UC Santa Barbara · 5 hours ago
AS Executive Director
Santa Barbara, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$138K/yr - $155K/yr
4+ years expUC Santa Barbara is a vibrant institution seeking an Executive Director for the Associated Students department. The role involves overseeing financial management, personnel management, and strategic planning, while serving as a key advisor to student government and ensuring compliance with university policies.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Serves as the chief administrative and fiscal officer responsible for all fiscal management, staff personnel, facilities and legal matters of the organization under the oversight of the undergraduate student government
Oversees a university department with an annual budget exceeding $16 million and supports a complex enterprise that includes elected undergraduate student executive officers and student Senate, appointed student boards and committees, professional staff, student staff, business enterprises, and student services
Provides oversight of long-range and strategic planning for the department and ensures that student and staff goals are cohesive
Serves as a senior advisor to all areas of student government consistent with A.S. Legal Code and University policy, supports orientation and retreats that set organizational direction, and ensures transparent reporting and continuous improvement across units
Oversees A.S. elections and directly advises the Judicial Council and Executive Branch
The Executive Director executes contracts and financial commitments; ensures compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures; conducts annual performance evaluations for direct reports; and maintains leadership practices that promote equity, collaboration, and professional growth
Provides final approval for space and facilities decisions in collaboration with the A.S. President and relevant professional staff, advocates for A.S. interests regarding University facilities, and advances facility strategies that support program delivery and student success
The Executive Director's appointment is indefinite
The Executive Director must give regular reports to the ASUCSB Senate
The position may be terminated for cause upon a three-fourths majority approval of the voting membership of the ASUCSB Senate and/or upon the request of Student Affairs leadership
Financial Management and Fiduciary Stewardship - Serves as the chief fiscal officer of the Associated Students of the University of California, Santa Barbara, accountable for the financial integrity of the Association in accordance with A.S. Legal Code, Regental policies, and University policies, and delegation from the Chancellor, the A.S. President, or the A.S. Senate
Acts as the official business representative in all organizational financial and commercial matters
Within delegated authority, provides final oversight of the collection and expenditure of A.S. funds and maintains a suitable, auditable system of accounts, records, and books that enables accurate, timely statements of financial position and results of operations at any time
Provides guidance to the Assistant Director for Business Services and the Associate Director for Finance and Budget regarding A.S. business enterprises and student services in preparing and presenting annual budget requests, setting and achieving operational goals, monitoring revenue and expenditures, etc., ensuring that all enterprises are operated in accordance with sound business practices and proper attention to internal controls
Directs enterprise budgeting and long-range financial planning in partnership with student leadership, the Senate Finance Committee, and professional staff
Works with the A.S. President, the A.S. Senate, and student finance leadership to set the annual budget timetable
Aligns operating budgets, reserves policy, and capital planning with organizational strategy, and ensures fee revenue is received, recorded, and reconciled in a timely manner
Reviews financial reports for accuracy and variance explanations
Exercises banking and treasury responsibilities, including signature authority for disbursements
Establishes and enforces internal controls that reflect sound business practices, segregation of duties, and proper attention to risk management and compliance
Manages contracting and financial commitments executed in the name of Associated Students, subject to required approvals
Ensures contractual invoices are reviewed at least two weeks in advance of Senate votes
Oversees procurement activities under authorities delegated by the University’s Chief Procurement Officer
The Executive Director shall maintain and publish expected procurement and contract turnaround timelines and provide timely status updates to student leaders when delays occur
Provides to ensure accurate accounting, timely closing, and continuous process improvement
Coordinates with Student Affairs Business Administration to uphold fiscal stewardship, audit readiness, and operational coherence
Advises and consistently informs the Senate on financial transactions and related policies and procedures, providing the Senate with regular financial reports that summarize budget status, major variances, emerging fiscal risks, and projected financial needs to ensure full transparency and oversight
With prior Senate approval, may borrow funds in the name of Associated Students
Supervision & Personnel Management - Serves as the department head with oversight of personnel for Associated Students, ensuring staffing practices align with University policy, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable labor regulations
Directly supervises Director- and Manager-level professional staff positions and conducts annual performance evaluations for direct reports, with ongoing coaching, goal setting, and professional development planning
Builds cohesiveness across units by facilitating shared planning, cross-functional collaboration, and strong communication channels that reflect the voices and contributions of all staff who help drive the success of Associated Students
Ensures job descriptions remain current and accurately reflect organizational needs and responsibilities and student advising needs
Promotes consistent supervisory practice across units
Fosters an empowering supervisory environment that values staff expertise and encourages collaborative decision-making
Meets regularly with area heads to monitor progress and review areas of concern
Holds staff meetings and encourages open, candid communication and productive problem-solving at all levels within the Associated Students organization
Provides for in-service training and professional development opportunities for all A.S. staff members
Oversees workforce planning and the full staffing lifecycle in close collaboration with the Assistant Director for Human Resources
Reviews and provides final approval, within delegated authority, on offers and personnel actions
Oversees the setting of policies and procedures for hiring of student staff and approves student staff salary scale
Coordinates leadership communications on personnel matters to preserve confidentiality and organizational trust
The Executive Director maintains a good-faith effort to inform the A.S. President, the A.S. Senate, and all relevant student groups on all relevant staff matters, including but not limited to staffing changes, advising changes, staffing transitions, staff-related policies, organizational structure, staffing levels, and general trends that impact the work of A.S. student officers, while strictly adhering to University policy and state law regarding the confidentiality of individual personnel matters
Strategic Planning - Leads the enterprise vision and strategic agenda for Associated Students by unifying various goals into a single multi-year framework
In collaboration with the A.S. President, student leaders, and professional staff, sets priorities and goals, approves strategies and sequencing, and aligns resources to deliver measurable outcomes that advance student success and organizational effectiveness in coordination with the Division of Student Affairs
Collaborates to formulate strategies and goals, guide short- and long-term planning, and develop policies and procedures that align with A.S. Legal Code and UCSB policies
Plans and participates in student government and staff leadership meetings and retreats
Represents Associated Students’ executive interests in councils, committees, and meetings
Integrates financial sustainability into strategic planning
Works with student leadership, the Associate Director for Finance and Budget, and the Assistant Director for Human Resources to align long-range budgeting, reserves, revenue strategies, and capital planning with workforce planning and future staffing needs
Aligns strategy with facilities, technology, and capital roadmaps so that space, systems, and infrastructure support program delivery and growth
Sets expectations for inclusive stakeholder engagement
Risk Management and Legal Matters - Provides executive oversight to ensure Associated Students operations, contracts, and programs comply with applicable laws, UC policies, and regulatory requirements
Reviews and approves agreements within assigned delegations of authority, coordinating with campus counsel, risk services, and other subject-matter experts whenever specialized guidance is required
Supports units in identifying and mitigating potential liability or risk concerns related to student services, business operations, governance activities, and off-campus engagement
Ensures managers and Directors understand and uphold risk management expectations when designing or implementing new initiatives, partnerships, and programs
Supervises the operations of the A.S. Legal Resource Center
Manages personnel and space for the Legal Resource Center, and Student Legal Services Advisors
Empowers staff to proactively raise concerns and collaborate on solutions that protect students, the organization, and the University
Student Advising and Advocacy - Serves as a senior advisor to all areas of student government
Serves as the principal advisor to the Associated Students Executive Officers, Judicial Council, and the Senate
Directly advises these groups on all matters that affect students legally, financially, educationally, or socially, honoring all decisions made in pursuit of its prerogatives, in accordance with the A.S. Legal Code and applicable University policies and regulation
Advising must be viewpoint-neutral, and the Executive Director’s guidance should not override student decision-making except where legally required
In accordance with principles of UC shared governance, supports the A.S. President, and all three branches of government including Executive Officers and Senate
Advising includes matters relevant to Isla Vista
Oversees A.S. elections
Facilities and Space Management - Provides executive leadership and final approval authority for space planning, allocation, and facility use across all Associated Students locations
Consults and informs the A.S. President and A.S. Senate on all processes and decisions related to A.S. spaces and facilities
Is responsible for the fiscal and policy requirements of these spaces, including university and county regulations
Works collaboratively with student leaders and professional staff to ensure facility decisions reflect organizational priorities, student access needs, safety standards, accessibility requirements, and long-term sustainability
Supports transparent processes by facilitating stakeholder engagement and timely communication regarding major space or infrastructure changes
Oversees capital improvement planning and implementation by coordinating with campus planning units, Environmental Health & Safety, and relevant University departments
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
4-6 years significant management experience
4-6 years significant experience working with student-led governance bodies or youth-led organizations
Expert knowledge of student development theories and practices coupled with strong cultural competency and sensitivity
Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques, maintaining a deep reverence and respect for student autonomy in decision-making and development
Ability to foster an inclusive environment and respond effectively to the needs of a diverse student and staff body, including individuals from first-generation, religious, immigrant, and culturally diverse communities. Effective intercultural communication abilities
Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide other managers in the planning and stewardship of new initiatives
Strong delegation skills
Ability to navigate a variety of complex and sensitive issues and problems with a high degree of political acumen regarding sensitive matters
Thorough knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences
Strong abilities in problem identification and reasoning to address and resolve conflicts effectively among staff and students
Expert skills in monitoring/assessing people, processes, or services to drive continuous improvement
Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems and establish a strategic vision for departmental effectiveness
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing circumstances and priorities
Strong skills in long-term project management and accomplishment, with proven abilities in multitasking and managing competing deadlines
Proven ability to learn common University-specific computer application programs necessary for financial management/planning and resource stewardship
Demonstrated commitment to community engagement and public service through active partnership and outreach initiatives
Preferred
Advanced degree in related area
Benefits
Full Benefits
Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards.
Company
UC Santa Barbara
UC Santa Barbara is consistently recognized for excellence across broad fields of study.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Dominique Mihaljevic
Co-Founder & President of Association of Multi-Ethnic Persons
Tama Takahashi
Co-founder
Recent News
2025-05-08
Company data provided by crunchbase