Position Details
Position Information
Opportunity Type
CLASSIFIED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Position Title
PROGRAM ASSISTANT, (MESA)
Posting Number S2667
Close/First Review Date 11/29/2026
Department MESA Program
Work Location San Jose City College
Position Status Full Time
Salary Range $70,455 - $85,881 Annual Salary (Range 75: Classified Salary Schedule Fiscal Year 2026-2027). Starting placement is generally at Step 1.
Benefits Summary In addition to the salary, this position qualifies for the choice of one of the District’s excellent Health Benefits and Welfare plans, which the premium cost is 100% paid by the District for the employee and their eligible dependents, and one health plan costing an estimated $60,000 for the District for fiscal year 2025-2026. We offer two medical plans (Anthem Blue Cross [PPO] and Kaiser Permanente (HMO]); dental (Delta Dental PPO); vision (VSP Choice); life insurance for the employee (The Lincoln); life insurance for eligible dependents (The Lincoln); a long term disability/income protection plan (The Lincoln); and an employee assistance plan (Anthem EAP).
In addition, the District contributes an additional 26.81% of the employee’s salary towards an eligible employee’s pension (CalPERS).
Employees may also elect to participate in optional plans including purchasing additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible dependent(s); enroll in a medical, transportation, and/or dependent care Flexible Spending Account(s) (with the $4 monthly administrative fee paid by the District); and set pre-taxed dollars aside to supplement their pension in a 403b (tax shelter annuity) and/or a 457 (deferred compensation) plan(s).
Classified employees also earn 10 to 22 days per year of vacation (based on years of service), and up to 12 sick leave days (pro-rated for less than full-time positions). There are currently 20 paid holidays.
Position Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Program Assistant, (MESA) reports to the Program Director of MESA at San Jose City College. The work schedule is 12 months per year; 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program provides academic and support services for financially and educationally disadvantaged students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields who seek to transfer to a four-year institution. MESA collaborates with industry and community partners to support students’ STEM career exploration and development.
The Program Assistant, (MESA) position is grant funded and contingent upon yearly funding.
This position is represented by CSEA (California School Employees Association), Chapter 363.
POSITION PURPOSE
Under the direction of an assigned administrator, performs a wide variety of program-related clerical, operational, and service activities related to programs serving a targeted population, where the identification of students and/or eligibility for program and the verification of continued eligibility are necessary. General supervision is provided by supervisory or management personnel. Functional direction may be provided by academic personnel.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in developing, monitoring, coordinating, and improving a specialized college, grant or categorically funded program providing supportive services.
- Provide liaison support for students with faculty, staff, and mentors relative to program functions, goals and objectives.
- Provide information and assistance to students and potential students regarding program requirements and services. Assist with the intake process.
- Make recommendations on the eligibility or continued participation of students in the program, using prescribed regulations or requirements, as necessary.
- Assist students with various college and outside agency procedures such as registration, completion of forms and documents, and identification of mentors.
- Provide students with specific program resources such as mentors, interpreters, and tutors. Coordinate services with and refer students to other college staff, programs and to community mentors or support agencies.
- Maintain program accounts and perform regular bookkeeping activities pertaining to the financial reporting and documenting of assigned program. Assist in developing and monitoring the program budget and expenditures.
- Confer with students regarding academic and vocational concerns. Recommend contact with advisors, mentors, or counselors as required.
- Collect, compile, and assemble statistical data on program activities and participation from a variety of sources for completion of forms, the preparation of various files, and activity statistics. Identify and resolve discrepancies.
- Prepare and maintain students’ confidential records and files; compose and type correspondence, memoranda and statistical materials; assist in preparing reports and budgetary estimates; answer phones.
- Assist in the development and dissemination of relevant program publicity.
- Maintain a master calendar for program staff and make appropriate travel and meeting arrangements.
- May oversee the work of student workers and program tutors.
- Assist in the recruiting and orientation of mentors.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- Basic functions and programs of a community college or similar educational setting.
- The needs and sensitivities of special and disadvantaged student populations.
- Governmental, community and social services organizations and their functions.
- Applicable state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines.
- Accounting and bookkeeping methods and practices.
- Office administrative practices and procedures including filing and the operation of standard office equipment which includes personal and on-line computers and appropriate application software.
Skills and Ability to:
- Learn, apply and explain relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Handle sensitive matters with diplomacy and tact.
- Work with a significant degree of independence in carrying out assigned duties and schedule work to effectively meet deadlines and time schedules.
- Exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.
- Prepare clear, concise and complete reports and other written materials.
- Monitor and help prepare a program budget.
- Type at a rate of speed necessary for effective job performance.
- Apply language skills to read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals and governmental regulations; write routine reports and correspondence; and speak effectively before groups of students or employees of the college.
- Apply mathematical skills to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; convert from one unit of measure to another; compute rate, ratio and percent.
- Utilize reasoning to resolve practical problems, and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
- Effectively communicate and interact with persons of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
Required Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.
- Six months to one year related experience and/or training.
District’s Diversity
- Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural, disability, and ethnic background of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination.
- Success integrating diversity as appropriate into the major duties outlined in the job description and in the duties listed in the District’s hiring policy; or demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to do so.
Desired Qualifications
- Knowledge and experience working in a MESA Program and/or other STEM-focused equity and achievement programs and understanding of the obstacles underrepresented students face in STEM.
Foreign Degree
For positions that require a degree or coursework:
Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
All degrees and credits earned outside of the United States must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course) of the transcripts and must be submitted with the application.
Degrees earned outside of the U.S. without a U.S. credential evaluation attached, will not be considered.
Working Environment
Environment:
- Typical office environment.
Physical Demands:
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
- Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
- Seeing to read a variety of materials.
About San Jose/Evergreen Community College District The District is represented by dedicated and talented employees who are passionate about providing our student population with the best educational experience possible. The District recognizes that cultural diversity in the academic environment promotes academic excellence; fosters cultural, racial and human understanding; provides positive roles models for all students, and creates an inclusive and supportive educational and work environment for its employees, students, and the community it serves.
As of Fall 2025, with enrollment of approximately 15,661 students per semester, and an extremely diverse student population (Hispanic/Latino 48.9%, Black/African-American 3.4%, Asian/Pacific Islander 31.8%, American Indian/Native American 0.3%, White/Caucasian 9.1%, Multi-race 3.6% and Unknown 3.0%) attaining educational goals reflecting 56% – Transfer to a 4-Year College/ University, the District’s emphasis on student success makes it a recognized educational leader in the State.
The District encourages a diverse pool of applicants to serve as colleagues to an existing diverse classified staff consisting of 43.4% Latinx, 27.2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 3.0% Black/African American, 0.3% American Indian/Native American, 19.5% White/Caucasian, 5.6% Unknown and as well as encouraging applications from all qualified, outstanding applicants.
Important Information
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT:
San José-Evergreen Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, transgender, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and physical or mental disability consistent with applicable federal and state laws.
CONTACT:
Employment Services, Human Resources, SJECCD 40 S. Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: (408) 270-6414 Email: hremploymentservices@sjeccd.edu Employment Website: https://sjeccd.peopleadmin.com District Website: www.sjeccd.edu
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Interested applicants MUST SUBMIT ONLINE ALL of the following materials by the First Review Date/Closing Date as listed on the job announcement. Applications received after the First Review Date will only be forwarded to the hiring committee at their request.
- A completed online San José-Evergreen Community College District APPLICATION.
- A COVER LETTER (Stating how you feel you meet the qualifications as outline in the job announcement).
- A current RESUME/CURRICULUM VITAE
- TRANSCRIPT – (If Required) If a degree is listed as a requirement, transcripts (Not Diplomas) MUST INCLUDE confer or award date of stated degree. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted; however if the position is offered, official transcripts will be required prior to employment. If the transcripts or degrees are from outside of the United States, an official certification of equivalency to U.S. degrees by a certified U.S. credential review service (course by course of the transcripts) MUST also be submitted.
(*See below for a list of suggested services that provide foreign degree equivalency evaluation to U.S. degrees).
Note: Some positions may require additional documents and/or certificates, in addition to the items listed above. Please refer to the job announcement.
OTHER APPLICANT INFORMATION:
- Only complete application materials will be considered. No exceptions.
- Letters of Recommendation are NOT required and will not be forwarded to the hiring committee. 3. Upon hire the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work and attest he/she is authorized to work in the United States.
- Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
- Travel expenses to attend the interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
- Meeting the minimum qualifications does NOT assure an interview.
- The District may re-advertise, delay, choose not to fill the position, or choose to fill more than one position.
Suggested services that provide foreign degree equivalency evaluation to U.S. degrees:
Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc. Website: http://www.acei-global.org/
Education Records Evaluation Services Website: www.eres.com
International Education Research Foundation Website: http://www.ierf.org/
World Education Services Website: www.wes.org
