Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Senior Associate Dean of Students, the Guardian Scholars Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of the Guardian Scholars Program, which supports former and current foster youth attending Cal Poly. The Coordinator plays a key role in recommending and executing policies and procedures to enhance program delivery, while actively collaborating with campus and community partners to ensure students have full access to the resources and benefits available to them.

This role involves designing and coordinating events and services tailored to meet the unique needs of former and current foster youth, overseeing day-to-day program operations, and conducting assessments to evaluate program impact and set priorities. Additionally, the Coordinator supervises student assistants and provides training and guidance to students, faculty, and staff on challenges faced by former and current foster youth.

Department Summary

The mission of the Dean of Students (DOS) Office is to serve as a resource for helping students resolve university-related issues and concerns and advance to degree. We are committed to supporting the academic success of students by fostering the development of integrity and problem-solving skills; teaching self-advocacy and personal responsibility; and providing students with opportunities to learn and practice the fundamental principles of good citizenship, responsible leadership, and the importance of diversity in a global society.

Key Qualifications

• General knowledge of individual counseling techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written) with demonstrated ability and commitment to work effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Excellent customer service and public relations skills including a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to advise students individually and in groups on varied and complex matters.
• Ability to determine the appropriate course of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals and groups in personal interactions of an argumentative or sensitive nature.
• Ability to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution. Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
• A Master’s Degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A Doctoral Degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $67,000 - $74,239 Per Year

Classification Range: $63,312 - $90,204 Per Year

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. 

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.