Director, Toro Guardian Scholars

Working Title: Director, Toro Guardian Scholars

Department Name: Toro Guardian Scholars

Division: Student Affairs

Classification Title: Administrator II

MPP employees serve at the pleasure of the campus President. MPPs do not serve a probationary period and never receive permanent status.

Position Salary Range: $7,377 - $11,065 per month

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $8,000 - $9,000 per month.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Review of applications will begin September 16, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled. Applicants who apply by the first review date will be given first consideration.

Position Summary

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.

Overview of Duties and 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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. This should include two (2) or more years of professional experience in higher education or student affairs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

To view the full position description, click “Position Description” above.

General Information

• Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance and State Law.
• In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California.
• The CSU system offers a competitive total compensation benefits package for employees and qualifying dependents, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and tuition assistance. It is our goal to compensate employees equitably and fairly. You can access a full description of our benefits here.
• California State University Dominguez Hills is not currently sponsoring staff or management positions for H-1B employment visas.
• 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.
• This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Closing Statement

California State University, Dominguez Hills, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may call the Human Resources Office at (310) 243-3771.

California State University Dominguez Hills is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.

Employees at California State University, Dominguez Hills shall abide by the Nondiscrimination Statement.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.

Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

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