Black Unity Center Student Engagement Specialist (Student Services Professional III, Range 1) - Community Inclusion

Job Description:

Black Unity Center Student Engagement Specialist (Student Services Professional III, Range 1) - Community Inclusion

Description

**Internal applicants limited to CSU employees only**

Working Title

Black Unity Center Student Engagement Specialist

SF State University

San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.

Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing [email protected].

San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus. Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.

The person holding this position may be 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.

This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Department

Community Inclusion

Appointment Type

This is a one-year probationary position.

Time Base

Full-Time (1.0)

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$5,540.00 per Month ($66,480.00 Annually)

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Community Inclusion and Student Engagement, and under the overall strategic direction of the Senior Associate Vice President (AVP) for Community Inclusion, the Black Unity Center (BUC) Student Engagement Specialist serves and advocates for students of Black and African descent in order to increase access to and success in higher education. The engagement specialist is responsible for providing student advising, support, mentoring, coaching, guidance and appropriate referral for students of Black and African descent at San Francisco State University (SFSU) in alignment with student development and student learning models that incorporate the experiences and realities of historically marginalized students. The incumbent organizes and implements educational, social and cultural programs and services for the success of students of Black and African descent in collaboration and partnership with other programs, departments and areas within Student Affairs & Enrollment Management and in Academic Affairs. The BUC Student Engagement Specialist works to improve outcomes related to the success, development, inclusion, retention and experience of Black and African American students on campus by assisting with efforts to identify and eliminate systemic and institutional barriers as well as building the capacity of individual students. The incumbent ensures opportunities for leadership and career development, as well as active participation in programs and learning opportunities that promote student success, including but not limited to health promotion/wellness, student activities and clubs/organizations, residential life (as relevant), recreational sports and intercollegiate athletics, study abroad, and applied learning experiences including faculty-directed research and internships/externships. The incumbent identifies and provides resources for students to address and ameliorate obstacles to their success, which includes making referrals to campus support systems and services such as counseling, academic advising, health and wellness programs, and other systems to support pathways to success and graduation for students of Black and African descent, as well as help close the educational equity gap.

Position Information

Advisement and Student Support

• Provide comprehensive individual and small group advising to address obstacles to the success of students of African descent, including academic, personal, financial, or career-related issues.
• Responsible for conducting in-depth assessments of student needs, skills, abilities, and academic progress at SFSU in order to provide timely, appropriate, and critical resources as appropriate.
• Partner and collaborate with Center, Black Student Organizations, Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, community-based organizations, and the larger CSU system to support student needs for program planning, course advisement, major and career exploration.
• Implement advising strategies that support pathways to graduation for students of African descent. Develop, implement, and sustain academic support modules to assist students to identify obstacles to their success, think critically about possible interventions/resources, and engage in self-assessment of healthy and successful strategies to support their graduation goals.

Engagement Program Coordination

• Responsible for planning and implementing retention-related student engagement workshops, sessions, and events on campus. Develop data-driven and community-informed programs that engage the community in current trends, data, narratives, and issues related to the success of students of African descent in higher education.
• Collaborate with the Director to assess all student engagement programs, initiatives, and projects of the Center. Represent the Black Unity Center at selected campus, community, and statewide CSU events, counselor meetings/conferences, and other special events.
• Participate in department and campus committees, programs and projects as assigned. Collaborate and partner closely with the Center, Black Student Organizations, Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, community-based organizations, and the larger CSU system on the various student retention and engagement initiatives for students of African descent.
• Maintain a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of current trends related to the success of students of African descent in higher education. Implement timelines and calendars for retention-related student engagement events. Serve on campus committees and workgroups at the discretion of the Director and Senior Associate Vice President for Community Inclusion.

Communications

• Manage multi-media projects and plans including the Center’s social media, web and email communication plans for students of African descent.
• Develop emails, videos, presentations and print pieces to engage students in the services of the Center. Capture and post campus events on social media to showcase Center activities for prospective students and applicants.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of on and off campus special events, including Sneak Preview, College Fairs, Counselor Conferences and various meetings.
• Develop and implement the communication and marketing plans for students of African descent in coordination with the Director, Outreach & Recruitment Specialist, and the Executive Assistant.

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education: 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 where such are job related.

Knowledge and Abilities: The following knowledge and abilities as well as those listed at the lower levels in the Student Services Professional series are required for appointment into this classification. Thorough knowledge of the principles of individual and group behavior. General knowledge of the principles, practices and trends of the Student Services field as well as general knowledge of the policies, procedures and practices of the program area to which assigned; general knowledge of individual counseling techniques; general knowledge, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge, of the organizational procedures and activities of the specific campus to which the position is assigned. Working knowledge of student services programs outside the program to which immediately assigned. Ability to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action; advise students individually and in groups on complex student-related matters; determine appropriate courses of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals in personal interactions of an argumentative or sensitive nature; interpret and evaluate descriptions and explanations of problems brought forward by individuals or student organizations, analyze and define the problem, draw valid conclusions and project consequences of various alternative courses of action; carry out a variety of professionally complex assignments without detailed instructions; and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals.

Experience: Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required. A master’s degree in counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Two years of experience at a post-secondary institution working with programs that address
  equity, social justice, and/or trends that impact the success of students of African descent.
• Knowledge of various African/African American histories and cultural realities.
• Knowledge of Student Affairs, Student Development and/or Student Services in higher education.
• Knowledge of multicultural identity development models/theories as they relate to
  students of African descent.
• Possession of strong communication skills and the ability to provide information accurately and
  effectively, both orally and in writing, to large groups and to individuals of culturally and
  economically diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively advocate on behalf of students of African descent with faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals
  across different communities while carrying out a variety of professionally complex
  assignments.
• Particular knowledge of California and the CSU higher education environment.
• Demonstrated experience with supervising and training student employees.
• Knowledge of a wide range of communication and design applications, including InDesign, Microsoft Office suite, Drupal, Adobe Creative, page layout software, html, email and social networking applications.
• Ability to acquire and maintain current knowledge of community issues that impact the success of students of African descent in higher education.
• Thorough knowledge of SFSU, its philosophy, policies and procedures, programs, and services related to the engagement and retention of students of African descent.
• Excellent time management skills, ability to work effectively independently, and/or in teams on multiple tasks or projects.

Environmental/Physical/Special

• Some evening/weekend hours may be required during peak academic periods.
• May be required to travel to off-campus locations for special activities or conferences.
• Must be able to transport and load/unload outreach materials or arrange for the transportation of outreach materials weighing up to 50 pounds each.
• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally, ethnically, and racially diverse population of students, faculty and staff. Must adhere to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the California Information Practices Act by maintaining confidentiality of student information.

Pre-Employment Requirements

This position requires the successful completion of a background check.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.

Benefits

Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions. SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.

CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only)

Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.

Additional Information

**Internal applicants limited to CSU employees only**

SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).

Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU). CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception. While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.

CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/.

The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.

Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.

Advertised: Apr 24 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: