Director, Office of Black Student Development
Spelman Johnson, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
$105,000-$115,000 including assistance with housing and relocation
Managing Budget: $537,000 Approximately
Reports to: Joaquin Becerra, Dean of Students
Director, Office of Black Student Development The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) seeks applications for its next director of the Office of Black Student Development (OBSD). The position is on‑site, with a possible 4:1 hybrid schedule after a probationary period and supervisor approval. The anticipated start date is summer 2026.
Responsibilities of the Position Reporting to the dean of students, the director provides strategic leadership, vision, and management for campus‑wide efforts focused on Black student engagement and success, while advancing a broader framework for holistic student success at UCSB.
Oversees key advisory groups including the Black Resource Committee (BRC).
Serves as a liaison to senior campus leadership, the Black Student Union (BSU), University of California system partners, faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders.
Advises campus leadership and delivers services such as consultation, policy and data analysis, and direct support to enhance student inclusion and retention.
Leads strategic planning, assessment, and implementation of long‑range goals related to Black student success and broader institutional student success initiatives.
Develops partnerships and program models that identify and address barriers to curricular and co‑curricular success for Black students and other marginalized populations.
Participates in campus‑wide diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and aligns with the Anti‑Discrimination Policy.
Engages with local, regional, and national organizations to stay current on research, trends, and best practices.
Manages the department’s daily operations, including staff supervision, development, budget management, and fundraising efforts.
Ensures meaningful student voice through advisory structures and participation in program development and staff selection processes.
Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate The successful candidate will hold a master’s degree and possess a minimum of four years of progressive experience in higher education, with a demonstrated commitment to supporting Black students and the broader Black community.
Advanced knowledge of student development theory and a strong understanding of issues related to Black student retention, campus climate, and strategies to address inequities.
Proven ability to design, implement, and assess impactful programs with measurable outcomes.
Demonstrated administrative expertise in program development, assessment, resource management, and policy implementation.
Effective supervision, team development, conflict management, and experience leading complex initiatives.
Strong political acumen and ability to navigate complex institutional environments shaped by shared governance.
Excellent communication skills, sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and cultural competence.
Capacity for independent and collaborative work and engagement with a diverse campus community.
Advanced degree and familiarity with national organizations supporting Black students or the African diaspora are preferred.
Opportunities and Challenges of the Role The director will provide leadership on the following opportunities, priorities, and challenges identified by UCSB students and community stakeholders.
Rebuild trust and strengthen relationships with students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Establish and execute a clear, forward‑looking vision for the Office within the Student Affairs portfolio.
Strategically rebuild the office’s staffing structure by hiring and developing five vacant positions while navigating resource constraints.
Enhance student engagement, belonging, and retention through intentional programming.
Advance a campus environment that supports Black student success by strengthening responses to campus climate and fostering belonging.
Coordinate and collaborate across a decentralized campus to align resources and partners.
Expand and sustain Black‑centered spaces, resources, and partnerships within the campus and community.
Navigate financial constraints by prioritizing resources, pursuing funding opportunities, and building sustainable models.
Partner with an advocacy‑driven student community to advance institutional priorities and respond to evolving student needs.
Measures of Success
Maintain a visible, accessible presence and demonstrate responsive, student‑centered leadership.
Achieve measurable improvements in Black student retention, academic success, and overall student outcomes.
Position the Office of Black Student Development as a trusted, visible partner across campus.
Strengthen trust, transparency, and meaningful relationships among students, staff, faculty, alumni, and partners.
Build and sustain a fully staffed, high‑functioning team with supported and empowered staff.
Demonstrate sustained, visible progress in addressing anti‑Blackness and improving campus climate.
Cultivate strong partnerships with campus units, alumni, and external stakeholders to generate resources and support long‑term sustainability.
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Director, Office of Black Student Development The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) seeks applications for its next director of the Office of Black Student Development (OBSD). The position is on‑site, with a possible 4:1 hybrid schedule after a probationary period and supervisor approval. The anticipated start date is summer 2026.
Responsibilities of the Position Reporting to the dean of students, the director provides strategic leadership, vision, and management for campus‑wide efforts focused on Black student engagement and success, while advancing a broader framework for holistic student success at UCSB.
Oversees key advisory groups including the Black Resource Committee (BRC).
Serves as a liaison to senior campus leadership, the Black Student Union (BSU), University of California system partners, faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders.
Advises campus leadership and delivers services such as consultation, policy and data analysis, and direct support to enhance student inclusion and retention.
Leads strategic planning, assessment, and implementation of long‑range goals related to Black student success and broader institutional student success initiatives.
Develops partnerships and program models that identify and address barriers to curricular and co‑curricular success for Black students and other marginalized populations.
Participates in campus‑wide diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and aligns with the Anti‑Discrimination Policy.
Engages with local, regional, and national organizations to stay current on research, trends, and best practices.
Manages the department’s daily operations, including staff supervision, development, budget management, and fundraising efforts.
Ensures meaningful student voice through advisory structures and participation in program development and staff selection processes.
Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate The successful candidate will hold a master’s degree and possess a minimum of four years of progressive experience in higher education, with a demonstrated commitment to supporting Black students and the broader Black community.
Advanced knowledge of student development theory and a strong understanding of issues related to Black student retention, campus climate, and strategies to address inequities.
Proven ability to design, implement, and assess impactful programs with measurable outcomes.
Demonstrated administrative expertise in program development, assessment, resource management, and policy implementation.
Effective supervision, team development, conflict management, and experience leading complex initiatives.
Strong political acumen and ability to navigate complex institutional environments shaped by shared governance.
Excellent communication skills, sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and cultural competence.
Capacity for independent and collaborative work and engagement with a diverse campus community.
Advanced degree and familiarity with national organizations supporting Black students or the African diaspora are preferred.
Opportunities and Challenges of the Role The director will provide leadership on the following opportunities, priorities, and challenges identified by UCSB students and community stakeholders.
Rebuild trust and strengthen relationships with students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Establish and execute a clear, forward‑looking vision for the Office within the Student Affairs portfolio.
Strategically rebuild the office’s staffing structure by hiring and developing five vacant positions while navigating resource constraints.
Enhance student engagement, belonging, and retention through intentional programming.
Advance a campus environment that supports Black student success by strengthening responses to campus climate and fostering belonging.
Coordinate and collaborate across a decentralized campus to align resources and partners.
Expand and sustain Black‑centered spaces, resources, and partnerships within the campus and community.
Navigate financial constraints by prioritizing resources, pursuing funding opportunities, and building sustainable models.
Partner with an advocacy‑driven student community to advance institutional priorities and respond to evolving student needs.
Measures of Success
Maintain a visible, accessible presence and demonstrate responsive, student‑centered leadership.
Achieve measurable improvements in Black student retention, academic success, and overall student outcomes.
Position the Office of Black Student Development as a trusted, visible partner across campus.
Strengthen trust, transparency, and meaningful relationships among students, staff, faculty, alumni, and partners.
Build and sustain a fully staffed, high‑functioning team with supported and empowered staff.
Demonstrate sustained, visible progress in addressing anti‑Blackness and improving campus climate.
Cultivate strong partnerships with campus units, alumni, and external stakeholders to generate resources and support long‑term sustainability.
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