Assistant Director, Educational Talent Search

Job Description / Essential Elements UC Davis Redding, CA

Assistant Director, Educational Talent Search Salary or Pay Range: $60,500/yr. - $104,300/yr. 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.

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.

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.

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

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

To view full job description and submit an on-line application visit UC Davis Career Opportunities at https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucdavis/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=7&JobOpeningId=89741&PostingSeq=1 Job ID #89741