Assistant Director, Educational Talent Search (K TO 14 ACAD PREP SPEC 3)

The Assistant Director for Educational Talent Search provides comprehensive academic, college, and career readiness services to program participants and works closely with school sites, families, and community partners to advance program objectives. This position provides leadership in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships between UC Davis, local schools, and community-based organizations, and represents the program and UC Davis at schools, conferences, committees, and meetings. The Assistant Director is responsible for student outreach, cohort case management, and the development and implementation of strategic recruitment initiatives to attract eligible students at select Shasta County schools.

Administrative and supervisory duties include onboarding and training new and ongoing staff, managing the secure maintenance and auditing of confidential student files to ensure compliance, and assisting with the creation of program publications, forms, and grant proposals. On-site delivery of services includes developing academic preparation activities, tutoring resources, career exploration, and the program's core curriculum. Additionally, the Assistant Director presents information on general college readiness, organizes campus visits, and delivers both group and individual academic advising, workshops, field trips, and events tailored to participants at target schools.

NOTE: This is an in-person role in Shasta County. The Assistant Director must reside in the local area to support daily, on-site student engagement at select schools.

Apply By Date

November 27, 2026 at 11:59pm

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Teaching, counseling or youth development experience and outreach efforts serving large numbers of diverse students to increase their educational achievement. Significant experience advising and supporting educationally disadvantaged students regarding postsecondary opportunities and careers.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and onboarding team members; including but not limited to providing operational direction and constructive feedback.
• Experience developing and managing academic preparation outreach programs.
• Experience collecting student data and tracking academic progress to produce comprehensive program reports.
• Knowledge of youth and adolescent development theory, including issues facing low-income, first-generation youth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with school district administrators, school counselors, principals, teachers and community contacts.
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical & software skills in Google workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Microsoft Office/Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Canva, and Student Database Management Systems.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in college access, student affairs, academic advising, K-12 outreach, or youth development programs.
• Demonstrated experience working with first-generation, low-income, and culturally diverse student populations in 6th-12th grades.
• Prior experience administering or delivering services within Federal TRIO Programs (Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, Student Support Services) or EAOP/PUENTE/MESA.
• Experience supervising staff, student employees, or tutors, and managing program budgets/grant reporting.
• Strong knowledge of federal regulations governing Federal TRIO Programs (Educational Talent Search) and federal grant compliance.
• Knowledge of California K-12 public education systems, UC/CSU A-G course requirements, community college pathways, and financial aid systems (FAFSA, CADAA, Cal Grants).
• Demonstrated leadership skills to recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate professional staff and student workers.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills to deliver workshops and communicate effectively with school districts, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Proficiency with student tracking databases, data collection tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace for program tracking and annual reporting (APR).
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive student records in compliance with FERPA.
  

Key Responsibilities

• 30% - Program Development and Management
• 50% - Academic Support Services
• 10% - Event Mangement
• 10% - Admissions, Outreach, and Public Relations

Department Overview

The School of Education was established in 2002, building on an 85-year tradition at UC Davis of working to strengthen public education. The School offers preparation for the California teaching credential, master's and doctoral-level programs for educational researchers and practitioners, and professional development for educators throughout Northern California. The School has over 40 full time senate and clinical faculty and 80 staff. The School's total budget is over $30 million and is comprised of state general funds, tuition and self-supporting revenue.

The School also supports a dynamic and diverse program of research. Faculty members and graduate students conduct research in numerous areas as diverse as academic language and literacy, college access and persistence, community and citizen science, autism and education, and much more. In addition to the academic programs, the School is home to eight Research and Innovation Centers and the federally funded College Opportunity Programs, serving over 7,000 middle and high school students in California. Ranked 32nd in 2023 by US News and World Report, the School is in the top 12% of Graduate Schools of Education nationally.

Please visit our website for more information on the School: http://education.ucdavis.edu

The Department of College Opportunity Programs works in partnership with administrators, teachers, and students in specified elementary, middle, and high schools in K-12 school districts located within eight counties in Central and far Northern California. The goal of COP is to increase the number of students from historically low college enrollment communities who prepare for post-secondary preparation with an emphasis on college/university preparation.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $60,500/yr. - $104,300/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 19
• UC Job Title: K TO 14 ACAD PREP SPEC 3
• UC Job Code: 004535
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M - F 8:00AM - 5:00PM
• Location: Redding, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% remote

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Valid CA driver's license. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. Work flexible schedule, occasional evenings/nights, occasional overtime, occasional varied lunch hours and occasional weekends and holidays. Participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which will include TB screening. Restricted vacation during peak periods.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

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

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-SE