Under the general supervision of the Academic Coordinator II of the Center for Child and Family Studies (CCFS), the Associate Director is responsible for building strong relationships between the school, families, and the broader community. This role involves collaborating with teachers and instructional leaders to engage parents in meaningful ways, such as volunteer opportunities, while ensuring the school maintains a welcoming environment for families. The Associate Director will oversee the onboarding process for newly enrolled families, providing them with essential resources to support their child's transition, including orientation sessions, communication about school policies, and introductions to available support services. To strengthen family engagement, the Associate Director will facilitate connections between home and school by organizing family-focused social events, offering direct support through one-on-one meetings, and encouraging parent involvement in leadership opportunities like the parent advisory committee. Additionally, the Associate Director is responsible for onboarding and training undergraduate program support staff (e.g., Program Assistants and Dietetic & Food Service Interns), ensuring they understand their roles and are prepared to contribute to the school's mission and vision. This includes setting clear expectations, fostering a positive work environment, and providing mentorship to support their professional growth.
Apply By Date July 16, 2025 at 11:59pm
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working in family support services, with at least 1 year in a leadership or mentorship role, demonstrating the ability to provide guidance and support to families and staff within an educational or community setting.
- A minimum of 1 year of experience in adult instruction, including the design and delivery of training or educational programs for adult learners. This experience should demonstrate the ability to engage adults effectively, facilitate learning, and provide constructive feedback. Demonstrated experience in planning, coordinating, and overseeing projects or program.
- Strong knowledge of family education and support services, including an understanding of child development principles, effective family engagement strategies, and resources that support the well-being and success of families in educational settings.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse families, teaching staff, and community members. Ability to safely lift and care for infants and young children, with the capacity to lift 50 lbs. as needed in the course of duties.
- Supervisory skills to train, mentor, and coach a diverse professional staff and practicum students.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and responsibilities, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Preferred candidates will have previous experience working in a lab school setting with a strong family education component, demonstrating the ability to collaborate with families, design and implement family-focused educational programs, and engage in activities that support the development of both children and their caregivers.
Key Responsibilities
- 75% - Coordination of Academic Programs
- 20% - Professional Competence
- 5% - University & Public Service
Department Overview
The Early Childhood Lab School (ECLS) provides high-quality care to children between the ages of 12 months and six years (until their enrollment in kindergarten). As a university lab school, the children's program fulfills more varied functions than a typical early childhood center. The ECLS serves multiple constituencies: undergraduate and graduate students; researchers; enrolled children and families; and community observers, early childhood practitioners, and policymakers who draw on staff expertise.
Under the general supervision of the Academic Coordinator II of the Center for Child and Family Studies (CCFS), the Associate Director at the Early Childhood Lab School (ECLS) is responsible for fostering strong relationships between the lab school, families, and the broader community.
The Associate Director will collaborate with ECLS teachers and instructional leaders to engage families in meaningful ways-such as volunteer opportunities and participation in classroom experiences-while ensuring the lab school maintains a welcoming environment for all families. The Associate Director will oversee the onboarding process for newly enrolled children and families, providing them with essential resources to support their transition, including orientation sessions, clear communication about lab school policies, and introductions to available resources and support services.
To strengthen family engagement, the Associate Director will facilitate connections between home and the lab school by organizing family-focused social events, offering individualized support through one-on-one meetings, and encouraging family involvement in leadership opportunities, such as participation in the parent advisory committee.
Additionally, the Associate Director is responsible for onboarding and training undergraduate program support staff (e.g., Program Assistants and Dietetic & Food Service Interns), ensuring they understand their roles and are prepared to contribute to the lab school's mission and vision. This includes setting clear expectations, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, and providing mentorship to support their professional growth within the ECLS context.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $48,200/yr. - $80,000/yr.
- Salary Frequency: Monthly
- Salary Grade: Grade 17
- UC Job Title: EARLY CHILDHOOD SITE CRD 4
- UC Job Code: 004149
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
- Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8am -5pm
- Location: Davis, CA.
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
- Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
The position requires the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including hot, cold, or rainy environments. Activities may include supervising outdoor play, conducting educational activities, and ensuring children's safety during outdoor excursions or playground use.
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
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 Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
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University of California - Davis
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement
Jul 01, 2025