Mesa program director

The California State University Auxiliary for Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) as a non-profit, financially self-sufficient auxiliary organization that supports the mission of California State University Bakersfield through a variety of operations and services, such as federal and non-federal research and sponsored projects and other services and activities.

CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: Open to all qualified applicants

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Project & Outreach Coordinator

TEMPORARY END DATE: This position is temporary and ends on or before June 30, 2027. Any continuation beyond June 30, 2027, is contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding.

FT/PT: Full-time

WORKPLACE TYPE: On-site (work in-person at business location)

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $5,000 per month

BENEFITS: CSUB Auxiliary for Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, vacation and sick leave accrual, and 15 paid holidays per year. For more details, please visit our Auxiliary website.

POSITION PURPOSE: The MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program supports educationally and economically disadvantaged students pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines by providing academic support, career development, transfer preparation, and leadership opportunities. The program promotes student success, persistence, graduation, and transfer to four-year institutions through comprehensive academic and professional development services.

Under the general supervision of the NSME GO Director, the MESA Program Director is responsible for the day-to-day administration, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of the MESA Program. The incumbent develops and manages student success initiatives, monitors expenditures and assists with budget planning, coordinates academic support services, recruits and advises students, leads tutors and student assistants, prepares required state reports, and collaborates with faculty, administrators, and industry partners to ensure compliance with grant requirements and successful achievement of program objectives.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Administration & Grant Management: Coordinate daily operations of the MESA Program by maintaining program calendars, activity schedules, work plans, reporting deadlines, and records of required grant deliverables. Ensure compliance with grant requirements by applying established requirements to program operations, maintaining supporting compliance documentation, and bringing unclear requirements, potential compliance issues, or requested exceptions to the Director for resolution.
• Student Success, Advising & Program Coordination: Recruit and admit eligible MESA students by explaining MESA eligibility requirements, services, participation expectations, and application procedures to prospective students.
• Collaboration, Outreach & Partnerships: Collaborate with faculty, counselors, administrators, and community partners that support MESA students and program objectives.
• Personnel Lead Direction and Program Support: Coordinate the recruitment and hiring process for tutors, peer mentors, and student assistants by publicizing openings, reviewing applications against established requirements, participating in interviews, providing recommendations, and completing required hiring documentation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in a mathematics-based, engineering, science, or related STEM discipline. Two years of progressively responsible professional experience working with postsecondary students. Experience coordinating educational or student support programs. Experience providing academic advising, student success services, or related programming. Experience managing projects, budgets, or grant-funded initiatives.

LICENSES: Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s): Regular and reliable attendance is required. Working knowledge of student development principles and student success programming. Working knowledge of grant administration, compliance, and budget-monitoring practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree in education, counseling, STEM, higher education administration, or a related field. Experience administering state or federally funded grants.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: SEDENTARY WORK – involves mainly sitting; minimal walking and standing; lifting light weight objects limited to 15 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: N/A

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: SCREENING: Only those applicants possessing experience most directly related to the immediate needs of the office will be invited to appear before a Qualifications Appraisal Board for the purpose of appraising training, experience, and interest in the position.

GENERAL INFORMATION: It is the policy of California State University Auxiliary for Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) to employ only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.