Sankofa Programs Specialist - Student Services Professional III (5772)

  • East Bay
  • Hayward, California
  • Jul 01, 2020
Full Time Education and Training

Job Description




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The Sankofa Scholars Program is a learning community developed to support the retention and graduation of our African American/Black students at CSU East Bay.The Sankofa Scholars Program assist students who are seeking a cultural connection through community building activities and connecting participants to faculty and staff, as these are essential components to achieving academic success.


The Sankofa Scholars Programs Specialist will provide a full range of academic support services, and cultural activities to promote success for participating students in the Sankofa Scholars Program at CSU East Bay. The Sankofa Scholars Programs Specialist is responsible for improving and delivering service to students through administration, technology and communication. This position will lead in the program planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation. Additionally, the Sankofa Scholars Program Specialist will collaborate with faculty and staff to address student and program needs and to develop strategies that support the recruitment, retention and graduation of students.

The Sankofa Scholars Program Specialist will lead the programmatic components and academic partnerships of the Sankofa Program, which includes but is not limited to targeted outreach to high school and community college students, oversight of the program's application process and admissions procedures; administering academic support services to students enrolled within the Sankofa Scholars program; referrals to on- and off-campus support services; monitoring and managing the program budget; implementing the mentoring program, and forging strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

The Sankofa Scholars Program Specialist reports to the Director Equity Initiatives.


Program Development and Coordination
* The Sankofa Scholars Programs Specialist will lead all programmatic components and academic partnerships. Duties will include, but not be limited to program event coordination, outreach and admissions, as well as oversight and implementation of the day-to-day operations of Sankofa Scholars services.
* Identify best practices that support the Sankofa Scholars student community through research at similar institutions. Write a final report which outlines a proposal to implement services and programs that support student success.
* Establishes a community among students by offering an ongoing selection of of high impact practices to increase student contact, involvement, achievement, and overall satisfaction.
* Initiate and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups, including faculty, staff, student organizations and off-campus community groups.
* Provide annual assessment and evaluation to ensure that programs and services are meeting student needs.
* Work collaboratively with SEAS Program Specialists to reduce redundancy.
* Implement innovative ways of encouraging and supporting the personal and career developmental needs of the population served through the Kaliedoscope mentor program.
* Plan, develop, and coordinate Sankofa Scholars participant events (i.e., Year End Ceremony, Welcome/orientation) including coordination of room reservations, staffing, logistics, and providing guidance and direction to volunteers, as well as overall event management on the day of event.

Outreach, Marketing and Administrative Duties
* Ensure all publications are updated in both print and on the website
* Organizes and leads the Sankofa application process by working with educational equity programs on- and off-campus to identify potential students, disseminates program information and application materials.
* Reviews applications and interview prospective students and assess their abilities and readiness. Upon completion of the application and interview assessment process, makes recommendations.
* Coordinate the application, orientation and on-boarding process for Sankofa Scholar participants
* Provide lead work direction for front desk student assistants in the coordination of office procedures to receive, process, and respond to ground mail, phone, and email for applicants. Provide lead work direction to student assistant in processing of applications, correspondence, and participant file organization.
* Coordinates quarterly advisory board meetings under the general supervision of the Director of Equity Initiatives
* Conducts program evaluation and assessment, completing monthly and annual reports for the Director of Equity Initiatives.
* Under general supervision, track the Sankofa Scholars program budget expenditures.

Liaison and Campus Involvement Responsibilities
* Conduct and coordinate presentations to campus visitors (applicants and general public, such as community college counselors, and other support program staff), as well as on-campus offices.
* Participate in on-campus outreach activities, such as the CSUEB Preview Day, Welcome Day, University Orientations, and SEAS Welcome.
* Develop and implement outreach activities on campus and at local community colleges and/or area high schools and community organizations as appropriate to promote Sankofa Scholars support services at CSUEB.
* Participate in on-campus and off-campus events that promote the recruitment of new students and support their transition to the University;
* Represent the department and SEAS in appropriate committees.
* Partake in appropriate professional development activities to remain current on relevant issues pertaining to higher education and the recruitment and retention of African American/Black students.
* Participate in campus wide events and programs, which seek to recruit, retain, or encourage the success of African American/Black students.
* Participates in appropriate Student Affairs and University-wide meetings including, but not limited to, university committees, staff meetings, retreats, problem solving meetings, team projects, and divisional meetings, representing the interests of African American/Black students served.

Other duties as assigned.


* Knowledge of current issues affecting higher education, student services, academic advising, underrepresented and underserved populations.
* Knowledge of individual and group dynamics to be used when counseling clients.
* Knowledge of complex and evolving university policies and procedures regarding academic probation, academic disqualification, academic renewal and reinstatement.
* Knowledge of the student population served.
* Skills in computers including a working knowledge of computer applications including all Microsoft Office products and online systems including PeopleSoft.
* Skills in communication including listening, writing and speaking which includes public speaking.
* Skills in organization used to execute multiple projects and assignments simultaneously with an emphasis on accuracy and detail orientation.
* Skills in customer/client service with an emphasis on problem solving to deliver services in a timely and professional manner.
* Ability to develop, implement and manage retention related programs/services.
* Ability to interact and work cooperatively with a diverse student population and staff.
* Ability to generate and maintain collaborative working relationships with campus and community stakeholders.
* Ability to operate independently while applying sound professional judgment, maintaining professional standards and insuring client confidentiality.
* Ability to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
* Ability to work evenings and weekends when needed for special events.




and conflict resolution where such are job-related.



1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. List of three (3) or more professional references






This is a position with supervisory/lead responsibilities, subject to completion of the University on-line Sexual Harassment training as a condition of employment.












Closing Date/Time: Open until filled

Job Address

Hayward, California 94542 United States View Map