Program Coordinator for Personal Growth & Transformative Learning (On-Site)

About the role

The University of California, Merced is seeking a Program Coordinator for Personal Growth & Transformative Learning. This position is fully On-Site and eligible for remote work. Initial applicant review is expected on or around April 13, 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and implements programs, trainings, workshops, and initiatives rooted in wellness, health, student learning and development, and increase campuswide dialogue and understanding on topics related to inclusion, social justice, equity and access.
• Serves as staff support for the student success initiatives.
• Provides mediation, advising, and support to student organizations and student leaders.
• Affords assistance in creating partnerships with community/off campus agencies to promote resources and services.
• Serves on committees of signature campus programs such as Welcome Week, Parent & Family Programs, and wellness/health initiatives.
• Works collaboratively with clubs and organizations to establish trainings, workshops and programming designed to enhance student's academic, personal and career pursuits.
• Works in collaboration with other departments to provide large and small-scale student-centered programming, including training and workshops.
• Plans and implements health-related theme months to promote awareness and appreciation (in alignment with the 8 Dimensions of Wellness).
• Creates and distributes educational and program resources related but not limited to personal development, cultural identity and inclusion issues.
• Uses strategic planning process to expand the sense of belonging in accordance with student success, Student Affairs divisional priorities and Office of Student Involvement goals.
• Manages program budget, resources, and supplies.
• Provides ongoing, transformational advising and development to student leaders participating in co-curricular programs and/or organizations on a wide range of issues.
• Makes weekly and/or semester reports to the supervisor.
• Makes regular meetings with the Associate Director of Student Involvement.

General Administration and Supervision

• Participates in overall planning and management of the Office of Student Involvement.
• Assists in programmatic and planning efforts as needed in other areas of Student Involvement.
• Assists/participates in the student staff hiring process for the Office of Student Involvement.
• Solicits funds and coordinates fundraising for programmatic activities.
• Serves on various department and campus committees.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned by the Director, Associate Director, and AVC.
• Provides direction and supervision to interns and/or student staff.
• Develops and implement assessment and evaluations of student programs and events.
• Conducts an annual benchmarking/evaluation initiative regarding selected programs, services, and required trainings.
• Assists the Associate Director of Student Involvement, with the development of area and assessment goals.
• Develops and implement innovative ways to communicate with students, faculty, and staff regarding events.
• Manages content and update department web pages.
• Conducts quarterly and annual reports.

Special Events and Collaborations

• Coordinates a variety of special events throughout the year designed to enhance campus life and personal growth.
• Assists in the development and implementation of strong campus-wide Personal Growth & Transformative Learning initiatives, infusing a sense of self-awareness and positive health and wellness throughout the Office of Student Involvement, the division of Student Affairs and UC Merced campus.
• For instance, hosting resource, wellness, and destress fairs in preparation for finals week (such as Rufus Relax & Recharge and Winter Plaza).
• Actively serves on or chairs campus-wide committees and assist with other special campus events, as needed.
• Plans, implements, and staffs various campus activities and events.
• Develops and maintains relationships with internal and external organization stakeholders critical to program success.
• Leads set up and support of technical equipment (such as sound, lights, and computer equipment) for OSI programs and student events.
• Captures, facilitates, and supports alternative programming, including evening and weekend programs.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in related discipline such as Counseling, Education, Social Justice, Human Rights or closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Advanced degree Master’s Degree in Leadership in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, or closely related field from an accredited institution. (Preferred)
• Three years of progressively responsible related experience.
• Three years of progressively responsible related experience working with diverse populations including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic backgrounds, and/or a variety of religions, etc., working to support through education, activism, social, political, and academic activities. (Preferred)
• Experience working with faculty, staff and students in a 4-year higher education environment. (Preferred)
• Multi-lingual: Spanish and/or Hmong. (Preferred)

• Critical Knowledge and Skills:
• Knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of university and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.
• Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs/Student Involvement specialization including advising and counseling techniques.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability related to topics of social justice, including power, privilege, oppression, and intersections of identity.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability related to topics of health, wellness, well-being, professional and personal growth, student development and learning.
• Proven experience coordinating large and small-scale multifaceted events including budget management, meeting/event coordination, and organization and management of volunteers. (Preferred)
• Ability to appropriately advise and support student-driven events, including educational, social, academic and political activities. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of student development theory and practice (i.e., Abes, Jones & McEwen, Torres, Jones, & Renn, Adams, Bell, Griffin, etc.). (Preferred)