Executive Director, Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success
The California State University, Sacramento, CA, United States
Executive Director, Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success
Apply now
Job no:
555917 Work type:
Management (MPP) Location:
Sacramento Categories:
MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Classification Title:
Administrator III
Priority Application Deadline: April 15th @ 11:55pm PST (Posting will remain open until filled)
Position Summary Under the general direction of the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence/Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), with dual operational oversight provided by the CSU Chancellor’s Office (CSUCO) as established by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State) and the CSU Chancellor's Office (CSUCO), the Executive Director (ED) of the CSU Statewide Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success serves as the senior leader responsible for all aspects of directing and administering a system-wide central office on behalf of the 22-campus California State University. Physically housed at Sacramento State within Inclusive Excellence, the Central Office operates under the authority of the CSUCO to allocate programmatic funding, support campus program development and capacity building, and cultivate a sustained network of practice across the CSU system to advance Black student success.
The Executive Director provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to ensure the Central Office fulfills its mandate as an organizational catalyst for all 22 universities, identifying promising practices, investing in their growth, and amplifying their impact across the system and nationally. The ED is accountable to the CSUCO for annual reporting on activities, budget, and performance, and works in close partnership with the CDO and the BSSC Advisory Council to operationalize and continuously evolve the program in alignment with the goals established in the CSU Black Student Success Workgroup Report (2023). A central responsibility of this role is overseeing the implementation of SB 1348, which enables CSU campuses to pursue designation as Black Serving Institutions, a milestone requiring coordinated technical assistance, data support, and advocacy across the system. To preserve institutional integrity and avoid conflicts of interest, the Executive Director does not oversee Sacramento State's own campus-level Black Student Success efforts.
In carrying out this work, the Executive Director (ED) leads all aspects of program development and implementation across the system, including managing the call-for-proposals process for sub-grant allocation, establishing cohort networks for peer learning among campus BSSCs, and delivering systemwide convenings, training, and technical assistance. The ED recruits, supervises, and develops all Central Office staff, and holds full fiscal and operational oversight of the office, ensuring compliance with CSUCO, federal, state, and campus policies, and working through Sacramento State's Budget Office to manage fund transfers and awards. Externally, the Executive Director actively pursues philanthropic and legislative support through state and federal earmarks, private grants, and coordination with the CSU's Office of Advocacy and State Relations, building the long-term financial sustainability of Black Student Success efforts across the system.
FLSA Exempt (Not eligible for overtime compensation)
Anticipated Hiring Range $13,334 per month - $15,000 per month
CSU Classification Salary Range $6,891 per month - $22,119 per month
Work Hours M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; weekends and evenings as needed.
Department Information The CSU Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success (COABSS) provides culturally responsive services to enhance student educational experiences and promote Black student success in higher education. The statewide central office serves as an organizational catalyst for all universities by identifying promising practices, investing in Black student growth and amplifying their impact within the CSU.
Qualifications
An earned doctorate degree, or an equivalent combination of leadership and/or management experience in higher education, public administration, or a closely related field.
Five years of progressively responsible senior-level experience leading programs, departments, or offices with a focus on student programs, student success, educational equity, or related areas, including demonstrated fiscal accountability and budget management.
Demonstrated professional experience working directly with Black student populations and/or Black-serving programs, centers, or initiatives in an institutional setting.
Three years of experience managing a professional staff team, including hiring, coaching, evaluating, and developing employees; experience supervising managers or program leads.
Experience developing new programs, offices, or organizational structures from concept through implementation, including designing policies, procedures, and operational frameworks in complex institutional environments.
Experience with grant administration, sub‑grant management, or oversight of externally funded programs, including responsibility for compliance, reporting, and stewardship of public or philanthropic funds.
Demonstrated knowledge of the systemic and institutional barriers that affect the academic success, retention, and degree attainment of Black students in higher education, and a record of developing, implementing, and assessing programs or initiatives with measurable outcomes addressing those barriers.
Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local legislative and policy frameworks affecting Black student access and success in higher education, and experience engaging with legislative or advocacy processes in support of equity-focused programs.
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with a broad range of institutional and community stakeholders, including senior leadership, government agencies, community organizations, and philanthropic partners, to advance educational equity goals.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing and delivering formal reports, presentations, and strategic communications for senior leadership, governing bodies, and external audiences.
Demonstrated professional knowledge of culturally responsive program design, including familiarity with African American Studies, anti‑racist pedagogy, or community-centered models for serving historically underrepresented student populations.
Demonstrated skills in program evaluation and data-driven decision-making, including the use of disaggregated student outcome data to assess equity gaps and measure programmatic impact.
Demonstrated emotional intelligence and political acumen in navigating high-visibility, politically complex institutional environments with diverse and sometimes competing stakeholder interests.
Ability to work independently with minimal direction, prioritize across a complex and evolving portfolio, and consistently deliver results in a dynamic organizational context.
Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents, including students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Ability to travel statewide and nationally as required.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working within or alongside the California State University system, including familiarity with CSU governance structures, academic senates, collective bargaining environments, and system-wide policy processes.
Experience working with or navigating a Chancellor's Office or system-level higher education governance body, including engagement with academic affairs, student affairs, advocacy, or budget functions.
Experience administering multi-campus or system-wide programs, including building cross-institutional networks, communities of practice, or peer-learning structures across diverse campuses.
Demonstrated experience pursuing and securing philanthropic support, including cultivating donor relationships, writing or overseeing grant proposals, and meeting funder reporting requirements.
Experience engaging with state legislators, legislative staff, or higher education advocacy coalitions to advance equity-focused policy or secure public funding.
Experience managing represented employees in a collective bargaining environment.
Knowledge of the CSU Black Student Success Workgroup Report (2023), the barriers to Black student success it identifies, and/or direct experience implementing equity initiatives that address those findings at a campus or system level.
Knowledge of SB 1348 and the Black Serving Institution (BSI) designation criteria, including experience with related legislative, policy, or institutional compliance frameworks.
Documents Needed to Apply Resume/CV and cover letter.
Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.
Equal Employment Opportunity California State University, Sacramento is an Affluent Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.
Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery.
The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at clery@csus.edu.
Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.
Out of State Employment Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.
Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).
Note to Applicants Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.
Advertised Mar 16 2026 Pacific Daylight Time Applications close:
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job no:
555917 Work type:
Management (MPP) Location:
Sacramento Categories:
MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Classification Title:
Administrator III
Priority Application Deadline: April 15th @ 11:55pm PST (Posting will remain open until filled)
Position Summary Under the general direction of the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence/Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), with dual operational oversight provided by the CSU Chancellor’s Office (CSUCO) as established by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State) and the CSU Chancellor's Office (CSUCO), the Executive Director (ED) of the CSU Statewide Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success serves as the senior leader responsible for all aspects of directing and administering a system-wide central office on behalf of the 22-campus California State University. Physically housed at Sacramento State within Inclusive Excellence, the Central Office operates under the authority of the CSUCO to allocate programmatic funding, support campus program development and capacity building, and cultivate a sustained network of practice across the CSU system to advance Black student success.
The Executive Director provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to ensure the Central Office fulfills its mandate as an organizational catalyst for all 22 universities, identifying promising practices, investing in their growth, and amplifying their impact across the system and nationally. The ED is accountable to the CSUCO for annual reporting on activities, budget, and performance, and works in close partnership with the CDO and the BSSC Advisory Council to operationalize and continuously evolve the program in alignment with the goals established in the CSU Black Student Success Workgroup Report (2023). A central responsibility of this role is overseeing the implementation of SB 1348, which enables CSU campuses to pursue designation as Black Serving Institutions, a milestone requiring coordinated technical assistance, data support, and advocacy across the system. To preserve institutional integrity and avoid conflicts of interest, the Executive Director does not oversee Sacramento State's own campus-level Black Student Success efforts.
In carrying out this work, the Executive Director (ED) leads all aspects of program development and implementation across the system, including managing the call-for-proposals process for sub-grant allocation, establishing cohort networks for peer learning among campus BSSCs, and delivering systemwide convenings, training, and technical assistance. The ED recruits, supervises, and develops all Central Office staff, and holds full fiscal and operational oversight of the office, ensuring compliance with CSUCO, federal, state, and campus policies, and working through Sacramento State's Budget Office to manage fund transfers and awards. Externally, the Executive Director actively pursues philanthropic and legislative support through state and federal earmarks, private grants, and coordination with the CSU's Office of Advocacy and State Relations, building the long-term financial sustainability of Black Student Success efforts across the system.
FLSA Exempt (Not eligible for overtime compensation)
Anticipated Hiring Range $13,334 per month - $15,000 per month
CSU Classification Salary Range $6,891 per month - $22,119 per month
Work Hours M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; weekends and evenings as needed.
Department Information The CSU Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success (COABSS) provides culturally responsive services to enhance student educational experiences and promote Black student success in higher education. The statewide central office serves as an organizational catalyst for all universities by identifying promising practices, investing in Black student growth and amplifying their impact within the CSU.
Qualifications
An earned doctorate degree, or an equivalent combination of leadership and/or management experience in higher education, public administration, or a closely related field.
Five years of progressively responsible senior-level experience leading programs, departments, or offices with a focus on student programs, student success, educational equity, or related areas, including demonstrated fiscal accountability and budget management.
Demonstrated professional experience working directly with Black student populations and/or Black-serving programs, centers, or initiatives in an institutional setting.
Three years of experience managing a professional staff team, including hiring, coaching, evaluating, and developing employees; experience supervising managers or program leads.
Experience developing new programs, offices, or organizational structures from concept through implementation, including designing policies, procedures, and operational frameworks in complex institutional environments.
Experience with grant administration, sub‑grant management, or oversight of externally funded programs, including responsibility for compliance, reporting, and stewardship of public or philanthropic funds.
Demonstrated knowledge of the systemic and institutional barriers that affect the academic success, retention, and degree attainment of Black students in higher education, and a record of developing, implementing, and assessing programs or initiatives with measurable outcomes addressing those barriers.
Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local legislative and policy frameworks affecting Black student access and success in higher education, and experience engaging with legislative or advocacy processes in support of equity-focused programs.
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with a broad range of institutional and community stakeholders, including senior leadership, government agencies, community organizations, and philanthropic partners, to advance educational equity goals.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing and delivering formal reports, presentations, and strategic communications for senior leadership, governing bodies, and external audiences.
Demonstrated professional knowledge of culturally responsive program design, including familiarity with African American Studies, anti‑racist pedagogy, or community-centered models for serving historically underrepresented student populations.
Demonstrated skills in program evaluation and data-driven decision-making, including the use of disaggregated student outcome data to assess equity gaps and measure programmatic impact.
Demonstrated emotional intelligence and political acumen in navigating high-visibility, politically complex institutional environments with diverse and sometimes competing stakeholder interests.
Ability to work independently with minimal direction, prioritize across a complex and evolving portfolio, and consistently deliver results in a dynamic organizational context.
Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents, including students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Ability to travel statewide and nationally as required.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working within or alongside the California State University system, including familiarity with CSU governance structures, academic senates, collective bargaining environments, and system-wide policy processes.
Experience working with or navigating a Chancellor's Office or system-level higher education governance body, including engagement with academic affairs, student affairs, advocacy, or budget functions.
Experience administering multi-campus or system-wide programs, including building cross-institutional networks, communities of practice, or peer-learning structures across diverse campuses.
Demonstrated experience pursuing and securing philanthropic support, including cultivating donor relationships, writing or overseeing grant proposals, and meeting funder reporting requirements.
Experience engaging with state legislators, legislative staff, or higher education advocacy coalitions to advance equity-focused policy or secure public funding.
Experience managing represented employees in a collective bargaining environment.
Knowledge of the CSU Black Student Success Workgroup Report (2023), the barriers to Black student success it identifies, and/or direct experience implementing equity initiatives that address those findings at a campus or system level.
Knowledge of SB 1348 and the Black Serving Institution (BSI) designation criteria, including experience with related legislative, policy, or institutional compliance frameworks.
Documents Needed to Apply Resume/CV and cover letter.
Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.
Equal Employment Opportunity California State University, Sacramento is an Affluent Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.
Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery.
The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at clery@csus.edu.
Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.
Out of State Employment Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.
Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).
Note to Applicants Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.
Advertised Mar 16 2026 Pacific Daylight Time Applications close:
#J-18808-Ljbffr