Community Engagement Specialist (5152C), Intercollegiate Athletics - #83556
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Overview
About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. At UC Berkeley, learning is a fundamental part of working, and we provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups. Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.
Departmental Overview
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 300 staff members and coaches and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs. These programs include more than 850 student-athletes who participate annually within the NCAA. The Cameron Institute for Student-Athlete Development aims to be a national model for athletic departments. The Cameron Institute is guided by The California Way framework, which positions student-athletes to perform to their full potential and thrive for a lifetime. We are currently seeking a Community Engagement Specialist who will work within the department's Cameron Institute for Student-Athlete Development.
Position Summary
The Community Engagement Specialist is primarily responsible for supporting individual student-athletes and teams in identifying and cultivating meaningful community engagement partnerships, projects, and experiences within campus and the larger East Bay community. The Specialist will contribute to the recruiting process, work directly with the coaching staff(s) they are assigned, and engage in best practices under the Cameron Institute’s vision. They will work closely with the Director of Community Engagement to support the implementation of the vision for community engagement within Cal Athletics. The Community Engagement Pillar builds a culture of community-minded service through reciprocal partnerships and a clear engagement framework—connecting every Cal team to purpose-driven partnerships and providing engaged learning experiences that help student-athletes develop knowledge, skills, and lifelong commitment to civic engagement beyond graduation. The Specialist is primarily responsible for managing and advising the holistic development of Cal student-athletes.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 01/22/2026.
Responsibilities
Student-Athlete Advising & Service Learning Facilitation Build resources to support the capacity and readiness of student-athletes and teams to engage in meaningful community service opportunities. This includes developing curriculum modules/protocols, facilitating training and reflection sequences to prepare student-athletes to engage with confidence and competence, including guided reflection on positionality, privilege, inclusion and community partnerships. Support Cal In the Community Educ. 144 Class for credit. Assist with student-athlete field site placement, orientation facilitation, and class sites in the community. Provide individualized support to coaches and teams to establish short- and long-term partnerships, projects, and service opportunities. This includes conducting interest/needs assessments and developing partnerships with community-based organizations based on team interests and community needs. Meet with individual student-athletes regularly to help develop and update their development plans (e.g., articulate signature strengths, project plan, and community collaborations). Support the effectiveness of Student-Athlete Led Organizations (SALO’s) and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). This includes maintaining annual processes and advising as needed.
Special Initiatives & Community Events Support the development and implementation of meaningful, community-driven Cal Athletics-wide partnerships, projects, and annual service opportunities/events (e.g., Cal Athletics Reading Challenge, Community Field Day, Golden Buddies Football Clinic).
Partnerships Maintain and forge strategic partnerships with campus partners (e.g., Berkeley School of Education, Public Service Center, Blum Center, American Cultures Center) to integrate student-athletes into UC Berkeley programs. Maintain and develop strategic relationships with external organizations to advance initiatives in sport exposure, access, and early literacy. Maintain and develop relationships with internal Cal Athletics departments to collaborate on community initiatives with student-athletes and teams. Travel throughout the Bay Area to meet potential partners and build relationships to support the Cameron Institute. May include driving student-athlete(s) to community engagement opportunities.
Operational Support Maintain and support the implementation of the Community engagement platform, “Helper Helper”. Helper Helper is used to house Cameron Institute and community service opportunities and create a streamlined system for student-athlete sign-up and attendance tracking. Support the operational procedures of the Community Engagement Pillar, including maintaining the contact database, risk assessments, waivers, event operations, and other defined needs. Support the implementation and evaluation of community engagement programming and opportunities. Regularly evaluates all programs and systems to ensure they align with The California Way and our mission.
Communications and Outreach Build connections with campus and community partners; develop MOUs and regular communication/reporting. Support effective communication strategies to raise awareness of community engagement opportunities for student-athletes and teams across platforms (Instagram, X, Email). Support development and maintenance of the Community Engagement digital hub/website with project highlights and current information.
Required Qualifications
Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Strong knowledge of and/or ability to quickly learn common University-specific computer applications. Knowledge of and/or ability to quickly learn University and departmental risk assessment principles and procedures. Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs/Student Life specialization. Judgment, decision-making, problem solving, and ability to assess system performance and actions to improve. Project management, problem identification, and reasoning skills. Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems. Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills; ability to manage a project from inception to completion. Attention to detail and ability to follow community engagement processes. Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment within UC Berkeley. Commitment to social justice and the value of community-centered service and university-community partnerships. Desire to grow and innovate in a fast-paced environment. Experience organizing multi-stakeholder events. Prior student-athlete development experience. Strong advising/counseling skills to help others reach their potential. Strong verbal and written communication skills for presenting to varied audiences. Curriculum development and facilitation experience; ability to develop training. Strong interpersonal skills, including self-awareness, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Ability to work effectively in teams and independently. Proficiency with Google Suite and common computer applications. 2-3 years of experience in Student-Athlete Development, Student Affairs, or Community Engagement. Represent the Cameron Institute and Cal Athletics at department and team functions, on- and off-campus. Scheduling flexibility for nights/weekends; may require travel. Ability to reliably travel to/from primary work location and other sites as required. Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications Experience in developing reciprocal, sustained community-campus partnerships and engagement. Competency in Adobe applications. Master’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience.
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the UC Berkeley Compensation & Benefits website. The salary range will be posted in the job announcement. The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $80,000 - $88,000. This is a full-time (40 hours/week), exempt position eligible for UC Benefits.
How To Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Driving Required
Required to hold a valid driver’s license, have a driving record in accordance with local policies, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
Other Information
This position is governed by the terms of the Student Services Advising Professionals agreement, represented by the UAW.
Legal & Compliance
This position is not a visa opportunity. This position requires fingerprinting and a background check. UC Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
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About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. At UC Berkeley, learning is a fundamental part of working, and we provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups. Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.
Departmental Overview
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 300 staff members and coaches and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs. These programs include more than 850 student-athletes who participate annually within the NCAA. The Cameron Institute for Student-Athlete Development aims to be a national model for athletic departments. The Cameron Institute is guided by The California Way framework, which positions student-athletes to perform to their full potential and thrive for a lifetime. We are currently seeking a Community Engagement Specialist who will work within the department's Cameron Institute for Student-Athlete Development.
Position Summary
The Community Engagement Specialist is primarily responsible for supporting individual student-athletes and teams in identifying and cultivating meaningful community engagement partnerships, projects, and experiences within campus and the larger East Bay community. The Specialist will contribute to the recruiting process, work directly with the coaching staff(s) they are assigned, and engage in best practices under the Cameron Institute’s vision. They will work closely with the Director of Community Engagement to support the implementation of the vision for community engagement within Cal Athletics. The Community Engagement Pillar builds a culture of community-minded service through reciprocal partnerships and a clear engagement framework—connecting every Cal team to purpose-driven partnerships and providing engaged learning experiences that help student-athletes develop knowledge, skills, and lifelong commitment to civic engagement beyond graduation. The Specialist is primarily responsible for managing and advising the holistic development of Cal student-athletes.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 01/22/2026.
Responsibilities
Student-Athlete Advising & Service Learning Facilitation Build resources to support the capacity and readiness of student-athletes and teams to engage in meaningful community service opportunities. This includes developing curriculum modules/protocols, facilitating training and reflection sequences to prepare student-athletes to engage with confidence and competence, including guided reflection on positionality, privilege, inclusion and community partnerships. Support Cal In the Community Educ. 144 Class for credit. Assist with student-athlete field site placement, orientation facilitation, and class sites in the community. Provide individualized support to coaches and teams to establish short- and long-term partnerships, projects, and service opportunities. This includes conducting interest/needs assessments and developing partnerships with community-based organizations based on team interests and community needs. Meet with individual student-athletes regularly to help develop and update their development plans (e.g., articulate signature strengths, project plan, and community collaborations). Support the effectiveness of Student-Athlete Led Organizations (SALO’s) and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). This includes maintaining annual processes and advising as needed.
Special Initiatives & Community Events Support the development and implementation of meaningful, community-driven Cal Athletics-wide partnerships, projects, and annual service opportunities/events (e.g., Cal Athletics Reading Challenge, Community Field Day, Golden Buddies Football Clinic).
Partnerships Maintain and forge strategic partnerships with campus partners (e.g., Berkeley School of Education, Public Service Center, Blum Center, American Cultures Center) to integrate student-athletes into UC Berkeley programs. Maintain and develop strategic relationships with external organizations to advance initiatives in sport exposure, access, and early literacy. Maintain and develop relationships with internal Cal Athletics departments to collaborate on community initiatives with student-athletes and teams. Travel throughout the Bay Area to meet potential partners and build relationships to support the Cameron Institute. May include driving student-athlete(s) to community engagement opportunities.
Operational Support Maintain and support the implementation of the Community engagement platform, “Helper Helper”. Helper Helper is used to house Cameron Institute and community service opportunities and create a streamlined system for student-athlete sign-up and attendance tracking. Support the operational procedures of the Community Engagement Pillar, including maintaining the contact database, risk assessments, waivers, event operations, and other defined needs. Support the implementation and evaluation of community engagement programming and opportunities. Regularly evaluates all programs and systems to ensure they align with The California Way and our mission.
Communications and Outreach Build connections with campus and community partners; develop MOUs and regular communication/reporting. Support effective communication strategies to raise awareness of community engagement opportunities for student-athletes and teams across platforms (Instagram, X, Email). Support development and maintenance of the Community Engagement digital hub/website with project highlights and current information.
Required Qualifications
Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Strong knowledge of and/or ability to quickly learn common University-specific computer applications. Knowledge of and/or ability to quickly learn University and departmental risk assessment principles and procedures. Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs/Student Life specialization. Judgment, decision-making, problem solving, and ability to assess system performance and actions to improve. Project management, problem identification, and reasoning skills. Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems. Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills; ability to manage a project from inception to completion. Attention to detail and ability to follow community engagement processes. Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment within UC Berkeley. Commitment to social justice and the value of community-centered service and university-community partnerships. Desire to grow and innovate in a fast-paced environment. Experience organizing multi-stakeholder events. Prior student-athlete development experience. Strong advising/counseling skills to help others reach their potential. Strong verbal and written communication skills for presenting to varied audiences. Curriculum development and facilitation experience; ability to develop training. Strong interpersonal skills, including self-awareness, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Ability to work effectively in teams and independently. Proficiency with Google Suite and common computer applications. 2-3 years of experience in Student-Athlete Development, Student Affairs, or Community Engagement. Represent the Cameron Institute and Cal Athletics at department and team functions, on- and off-campus. Scheduling flexibility for nights/weekends; may require travel. Ability to reliably travel to/from primary work location and other sites as required. Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications Experience in developing reciprocal, sustained community-campus partnerships and engagement. Competency in Adobe applications. Master’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience.
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the UC Berkeley Compensation & Benefits website. The salary range will be posted in the job announcement. The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $80,000 - $88,000. This is a full-time (40 hours/week), exempt position eligible for UC Benefits.
How To Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Driving Required
Required to hold a valid driver’s license, have a driving record in accordance with local policies, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
Other Information
This position is governed by the terms of the Student Services Advising Professionals agreement, represented by the UAW.
Legal & Compliance
This position is not a visa opportunity. This position requires fingerprinting and a background check. UC Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr