Skip to main content

Academic Coordinator II - Education Race and the Economy (HERE) Lab

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position overview

Position title: Policy Coordinator of the Higher Education Race and the Economy (HERE) Lab
Salary range: The salary is based on the University of California Academic Coordinator Salary scale.
Percent time: 100
Anticipated start: July 1, 2022
Position duration: 24 month appointment with the possibility of renewal

Position description

Academic Coordinators are appointees who administer academic programs that provide service closely related to the teaching or research mission of the University. This service may be provided to academic departments, to organized research units, to students, or to the general public. Determination of the appropriate level for an appointment for an Academic Coordinator shall take into consideration such factors as program scope and complexity. The duties of an Academic Coordinator are primarily administrative. Individuals in an Academic Coordinator title who are assigned research or instructional duties are required to hold a dual title.

The Higher Education Race and the Economy (HERE) Lab seeks to explain uneven racial and class distributions of resources and risk in higher education systems and economies—and to help reverse those inequalities. We believe that social science scholarship has a role to play in the creation of a more robust, publicly supported, and equitable higher education system and economy. The Lab contributes systematic empirical analyses to help inform pressing social debates around postsecondary inequality. At every stage of our research, we consult with valued non-profit policy advocates and policymakers. These individuals have both on-the-ground knowledge of the problems college students, workers, and communities face, and a bird’s-eye-view of potential levers for change.
The HERE Lab Policy Coordinator position is funded by College Futures. The Policy Coordinator will manage the policy arm of the Higher Education Race and the Economy Lab. The Lab works with state and federal-level policy partners on legislation around student financial need and student debt, increasing the scope and complexity of this position. The HERE Lab also coordinates with advocacy organizations, such as The Century Foundation, NextGen Policy, Student Borrower Protection Center, UC Irvine Student Loan Law Initiative, Roosevelt Institute, and The Institute for College Access and Success. The Policy Coordinator will also be involved in the financial future of the HERE Lab. Lab leaders anticipate that the policy coordinator will develop and write grants that can offer continued financial support for the research and policy efforts of the HERE Lab. The initial appointment for this position will be for two years, with the possibility of renewal.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. COORDINATION OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (60 %)
The Policy Coordinator will have primary responsibility for the administration and coordination of policy-related outreach from the HERE Lab.

Types of activities may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Assessment of HERE Lab and constituency needs.
  2. Interface with policy advocates and state and federal legislators.
  3. Extend existing HERE Lab policy outreach to new policy partners.
  4. Identify and write grant proposals for additional funding and support for the HERE Lab.
  5. Develop proposals for extramural funding of HERE Lab activities.
  6. Write routine reports of HERE Lab activities for funders.
  7. Supervise any additional policy-related staff hired by the HERE Lab.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (30%)

The Policy Coordinator will bring multiple years provide expertise and leadership in policy-related advocacy work. They will participate in relevant professional societies and conferences appropriate to their field and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups, or at seminars, meetings, policy-related gatherings, or educational functions. The HERE Lab policy coordinator will:

  1. Co-author policy briefs that utilize HERE Lab research and draw on their professional training and expertise.
  2. Help to develop and support op-ed and other public writing related to HERE Lab activities.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10%)

The candidate will participate in the administration of the HERE Lab appropriate roles in governance and policy formulation. In addition, this person may represent the University in their special capacity as a scholar during the discharge of his/her responsibilities. The candidate may engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this position.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/SARS-CoV-2_Covid-19. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for applicable deadlines. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

An appointee must have a professional background in policy advocacy work in any field. Professional accomplishment and scholarly contributions are required.

Preferred qualifications

Preferred qualifications
A Master’s or equivalent or other appropriate degree(s) and/or five or more years in policy advocacy work. A track record of working on racial and/or class equity issues. Familiarity with the higher education policy sphere.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion. Please review the UC Merced Diversity Statement Guidelines and UC’s Commitment to Diversity

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF01368

Help contact: rsmith7@ucmerced.edu

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy.

Job location

Merced, CA