Pacific Islander Center for Student Excellence (PICSE) Director

STDT LIFE DEV SPEC 3 SV (005152)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_940993

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

2/25/2026 12:26:28 AM

Date Last Edited:

2/25/2026 12:26:21 AM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

7100O

Organization:

INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN CULTURES

Division Code:

8120D

Division:

ETHNIC STUDIES RESEARCH CENTERS

Department:

206000 - ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES CENTER

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_940993

Position Description ID

252303

UC Payroll Title:

STDT LIFE DEV SPEC 3 SV (005152)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

SV: STDT SVS & ADV PROF (SSAP)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

1 - Staff: Contract

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40064369

Reports to Payroll Title:

DIRECTOR

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40064369

Department Head Payroll Title:

DIRECTOR

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of the Pacific Islander Center for Student Excellence (PICSE) working independently and housed in the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight to advance the academic success, cultural identity, and holistic well-being of Pacific Islander undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

The Director will design, implement, and assess culturally rooted programs and services; strengthen relationships with Pacific Islander communities locally, regionally, and nationally; and foster a welcoming environment cultivating academic and cultural wellness where Pacific Islander students feel affirmed, supported, and empowered. The individual engages with undergraduate, graduate, and professional school Pacific Islander students by establishing and maintaining effective networks and collaborations with on- and off-campus partners (including but not limited to faculty, staff, alumni, and community) to implement the vision, mission, and goals of the campus and the PICSE.

This position manages daily PICSE operations, supervises professional and student staff, leads strategic planning, oversees budgets and grants, and represents the PICSE across campus and external settings. The Director serves as a key advocate for Pacific Islander students, ensuring the center remains a hub of support, empowerment, and collaboration. The Director will oversee the long-term development, management, direction, and evaluation of UCLA's first PICSE.

The Pacific Islander Center for Student Excellence (PICSE) was established by the Chancellor’s Native American and Pacific Islander Bruins Rising Initiative in alignment with UCLA’s designation as an AANAPISI-serving institution. The PICSE will offer timely, effective, and supportive holistic services for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree Pacific Islander students at UCLA. The PICSE is housed in the Asian American Studies Center (AASC). The PICSE will work directly with Pacific Islander and other student organizations on campus including but not limited to PISA, P4H, INSPIRE, PIER, PICC, and Hui o ‘Imiloa, as well as work with other Pacific Islander identifying students not involved in these organizations and their sponsored programs and projects. The PICSE will support these students through community-building events, student organization networking, resources, counseling, outreach, training, consultation, supporting cultural wellness and advocacy.

Established in 1969, the UCLA Asian American Studies Center (AASC) is a national research center dedicated to advancing historical, transformative and interdisciplinary scholarship that bridges research with community voices. The Institute of American Cultures houses the AASC along with the American Indian Studies Center, Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, and Chicano Studies Research Center. The centers are the only ethnic studies organized research units (ORU) among the 10 University of California campuses. The AASC advances research and the field of ethnic studies through publications, public programs and events, providing funding opportunities, maintaining the largest Asian American Studies library and archives in the U.S., housing 7 Endowed Chaired Professorships, and community partnerships with local, state, and national organizations.

Program Management and Student Support

- Provide strategic direction for the Center’s mission, programming, and long-term goals.

- Develop and implement culturally relevant academic success programs, workshops, leadership development opportunities, and community-building events for Pacific Islander students, overseeing all aspects from development to budgeting.

- Mentor and guide students in navigating academic pathways, identity development, and campus climate concerns.

- Support individual student needs, including referrals to campus academic, financial, health, and wellness resources.

- Establish and manage a system for individual case follow-up and management, especially for mental health-related concerns, linking students with campus and community resources as necessary.

- Supervise staff, student workers, and volunteers, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.

40%

Outreach, Engagement, and Partnership Building

- Design and implement outreach initiatives to recruit, retain, and support Pacific Islander students.

- Identify collaboration opportunities and build strong partnerships with campus departments, faculty, student organizations, and regional Pacific Islander networks to enhance support for Pacific Islander students. Raise campus awareness of the Center's services and resources and related issues.

- Collaborate with community organizations, Pacific Islander cultural groups, and educational partners to strengthen pipelines and community engagement.

- Develop and maintain complex or sensitive relationships with external organizations critical to program success.

 - Conduct needs assessments and use data to inform strategic priorities and program improvements.

- Represent the Center to the UC, at conferences, campus committees, student-led events, community forums, and other relevant audiences.

30%

Grant Writing & Fund Development

- Research and identify funding opportunities from federal, state, foundation, and private sources.

- Design an effective fundraising campaign to grow the funding for the Center.

- Write compelling grant proposals and reports.

- Cultivate donor relationships and fundraising strategies.

- In conjunction with AASC’s Senior MSO and Office Manager, manage awarded grants, ensuring compliance and effective use of funds.

20%

Administrative and Operational Management

- Manage recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation of Center staff, ensuring professional development and ongoing training.

- Establish the Center’s Student Advisory Board to contribute to the annual assessment of the Center’s goals and objectives and execute committee recommendations.

- Oversee daily operations including scheduling, reporting, compliance, and resource allocation.

- Manage budgets, financial records, and procurement processes.

- Transact university business with accuracy for purchasing, reimbursements and travel arrangements via university online systems and/or university forms as appropriate.

- Coordinate all programming/events logistics, travel arrangements, catering, set-up/breakdown, including ensuring adherence to University policies and regulations and that required special needs requests are met.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in Pacific Islander Studies, Education, Student Affairs, Ethnic Studies, Public Administration, or related field and/or equivalent experience/training.

Required

And

Master's Degree

in Education, Student Affairs, Ethnic Studies, Public Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred

Five years or more experience working in Higher Education/Student Affairs

Required

Proficiency in one or more Pacific Island Languages

Preferred

Deep understanding of and demonstrated connection to Pacific Islander cultures, histories, community contexts, and student experiences in higher education.

Required

Ability to set strategic direction, inspire staff, and advocate for Pacific Islander student success. Cultural competency to advocate on behalf of under-represented communities.

Required

Ability to design and implement strategies that attract and retain Pacific Islander students. Skilled in developing multi-year plans, setting measurable goals, and adapting to evolving needs.

Required

Expertise in identifying funding opportunities, securing external funding, writing persuasive proposals, implementing innovative funding and development strategies, managing awarded grants, and cultivating donor relationships and developing fundraising campaigns. Proficiency in financial oversight, compliance, and efficient allocation of resources.

Required

Knowledge of university policy and procedures, including policies governing the use of university funds and facilities, as well as those governing development efforts.

Preferred

Creativity in designing workshops, events, and initiatives that foster student engagement and community partnerships.

Required

Experience working in a multicultural environment and skills to communicate, interact, and work with diverse constituencies particularly in program and service development, implementation, and assessment. Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking abilities for reports, presentations, and advocacy.

Required

Strong networking skills to collaborate with UCLA departments, faculty, staff, student groups, and community organizations. Ability to connect and collaborate with counterparts across the UC system and other institutions of higher education.

Required

Strong emotional, cultural and interpersonal skills to build trust, navigate sensitive issues, and foster a supportive environment and work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and identities. Professional experience working with college students in a public university setting.

Required

Ability to conduct needs assessments, evaluate program effectiveness, and use data to inform decisions. Demonstrated skill and knowledge in developing, implementing and assessing policy, curricula, programs and strategies to facilitate student success, student mental health and wellness, and student development outcomes that are both Pacific Islander student-focused and overall student-focused. Ability and willingness to learn new technology to support, enhance and create programs and ensure that knowledge of the department stays current.

Required

Demonstrated management skills to recruit, select, train, assign, motivate and evaluate staff. Knowledge of organizational development concepts and practices, performance management models and practices, and career development practices.

Required

Must be able to work occasional nights and weekends.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Campbell Hall

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.