Basic Needs Operations Coordinator

$53,602 - $62,858/Yr

University of California - Santa Cruz, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Santa Cruz, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Basic Needs Operations Coordinator at UC Santa Cruz plays a vital role in supporting students facing various needs and challenges. This position operates under the supervision of the Redwood Free Market and Basic Needs Hub Director, focusing on providing essential resources and assistance to students, particularly in areas related to food access and basic needs support. The coordinator will engage with students to assess their situations and determine appropriate actions or referrals, ensuring that they receive the necessary support in a timely manner. In this role, the coordinator will be responsible for the coordination of the Redwood Free Market, which includes overseeing the operations of the market, training staff and volunteers, managing budgets, and ensuring efficient inventory management. The coordinator will also assist students with the CalFresh application process, helping them navigate the complexities of food assistance programs. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying student needs and collaborating with various campus departments and community resources to advocate for students and resolve basic needs issues. The Basic Needs Operations Coordinator will also engage in research and evaluation activities, supporting data analysis for presentations and publications. This role is essential in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment at UC Santa Cruz, where every student has access to the resources they need to succeed academically and personally. The coordinator will work closely with faculty, academic staff, and community organizations to develop and maintain relationships that are critical to the success of basic needs programs on campus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordination of CalFresh Application assistance program, including helping students with the application process and maintaining tracking of submissions and enrollments.
• Support programs and outreach around issues of food access.
• Serve as professional operations supervisor to the Redwood Free Market, including training students, staff, and volunteers, preparing budgets, and managing inventory.
• Maintain the Redwood Free Market budget and ensure funds are allocated correctly and efficiently.
• Coordinate all operations related to the Redwood Free Market, including stocking, inventory, and student staffing.
• Act as direct supervisor to a portion of Redwood Free Market student staff, providing direction, training, and supervision as needed.
• Create free basic needs security workshops and programming to educate students and the community.
• Engage with faculty and staff to advocate for students and seek resolutions for basic needs issues.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders critical to program success.
• Assist the Director of Basic Needs in long-range planning and provide recommendations for new program activities.
• Support the Director with research and administrative projects, including reporting and creating tracking systems.
• Support data analysis and research evaluation for conference presentations and publications.
• Complete special projects as assigned and may supervise clerical and/or student staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Knowledge of Basic Needs in Higher Education.
• Ability to multi-task and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, identifying measures of system performance, and actions required to improve performance.

Nice-to-haves

• Skills in data collection and reporting.
• Skills in program coordination.
• Experience with food safety and retail.
• Knowledge of Student Affairs/Student Life specialization.
• Strong knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.

Benefits

• Full benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement plans.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Flexible work schedule options including hybrid work arrangements.