Director of Health Promotion

UC Santa Cruz Student Health Services has an excellent opportunity for a Director of Health Promotion to join our team supporting the well-being and health of our students-an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our diverse student community.

The Director of Health Promotion is a full time position that, if desired, offers a one month unpaid summer work break. Positions with summer work breaks contain regularly scheduled periods during which the employee remains employed and retains health benefits, but is not at work. Summer preferences can be discussed at the interview and determined at time of the employment offer.

UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) is the county's largest employer and one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. Perched on the coast overlooking Monterey Bay, our main campus offers a stunning setting and a vibrant community where over 3,100 staff members build meaningful careers, enjoy comprehensive benefits, and contribute to a mission that makes a difference.

UCSC offers staff a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health and well-being.

Here is a sample of benefit options:

* Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
* UC Retirement Pension Plan
* Optional life, legal, and pet insurance
* Paid holidays, plus accrued vacation and sick leave
* Discounts at UCSC recreation facilities

For details, please visit: UCnet-Benefits

Thank you for your interest in joining the UC Santa Cruz community.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is:1/6/2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) Student Health Services (SHS) is a full-service medical facility offering clinical, educational, and psychological support to UCSC students. SHS is deeply committed to ensuring affordable, well-integrated, multidisciplinary healthcare that effectively supports the university's diverse campus communities through equitable access and culturally competent, high-quality programs and services.

The Primary Care Program offers primary care and same-day care services, supported by on-site radiology, a
COLA-accredited clinical laboratory, and the campus pharmacy offering prescription and over-the-counter products. Counseling and Psychological Services, Case Management, and Psychiatry services are available for crisis intervention, mental health support, and outreach services.

Additional departments include Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP), home of the Condom Co-op, the Cove Collegiate Recovery Program (CCRP), where students receive harm-reduction and recovery services; CARE (Center for Advocacy, Resources & Empowerment) the advocacy and prevention education office that supports those who have experienced sexual assault, stalking, and dating/domestic violence; Optometry, and Student Insurance and Referral Programs.

Student Health Services employs approximately 150 staff and welcomes staff with an interest and experience working with college students with a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and gender identities.

More information can be found at: https://healthcenter.ucsc.edu https://shop.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Health Promotion provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for a comprehensive, evidence-informed health promotion program serving a large and diverse university community. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing campus-wide initiatives that advance student well-being, reduce health risks, and foster a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging consistent with the mission of the University of California system.

This position leads a multidisciplinary team and collaborates with campus and systemwide partners to promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of students. The Director integrates health promotion theory, public health practice, and behavioral science to design population-level strategies and programs that improve student outcomes and institutional resilience.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: Full time, 12 months = $99,200 - $118,400 /annually

Or

Full time, 11 months = $8,266 - $9,866 per month for 11 months

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job Start Date: ASAP after mid February 2026

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: HEALTH EDUCATOR 5 (000577)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

40% - Management and Strategic Leadership

• Provides strategic leadership and direction for campus-wide health promotion and policy-level approaches, utilizing research, data, and best practices to reduce preventable health threats to students' academic and developmental success.
• Advocates on all fronts for policies, programs, and initiatives that support student health and well-being at individual and community levels to promote desired outcomes.
• Ensures campus compliance with relevant federal, state, campus, and system-wide policies and legislation (i.e Clery Act; Federal Drug-Free School & Community Act; campus AOD policy).
• Directs the ongoing evaluation and assessment strategies to ensure that unit efforts are data-driven and responsive to changing environments, including regulatory mandates and technological advances.
• Directs planning and implementation of comprehensive health promotion communications, including development of effective health education materials, messaging campaigns, and digital technology.
• Incorporates multicultural diversity and social justice concepts and principles into health promotion practices.
• Provides consultation to leadership on high-risk scenarios and responding to campus climate issues.

30% - Collaboration and Campus Engagement

• Represents UCSC Student Health Services to the Office of the President on a monthly basis.
• Develops a strong network of relationships with University constituents to maintain and develop partnerships to groundwork in a health-promoting framework.
• Manages delivery of specialized training and actively participates in and/or leads departmental, divisional, campus, community organization committees and workgroups.
• Facilitates wellness coaching with students on various topics that impact college student health and mental health. Makes appropriate referrals to campus and community resources. Oversees outreach to new students, including orientation programs, residential life, student organizations, and student resource centers.

30% - Administration and Supervision

• Responsible for oversight of day-to-day departmental activity and unit operations.
• Responsible for hiring, supervision, training, coaching, evaluation, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Develops and maintains an open communication environment. Works cooperatively with all staff to ensure open and direct communication. Resolves conflicts and responds to employee grievances in accordance with UCSC guidelines.
• Creates quarterly and annual reports for Health Promotion initiatives, including divisional and unit impact reporting.
• Manages internal administrative and financial processes. Makes budget recommendations and monitors approved budget and expenditures for areas of responsibility. Evaluates and manages staffing needs.
• Seeks and pursues alternative funding sources, such as grants, collaboration with other departments/organizations, and appropriate community/corporate partnerships.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in a related area that includes a focus on health promotion, such as public health, social work, educational leadership, higher education
• Significant experience in health promotion, public health, or a related field typically achieved after 3-5 years
• Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate population-level health promotion programs
• Advanced experience delivering presentations to diverse audiences and adapting content to ensure clarity and comprehension
• Demonstrated skills in decision-making, analysis, critical thinking, project management, and organizational leadership-sufficient to lead complex health promotion initiatives and build consensus in a diverse environment
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with demonstrated ability to engage a diverse student population and collaborate effectively with campus partners at all levels
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience with professional staff and student employees
• Oral communication skills; excellent listening skills; a