicums, or student clinical placements.
• Experience developing curriculum and providing mentorship to Child Life students.
• Strong understanding of ACLP competencies, certification requirements, and professional standards.
• Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working in an academic or higher education setting.
• Prior teaching experience (online and/or in-person).
• Active or past volunteer involvement with ACLP.
• Experience hosting or supporting exhibit booths at the Annual Child Life Conference.
• Experience supervising UCSB PaCE Child Life interns and/or clinical educators.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

• Summary of Teaching Experience (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 2-4 required (contact information only)

The department will conduct a reference check for the finalist before extending an offer.

About UC Santa Barbara

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "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 or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
• APM - 035: Affirative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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

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.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA