Job Details

Director, Basic Needs and Student Life

Position Number: 7254680
Location: Monterey, CA
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

Monterey Peninsula College

Director, Basic Needs and Student Life

Salary: $10,339.00 - $12,571.00 Monthly
Job Type: Administrator
Job Number: 2025-00079
Closing: 7/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: Monterey, CA
Division: Student Services

Description

Priority Screening Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026

Monterey Peninsula Community College District is committed to educational equity for all students, as outlined in the District's Governing Board Goals, Mission, Vision, Values, and Institutional Goals (Download PDF reader), Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, and Student Equity Plan. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences-emphasizing collaboration, engaging students in and out of the classroom, and encouraging them to realize their goals and become global citizens and socially responsible leaders. When you join our team at Monterey Peninsula College, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, classified staff, administration, students, and community partners.

Monterey Peninsula College is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and is an affiliate of the statewide Umoja Community of California Community Colleges. Monterey Peninsula College has a diverse student population that is a reflection of the communities it serves.

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, orientations, and intersections of these identities, and others not yet identified. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate will be an equity-minded individual dedicated to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students, and community partners who are also committed to closing equity gaps. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

Hold ourselves accountable as educators for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
Implement positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and make them more culturally responsive; and
Collaborate with colleagues on equity-related initiatives.

Monterey Peninsula College seeks employees who value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational and career goals. All departments value collaboration across disciplines to create inclusive, integrated, and interdisciplinary learning experiences.

JOB SUMMARY

Under direction, the Director of Basic Needs and Student Life plans, organizes, manages, evaluates, and provides administrative leadership for all functions and activities related to Basic Needs Services. This includes, but is not limited to, food assistance, housing, transportation, health services (including access to mental health support), childcare and dependent care, and technology resources. The position also leads the development of partnerships with feeder high schools, community organizations, and local businesses to support student basic needs and promote student success.

Additionally, the Director supports District behavioral intervention and academic early alert programs, provides case management to individual students, and leads the coordination of services for those experiencing basic needs insecurity.

The Director also oversees Student Life functions, including student activities, student government, and engagement initiatives that foster campus involvement and a sense of belonging. The role collaborates with and supports special population programs such as LGBTQ+, Puente, Umoja, Undocumented Resource Center, and other culturally responsive initiatives that advance equity and student success

This position works closely with instructional and student services departments, the MPC Foundation, faculty, and external partners to strengthen holistic student support, increase retention, and promote an inclusive campus environment, and performs related duties as assigned.

This position is designated as an Educational Administrator.

Example of Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Essential Duties

Serves as the college liaison to state and community organizations focused on basic needs and student affairs; builds and maintains partnerships to expand resources, coordinate services, and enhance support for students.
Plans, develops and implements programs and initiatives to advance student success through retention and/or basic needs coordination; administers and participates in developing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual component goals, objectives and work standards; contributes to the development of and monitors performance against the annual department budget; approves purchases and other expenditures in accordance with District policies and procedures; makes presentations; prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports.
Coordinates communication among departments in response to students requiring intervention; reaches out to assigned students, refers assigned students to on-and-off-campus programs and departments, counselors, mental health services and/or community resources; serves as a mandatory reporter as needed.
Develops and oversees the delivery of student success and retention workshops; meets individually with workshop participants to evaluate individual needs and refers them to on- and off-campus services and resources, such as CalFresh enrollment, emergency housing assistance, and utility support assists students in developing action plans for personal success; tracks and follows up with students to evaluate workshop and program effectiveness; works with academic counselors to update workshop content and identify program improvements.
Tracks and analyzes data related to basic needs services and various college activities related to overall student success and retention strategies, and advises campus leadership regarding changes in student progress and retention metrics.
Provide leadership and oversight for Student Life programs, including student activities and student government, by planning and implementing campus-wide events, advising student leaders, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures, and fostering inclusive engagement opportunities that promote student involvement and sense of belonging.
Collaborate with and support special population programs such as LGBTQ+, Puente, Umoja, Undocumented Resource Center, and other culturally responsive groups and initiatives by coordinating programming, aligning resources, and advancing equity-focused strategies that enhance student success, retention, and campus climate.
Provides input in selecting, training and providing day-to-day lead work guidance and coordination to other Classified, short-term, and student staff; assigns, schedules and monitors work for completeness, accuracy and conformance with District, department and legal/regulatory requirements and standards; monitors workflow to ensure that mandated deadlines are being met in an optimal manner; provides information, instruction and training on work procedures and technical, legal and regulatory requirements.
Partners with the MPC Foundation and Office of Planning, Research and Institutional Effectiveness (PRIE) to develop grant proposals that align with funding agency requirements and District priorities, including writing narratives and completing all required forms and documentation; establishes and maintains relationships with funding agency personnel and potential grant partners.
Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the assigned supervisor.
Assists in ensuring a fair, open and inclusive work environment in accordance with the District's mission, goals and values.
Demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff.

Other Duties

Plans, develops, and implements programs and initiatives to deliver essential services through the Basic Needs Center, including intake, referral, and case coordination services. Supports individual students and manages daily operations of the campus-based Lobo Market.
Coordinates the Student Support and Care Team intervention and case management program and reporting system including academic early-alert notifications, low-level student conduct concerns, basic needs related insecurities; gathers additional information, triages cases and discusses issues with team; assesses student threat level using National Behavioral Intervention Team Association (NaBITA) tools; assigns cases to team members; opens and closes cases in system.
Oversees and provides leadership, guidance, and supervision to MSW students, graduate interns, and work-based learning participants; assigns and monitors projects and learning activities, ensures compliance with program objectives and professional standards, provides mentoring and feedback, and evaluates performance to support professional development and successful learning outcomes.
Assists students with identifying wraparound services and strategies to maintain support systems such as housing and gain access to food; coordinates on-campus resources for food pantries/markets and coordinates food donations; coordinates services with community agencies; acts as dedicated Homeless Student Liaison as assigned.
Provides in-reach to students who are on academic probation and/or are in danger of losing, or are no longer eligible for, Monterey Peninsula College Promise Grants; meets with students to connect them with campus support services and resources; acts as a liaison with other Student Services departments.
Serves on a variety of District committees to participate in program planning/development and to identify resources that support students and increase retention.
Oversees the implementation and integration of student information systems and technology-based case management tools to support service delivery, track student engagement, and improve data-informed decision-making related to basic needs and student success.
Coordinates planning and implementation of resource fairs and representation at various campus events.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience
The minimum qualifications for service as an educational administrator shall be both of the following:
(a) Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university; and
(b) One year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the administrator's administrative assignment.
Or the equivalent, as defined by the College's equivalency process.

Desired Education and/or Experience

Major coursework in counseling, higher education leadership, business administration, public administration, psychology, social sciences or a related field.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in student services, at least two (2) of which were performing interventions, experience in a role focused on addressing student financial and basic needs insecurities, case management, or supporting at-risk student programs and activities.
Thorough knowledge of student development theory and its application to student retention.

Desirable Qualifications

Demonstrated commitment to a student-centered approach, with strong personal integrity and proven leadership in engaging and mobilizing diverse stakeholders.
3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in social services, student affairs, or community-based programs.
Bilingual and/or biliterate in English/Spanish desired.
Demonstrated Experience supervising professional and student staff.
Demonstrated experience building partnerships with local nonprofits, community-based organizations, for-profit service providers, healthcare systems, government agencies, and state-funded programs.Direct experience addressing food insecurity, housing instability, or mental health services, ideally in an educational or nonprofit setting.
Experience managing grants and/or budgets, including federal, state, and foundation funding (e.g., CalFresh Outreach, EOPS, CARE).
Demonstrated experience in grant writing and fundraising.
Experience developing and administering programs from inception, including needs assessments, implementation, and outcome evaluation.
Experience working with diverse, underserved, and underrepresented student populations, including foster youth, veterans, undocumented students, and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Demonstrated experience directly administering Student Life programs, including clubs and organizations, campus events, student activities, and co-curricular engagement.
Demonstrated experience overseeing or closely advising the Associated Student Government (ASG) or student senate, including budget oversight, election processes, governance training, and constitutional compliance.

Knowledge of:

District retention and student support goals, objectives, policies, procedures and practices.Student development theories
Principles, practices and techniques of program development and administration, particularly as they relate to student intervention, student retention and Guided Pathways programs.
Recent developments, research methods, current literature and sources of information related to assigned program area needs, services and administration.
District and community resources including governmental, community, and social service organizations and their functions, such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and County assistance programs.
Common issues and challenges facing a diverse population of community college students.
Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, contract administration and maintaining public records.
Student recordkeeping practices and procedures for processing and reporting student data.
Research methods and analysis techniques.
Practices and techniques of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Applicable sections of the California Education Code, Title V and other applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other District, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and policies governing student records.
Safety policies and work practices applicable to the work being performed.
Basic principles and practices of employee work guidance and direction.
Applicable Administrative Procedures, Human Resources procedures and collective bargaining agreements

Ability to:

Plan, organize and implement a multi-component student support program.
Identify and respond to complex student concerns and needs, identify appropriate support programs and resources, advocate effectively for students, and assist students with required referral forms.
Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and confidential student situations and problems. Need a compassionate and non-judgmental approach when working with students experiencing crises.
Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations on complex student issues in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.
Work collaboratively with District deans, directors, managers and the community and provide expert advice and counsel on student support.
Organize, set priorities and exercise sound, independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
Maintain confidentiality of District and student files and records.
Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies and other written materials.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Operate a computer and use standard business software.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Represent the District effectively in public settings and one-on-one with students, community groups, other colleges and the public on a variety of subjects.
Uphold the District's mission, values and objectives including equity and Guided Pathways.
Support an inclusive work environment that fosters diversity, respect and engagement.

Physical Effort/Work Environment

A valid California driver's license or ability to access and use alternative transportation.

Work Schedule / Supplemental Information

All applicants are required to submit:

A completed online District application form, submitted via our website.
A resume/curriculum vitae that details all relevant education, training, professional research or presentations, and work experience.
All undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts. Unofficial copies may be submitted with the application; official copies will be required at the time of hire. For foreign degrees, you are required to attach an evaluation for US equivalency.
A cover letter summarizing your preparation for the position and addressing how you meet each of the items listed under Desired Education and/or Experience in this job announcement. (2 pages maximum)

Salary
Management Salary Schedule-Range 26 Salary: $10,339 (Step I) - $12,571 (Step V) per month, depending upon experience and qualifications.

Benefits
Monterey Peninsula College offers excellent employee benefits, ranging from health, dental, vision, life insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), and long-term disability, provides sick leave and contributes to the CalSTRS or CalPERS retirement plan. Participation in tax-deferred plans is available.

Candidate Travel Reimbursement

Monterey Peninsula College will provide up to $1,000 travel reimbursement to eligible candidates. A candidate is eligible for travel reimbursement when they have participated in an in-person interview for first- and/or second-level interviews, and when they live 50 miles or more from the College.

For questions, please contact:

Gerardo Cardenas Hernandez, Human Resources Specialist
gcardenashernandez@mpc.edu

To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mpc/jobs/5383744/director-basic-needs-and-student-life