Director, Toro Guardian Scholars

California State University•Carson, CA

5d•$8,000 - $9,000

About The Position

Under the general direction of the AVP of Belonging and Engagement, the Director of the Toro Guardian Scholars (TGS) Program provides strategic direction and leadership to ensure that current and former foster youth, McKinney-Vento students, and unaccompanied minors are well-supported through a comprehensive range of services. These services include direct case management, counseling, crisis support, advocacy, life skills workshops, and community-building events, benefiting both undergraduate and graduate students throughout their time at CSUDH. The position involves close collaboration with campus departments, including University Housing, Financial Aid, Student Financial Services, Basic Needs Office, Student Affairs Assessment Office, Toro Auxilliary Partners, and University Advancement, among others. Additionally, the Director works closely with community-based organizations and city and county agencies to secure funding and housing resources, and to advocate for current and former foster youth, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to thrive during at CSUDH and to prepare for post-graduation success.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Counseling, Clinical Counseling, Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or other related field and Five to Eight (5-8) years of professional related work.
Two (2) or more years of professional experience in higher education or student affairs.
Thorough knowledge and experience with historically underserved student communities, including current and former foster youth and unhoused students.
Familiarity with local and national organizations supporting foster youth and unhoused students.
Demonstrated experience working with transition age youth, including those who were foster youth, under legal guardianship, wards of the court, and/or unaccompanied homeless youth.
Experience working with students who have experienced foster care, out-of-home placement, and/or homelessness, and are first generation college students.
Ability to cultivate a sense of belonging among students, advise them, and connect them with relevant resources.

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
Proficient in preparing various documents, including operations manuals, procedures, program schedules, proposals, and monitoring budgets.
Ability to conceptualize and implement program functions and procedures to improve efficiency.
Ability to apply judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality in performing complex tasks.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment that includes presentations to individuals, small and large groups
Ability to advise potential students, parents, and high school and community college staff individually and in group settings.
High-level analytical skills to take effective action while independently carrying out assigned responsibilities.
Excellent customer service and public relations skills.
Ability to effectively prioritize multiple work priorities, organize various projects, and follow safety and confidentiality protocols.
Ability to flex schedule to work evenings and weekends.
Commitment to inclusivity of a diverse student population, faculty, staff, and the public, and ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Responsibilities

Oversees and manages the Toro Guardian Scholars program by providing strategic direction for programming, recruitment and outreach efforts for prospective students; student engagement and retention efforts; and campus community engagement.
Monitors and evaluates program and student learning outcomes, including student retention and graduation rates.
Develops and implements policies, procedures, and operational strategies to enhance services and program outcomes.
Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff and paraprofessionals, ensuring alignment with university policies and collective bargaining agreements.
Manages departmental budgets, marketing, communication, and ensuring up-to-date and effective operations.