Job Details

Program Specialist, Guardian Scholars/NextUp

Position Number: 6318016
Location: Aptos, CA
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

Program Specialist, Guardian Scholars/NextUp

Cabrillo College

Salary: See Position Description
Job Type: Full-time (100%)
Job Number: 2025-02016
Closing: 7/15/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: Aptos, CA
Department: Equity & Diversity

Employment Opportunity

We need YOU! Cabrillo College is looking for staff to provide quality programs and services for a diverse student population promoting ever-evolving needs as our students grow toward their individual aspirational goals. Cabrillo is an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with a special focus on enhancing the Latinx student experience. Come join our team, valuing high-level and innovative instruction, support services, a welcoming environment, and helping to change the world one student at a time!

This full-time, 10-months per year Program Specialist, Guardian Scholars/NextUp position assists with the planning and implementation of a student program; performs program administrative support duties including maintaining student records and databases, assisting students complete county, state and federal applications for support and tracking program data for grant funding; works with students one-on-one and in groups to identify academic barriers and service needs; acts as a liaison between the student and resource providers; and performs related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will share Cabrillo's commitment to educating its racially and socioeconomically diverse student population. Cabrillo College serves approximately 11,400 students per term. In the Fall of 2021, 58% of Cabrillo students are members of minoritized populations, identifying themselves as LatinX (48%), Multi Ethnic (5%), Asian (2%), Black Non-Hispanic (1%), Filipino (1%), American Indian/Alaskan Native (<1%) and Pacific Islander (<1%). In 2006, Cabrillo College was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution, reflecting the great responsibility that the College has to the educational attainment and economic well-being of the surrounding community.

As a classified staff member at Cabrillo College, you will join a vibrant community of professionals and educators working together to provide a positive educational environment where our students experience diverse academic and cultural perspectives.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Participates in the day-to-day services and activities of assigned program that supports achievement of student academic, career and personal success; answers questions over the phone or at a front counter and resolves escalated questions and concerns from students, faculty, staff, vendors and the public regarding assigned program and services; explains program or service processes, procedures, rules and guidelines.
Performs administrative or program support functions requiring specialized knowledge of program and administrative work processes; maintains program calendars and schedules; maintains student records, databases and files; verifies student initial and ongoing program eligibility and tracks program participation and academic progress for funding or reimbursement purposes; generates and reconciles reports from multiple data sources.
Performs intake duties and schedules students for counseling services or provides referrals to other departments, the county or community services; oversees the distribution and tracking of a variety of vouchers; independently performs research for Counselors and other faculty on specific student issues and resolves routine issues.
Directly assists students with overcoming obstacles to achieving personal and academic success through access to academic and support services; acts as a liaison between student, other campus programs and departments and refers students to counselors and to community resources.
Monitors budget allocations and expenditures; maintains financial and statistical records and prepares reports; assists in developing program budgets, objectives and procedures within District guidelines; tracks and maintains payments to students and federal, state and county reimbursement data for services; may perform program cashiering functions.
Assists with the logistics of major events including liaison work with other campus departments and facilities, event participants, vendors and sponsors; oversees logistics for and participates in outreach and matriculation programs, orientation activities, workshops, cultural experiences and academic support/tutoring programs.
Assists in coordinating resources to respond to students in crisis or who require academic intervention.
Participates in program marketing including preparation of promotional materials, invitations and publications; updates and maintains the department or program website and social media accounts.

OTHER DUTIES

Assists with recruiting, hiring and training student employees and monitors their work for accuracy and conformance with applicable requirements and standards.
May participate on internal and external committees; interacts with community agencies, business/ industry, local government, local high schools, other colleges and academic institutions.
Demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation, of community college students, faculty and staff AND
Graduation from an associate degree program and coursework applicable to the program, AND at least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in student support, human services or social services OR
An equivalent combination of training and experience.

PLEASE NOTE: Additional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis, or additional education may be substituted for the experience on a year-for-year basis up to two (2) years.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Modern office practices, procedures and equipment including advanced knowledge of computers and applicable software programs.
General principles, practices and techniques used in customer service, public relations and community outreach.
Program goals, objectives, policies, procedures and practices applicable to area of assignment.
District and community resources including governmental, community, and social service organizations and their functions.
Common issues and challenges facing a diverse population of community college students.
District rules, policies and procedures applicable to departmental and division operations.
Basic research methods and analysis techniques.
Practices and techniques of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Applicable sections of the California Education Code, Title V and other applicable laws.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and other District, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and policies governing student records.

Skills and Abilities to:

Provide customer service in person and over the phone.
Comprehend requests for information or assistance, identify appropriate resources and advocate effectively for students and program participants.
Compose clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, agreements, presentations and other written materials from brief instructions.
Track and report statistical information utilizing complex spreadsheets and databases.
Perform mathematical calculations; assist in monitoring a program or department budget.
Assist in the planning and implementation of programs and activities in assigned program or department.
Understand, interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations.
Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential student issues and situations.
Organize, set priorities and exercise sound, independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
Maintain confidentiality of District and student files and records.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Uphold the District's mission, values and objectives including equity and Guided Pathways.
Support an inclusive work environment that fosters diversity, respect and engagement.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

A valid California driver's license or ability to access and use alternative transportation.

Additional Information

Starting Salary Range: $4,465 to $5,169 per month; plus 5% annual increases up to step 7, maximum initial salary step placement on the classified salary schedule is step 4. Full-time (40 hours per week) assignment, 10 months per year. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with evenings and weekends as required.

Classified employees are required to join the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and as such contribute up to 8% of their monthly salary to CalPERS on a pre-tax basis. Position scheduled to begin as soon as possible, pending continued categorical funding and Governing Board ratification. Salary is subject to proration based on beginning date of assignment.

Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, life, short and long term, and vision (optional) insurance provided at a share of cost on a pretax basis, CalPERS Retirement and an Employee Assistance Program. Please see the Benefits link on the HR webpage for more information.

Application Process:

Complete the application and answer all supplemental questions; provide detailed information to aid in determining the minimum qualification requirements have been met
Attach resume
Attach unofficial transcripts for college coursework completed, if applicable, displaying any degrees conferred (copies, photos, and downloads are acceptable). Foreign Transcripts must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency at the applicant's expense - click here for more information

Please note: All application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date indicated above.

Attention Applicants

Only completed applications with the above required documents will be reviewed by the committee. Application materials not required (including cover letters or letters of recommendation) for this position will not be reviewed. Remove personally identifiable information such as personal photos, social security number, birth date, age, and gender from your application materials. Expenses related to the recruitment process are the responsibility of the applicant. Cabrillo is unable to sponsor work visas. A position eligibility pool may be established in order to fill other full-time, part-time, or substitute assignments as needs arise.

Questions? Concerns? Please contact HR as Departments, Divisions, and Committee Members are unable to discuss active recruitments with potential candidates.

Selection Procedure

A search committee will review and invite applicants for an interview. Meeting the posted requirements does not guarantee an interview. A written performance exercise and/or presentation/demonstration may be a part of the interview, and finalists may be invited to return for a second interview. All notifications will be via email, and by accessing yourapplication profile.

Conditions of Employment

Selected candidates given a conditional offer of employment are required to submit tuberculosis screening clearance results, official transcripts, proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and present their Social Security card upon hire (for payroll purposes).

EEO Statement

Cabrillo College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of qualified applicants. The policy of the College is to encourage applications from all persons. No person shall be denied employment because of ethnicity or race, color, sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, medical conditions, status or protected veteran status.

Accommodations

Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to complete the employment process must notify Human Resources at cabrillohr@cabrillo.edu.

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/cabrilloedu/jobs/4963696/program-specialist-guardian-scholars-nextup