Academic Achievement Counselor (ACAD ACHIEVEMENT CNSLR 3)

Under primary supervision of the College of Engineering (COE) Director of Undergraduate Retention Programs, provide comprehensive and wide-ranging academic advising, achievement counseling and support for undergraduate engineering students participating in the LEADR and AvenueE retention programs, many of whom are first-generation degree seekers, under-represented minorities, and from low-income backgrounds; serve as expert resource for and provide leadership to departmental academic advisors on a wide variety of policy implementation guidelines; provide advice and guidance to the chairs and members of college faculty governance committees, other campus units. Collaborate closely with appropriate personnel in other campus units. Ensure ongoing, individual and holistic advising for students to develop a strong foundation for retention and academic success through graduation. Interpret and apply complex Academic Senate, College and Campus academic and administrative regulations and policies associated broadly with undergraduate education and advising. Make decisions in consultation with the Associate Dean and, when appropriate, other college faculty on course planning and scheduling, academic intervention, dismissal, readmission, schedule adjustments and other matters of similar import for undergraduate students; represent the college at public forums and respond on behalf of the college to inquiries or complaints from the general public.

Apply By Date

July 10, 2025 at 11:59pm

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN FOR APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY 6/26/2025.

Qualifications

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

• Master's degree in STEM field, academic advising, counseling, higher education leadership, student services, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, including a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Experience advising students in a university setting.
• Experience identifying and determining appropriate level of advising or referral services for individual students, providing immediate crisis counseling, triage, and referrals to students in academic, financial or personal difficulty.
• Experience with computer software for word-processing, spreadsheet and database applications to perform standard computer-based activities such as recording accurate and complete messages in student files, and preparing correspondence, documents, and reports.
• Knowledge of diverse cultural backgrounds and sensitivity to social, educational and cultural needs and concerns of students who are first-generation, low-income, underrepresented or from non-traditional backgrounds.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Interpersonal communication skills and political acumen to build and maintain professional collaborative working relationships, and to work effectively at all levels and with all constituencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience identifying and documenting patterns of student academic needs and to develop strategies and programs to successfully meet those needs.
• Experience advising students regarding academic courses/programs/curriculum, major and college requirements, educational alternatives, petitions and certifications, etc.
• Experience using online tools and advising systems such as BANNER, College Source, Assist.com, and Degree Navigator.
• Organization and planning skills to establish goals and set work priorities under multiple competing deadlines.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• 65% - Undergraduate Academic Advising
• 15% - Program Development and Coordination
• 10% - Outreach and Liaison Activities
• 10% - Other Duties

Department Overview

The mission of Undergraduate Retention Programs, AvenueE and the Leadership in Engineering Advancement, Diversity, and Retention (LEADR), is to recruit, retain, and graduate a diverse population of students in the College of Engineering. These programs provide a comprehensive support system that includes holistic advising, first-year seminars, a living-learning community within the engineering residential hall, a first-year summer bridge program, and various workshops. They offer supplementary tutoring in partnership with the Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center and manage the LEADR Center, a dedicated study space. Program staff work closely with various campus units, including those within the Office of Educational Opportunity and Enrichment Services (OEOES), the Center for Leadership Learning, the Internship and Career Center, the Undergraduate Research Center, and Student Housing. They also collaborate with Student Affairs staff to build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including campus groups, external partners, high school and community college students, STEM educators, counselors, and alums. Additionally, their efforts extend to engaging with external agencies such as the State Department of Education, UC Deans and Directors, and established educational initiatives like MESA, EAOP, and TOP. The programs are pivotal in promoting retention and degree completion for high-potential students with a demonstrated commitment to or potential for leadership in increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in engineering-including women, African American, Chicanx/Latinx, and Native American students-and those from low-income and first-generation college backgrounds. Through targeted interventions and comprehensive wraparound support services, the programs build on existing initiatives and address student success gaps, effectively removing participation barriers and supporting retention and degree completion. These programs also serve as effective models of success, offering strategies and support that can be adapted and implemented throughout a student's entire higher education experience.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $62,000/yr. -$109,000/yr. (Dept. budgeted range: $62,000/yr. - $85,500/yr. Commensurate with experience)
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 20
• UC Job Title: ACAD ACHIEVEMENT CNSLR 3
• UC Job Code: 004501
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

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 rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

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
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 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.
• Work schedule is 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
• Occasional evening and weekend work will be necessary to provide academic information, participate in workshops, attend meetings, programs, and other events related to the responsibilities of the position, and to act as liaison to various groups.
• Participate in COE commencement ceremonies.
• Work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time. Work in an area with constant interruption and noise from office machines, telephones and conversations.
• Possess a valid California driver's license; provide own transportation for frequent work-related travel. Travel to locations off-campus and occasionally staying overnight.
• Limited vacation during major retention-program events.

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

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