Cultural Arts and Diversity Artistic Director

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 04-08-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

SOMeCA (SOAR/Student Media/CAD) is a unit of Student Development and Engagement and is dedicated to the success of UC Santa Cruz's campus-wide student organizations. SOMeCA supports the development of dynamic learning environments by offering mentorship, leadership training, organizational development advising, and project management services for student-initiated programs.

More information can be found at: https://someca.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of SOMeCA, the Director of the Cultural Arts and Diversity Resource Center (CAD) has primary responsibility for the strategic direction, planning, development, integration, evaluation, and overall administration and supervision of personnel in CAD. The Director works collaboratively to develop the vision, goals, and objectives of the center and oversees their accomplishment. The incumbent is responsible for administration, supervision, budget management, human resources, policy development, student leadership and development, and serves as a member of the unit's management team.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $83,000 - $87,710 / Annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 004565 (STDT LIFE DEV SPEC 4) - Grade 21

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

30% - Program Development and Administration

• Provides leadership for the management and development of the Cultural Arts and Diversity Resource Center (CAD), an innovative theater program that fosters an inclusive campus community and promotes intercultural learning, innovation in programming, and personal development and well-being for students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Meets regularly and works collaboratively with the leadership team and colleagues in SOMeCA.
• Actively maintains a current knowledge of local and national trends in performing arts initiatives to inform the development of the center. Conducts assessments of developments in theater, historical content, and community through research and participation in national organizations and conferences.
• Works collaboratively with CAD's Board of Directors and student leaders to assess and develop theater productions, programs, and services that address the experiences of current students. Establishes relations of trust, demonstrating respect, patience and open-mindedness and exercising good judgement and discretion. Ensures completion of program evaluations and assessments.
• Works with the Dean of Arts, Chair of Performance, Play & Design (PPD), faculty, and College Provosts to support student success by promoting an academic curricula focused on theater that integrates engagement with academic and non-academic learning opportunities. May serve as instructor of record for classes on theater history and production.
• Works with the UCSC Office of Admissions, various high school, community college administrators, and local community leaders to create and develop working relations, foster community, represent the university to the community and relevant external constituencies, and oversee effective outreach programs.
• Ensures the safe, secure and optimal operation of the CAD office and the Stevenson Event Center in collaboration with the Stevenson College administrators. Assesses, recommends, and implements agreed upon improvements in services, design, construction, maintenance and care of facilities.

30% - Supervision

• Provides leadership and direction to career staff in the development and implementation of operational and program plans to ensure effective delivery of services and programs in alignment with unit and organizational priorities. Establishes a collaborative atmosphere which encourages innovation and adaptive approaches to challenges and opportunities. Prepares agendas and meets with staff on a regular basis to ensure the establishment of goals, objectives, workflow, completion of tasks, and the resolution of problems. Conducts annual and mid-year written performance appraisals. Plans for the allocation of resources for consistent professional development.
• Provides leadership, training, and direction to student staff to learn about and provide CAD with support services to encourage in-class participation, support theater productions, market services and productions, and uphold good financial and organizational governance. Conducts quarterly evaluations for student staff and works collaboratively to set goals for work areas and growth.
• Oversees theater professionals contracted to perform and/or provide workshops and trainings for students. Monitors work and deliverables and ensures that outcomes address student interests and needs as well as developments in performing arts.
• Makes decisions on performance, salary actions, hiring decisions, and other human resources related issues of managed staff.
• Responsible for hiring and corrective action of career staff. Recommends promotions, awards, and separations as appropriate and in support of staff retention and development. Maintains a commitment to recruitment efforts that support the achievement of UCSC and divisional goals related to hiring and retention.
• Responsible for hiring, promotion, corrective action, and separation of student staff and interns. Evaluates staffing needs and recommends reassignment or reorganization.

15% - Program Budget Administration

• Oversees planning and development of multiple budgets, ensures compliance with campus fiscal policies, procedures, reports, and internal control guidelines, general accounting policies/principles, state and federal law, and requirements for funds, including student fee referenda. Responsible for the development of systems that promote accountability, transparency, and student governance for student fee funds. Negotiates artistic programs to ensure the protection of institutional best interests and the protection of assets.
• Responsible for orienting and advising the CAD Board of Directors on budget analysis and management, strategic planning, fund accounting, and financial and operating policies and procedures. Ensures that the Board has sufficient information and time to deliberate in order to make responsible and informed decisions.
• Leads fundraising and development plans designed to enhance and support programs and events including writing grants and establishing partnerships with other universities and community colleges. Manages the development and distribution of student scholarship fund.

15% - Student Governance Mentorship

• Oversees the collaborative development, planning, implementation, and coordination of social, cultural and educational student events and workshops that foster and support the growth and development of the whole person.
• Promotes student agency and democratic engagement principles and practices in organizational structures and programming. Facilitates student participation in university dialogues and decision-making. Ensures completion of requirements for Registered Student Organizations, including registration, leadership training, and mandated trainings.
• Ensures transparency, integrity, collectivity and effectiveness of student governing bodies (e.g. CAD Board of Directors). Educates and mentors students in leadership, democratic practices, organizational development, and effective processes and structures. Works collaboratively to design systems that support the engagement and retention of student leaders. Provides training and oversight to ensure informed governance of substantial resources and the management of risk.

10% - Policy, Procedure, and Initiative Management

• Establishes and recommends changes to policies, practices, and procedures that affect the program/function and serves as campus resource on diversity initiatives.
• Responsible for maintaining current knowledge of university, divisional, and unit policies, federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Recommends changes to policies, procedures, and practices and works with appropriate offices (e.g. Procurement, Accounting, etc.) in the interpretation and application of laws and regulations.
• Manages the development, implementation, and evaluation of program policies that respond to university goals and the changing needs of UCSC's student population. Oversees the assessment of productions and trends in theater, historical content, and community diversity.
• Works collaboratively with administrators, faculty, and staff to advance institutional goals and serves as an expert and resource on community and theater initiatives. Serves as a member of the unit management team and, as assigned, on campus and system-wide committees. Creates and maintains campus relationships characterized by collaboration, integrity and responsibility.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Substantial experience and proven skills in the management of multiple projects and programs to achieve desired goals and objectives for managed area.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and experience in building strong student relationships.
• Record of effective and innovative leadership in diversity and student engagement programs and services.
• Experience supervising professional staff with demonstrated participatory management skills.
• Experience in public relations, marketing, and advertising.
• Experience developing curricula and effective class structures with the ability to present and facilitate educational courses.
• Excellent facilitation, oral presentation, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience managing multi-fund financial resources, including strategic planning analysis and developing projected budgets.
• Knowledge of risk assessment principles and experience in the evaluation and mitigation of risks.
• Knowledge of and engagement in the principles, practices, and trends in arts education and the performing arts business with the ability to lead, manage, motivate, and inspire theatre teams.
• Strong knowledge of and experience with all aspects of technical production for theater and/or other live performance and special event operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the issues facing students from the ethnic, cultural, gender identity and expression, and socioeconomic backgrounds represented at UCSC and experience addressing these issues.
• Proven ability to identify problems, propose original solutions, and work collaboratively to problem solve, develop programs, and improve services.
• Proven ability to stay current on relevant policies and procedures and to interpret and convey complex policies and procedures in a clear and concise manner.
• Knowledge and experience in the application of principles and practices of student development, mentorship, and organizational development.
• Proven ability to be flexible, cooperative, and collaborative within a complex political and social environment.
• Ability to independently set priorities, complete multiple and competing projects and solve complex problems in a high-pressure, fast-paced, deadline-oriented production environment.
• Knowledge of and experience with IT networks, including servers and file sharing.
• Proven leadership and communication skills that foster the development and maintenance of collaborative relationships with staff, faculty, and students.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in technical theatre and / or equivalent experience / training.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work primarily on campus, with periods of remote work possible based on operational needs. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Clery Act: This position has been identified as a Campus Security Authority (CSA); required to report crimes, incidents, and disciplinary referral statistics as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC * 1092(f)).
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination