Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Executive Director for Writing and Learning, the Academic Preparation and Transitions Coordinator leads the implementation of the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP). This position bridges the gap between high school and college by coordinating college readiness and transitions initiatives aligned with CSU Executive Order 1110 and Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students, with a focus on fostering early academic momentum and timely progression through first-year English and mathematics General Education coursework.

The incumbent serves as a key liaison between Cal Poly, regional K–12 districts, community colleges, and CSU stakeholders; interprets and communicates systemwide placement and readiness policies; and designs and coordinates outreach strategies that engage students, families, and educators in academic preparation and transition processes. Through these partnerships, the Academic Preparation and Transitions Coordinator supports prospective and newly admitted students in understanding readiness expectations, navigating CSU placement processes, and preparing for college-level coursework. Responsibilities include serving as an academic preparation and placement resource to students and educational partners; coordinating CSU-sponsored English and mathematics professional development opportunities for local educators; collaborating with faculty and staff to support implementation of placement policies and first-year supports; and leading evaluation of academic preparation and readiness initiatives to ensure compliance with CSU policy and continuous improvement of programming. 

Department Summary

As a central Student Success unit, the Office of Writing and Learning (OWL) helps students stay in school and stay on track by coordinating a comprehensive, student-centered portfolio of academic preparation, learning support, and writing-across-the-curriculum initiatives designed to reduce opportunity gaps and improve academic outcomes for all Cal Poly students. Within OWL, the Academic Preparation and Transitions area supports college readiness and early academic momentum, particularly in foundational written communication and mathematics coursework. 

Key Qualifications

• Ability to advise students individually and in groups on academic preparation and placement matters
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, parents/guardians, faculty, and staff to promote academic preparation and address questions and concerns
• Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate academic preparation, placement initiatives, and related CSU policies
• Working knowledge of academic standards in secondary education, particularly in English and mathematics
• Ability to assess the effectiveness of programs and activities and make data-informed adjustments

Education and Experience

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field,
  including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling
  techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related.
• Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
• A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related
  field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the
  appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted
  for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional
  career or personal counseling.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $66,528 - $77,951 Per Year

Classification Range: $66,480 - $94,716 Per Year

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Please watch the video linked here to learn more about the CSU system. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.