Careers At Sofia University

Reports to: AVP of Strategic Enrollment, International and Alumni Affairs

Department: Admissions

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Palo Alto or Costa Mesa Campus

University Overview:

Since 1975, Sofia University has aspired to be a leader in transformative higher education offering students an education that transcends beyond a traditional learning environment. Students, staff, and faculty of Sofia are passionate individuals that recognize the need to be a part of something greater than themselves and seek opportunities that will provide them with the tools to empower themselves and their community. As Sofia continues to grow as a University, it remains committed to its transformative transpersonal values, as well as to maintaining a high-quality and diverse workforce representative of the community it services.

Sofia University is Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in the fields of psychology, business, and computer science. Located in Palo Alto and Costa Mesa, California, the University provides both on campus and domestic and international online programs, giving students the flexibility to further an education rooted in transformative and transpersonal values, in a format that best suits their schedule and needs. Sofia University is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Overview:

As a member of the Admission Department, this creative and knowledgeable individual will assist in the planning, development and implementation of the University-wide recruitment and admissions programs. The Admissions Counselor will actively contribute to achieving enrollment goals as well as the growth development and activities of the department that promote a commitment to access and student success for our diverse student body.

Responsibilities:

• Represent the University both on- and off-campus to a prospective student, parents, secondary school counselors and other individuals or organizations involved in the college selection process.  
• Serve as the designated representative for community college outreach and achieve the enrollment goals for undergraduate degree completion programs and graduate programs.
• Develop, plan, and implement outreach and recruitment strategies for colleges, universities, communities, businesses, and organizations to bring awareness of the University as well as to form relationships with students and potential partners. May travel to distant sites and events.
• Support recruitment and enrollment activities including open houses, presentations (in-person and online), training sessions, orientation programs and class days, etc.
• Accurately and completely portray University educational programs, expected outcomes, student services, and financial consideration to students, parents, and educators.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Department to provide suggestions on marketing strategies and marketing materials to promote all programs.
• Adhere to all state and federal accreditation and University rules and regulations regarding student recruitment.
• Assist in agent and partner recruitment process and onboarding process, and help strengthen relationships with existing partners
• Support the collaboration between the domestic admissions team and the Global College admission team, as well as among all other departments
• Manage inquiries to achieve prompt contact and performance activity; utilize approved recruitment policies/formats; make prompt and effective contact with inquiries and maintaining consistent communication with all students throughout the admission process, including but not limited to outbound calls, emails, social media outreach per day to reach prospective students in a timely manner.
• Conducting telephone and web based personal interviews to qualify prospective students on their educational goals and interests, explaining available academic programs, advising them on admission requirements, and ensuring that all admission paperwork is completed properly. This may also include providing more in-depth counseling for undecided students.
• Maintain student appointment schedule for prospective students and applicants (scheduled and walk-ins) as needed while updating the Universities CRM and SIS platform daily.
• Identify and target different groups of potential students: active military, vets, mature adults seeking degree completion, busy professionals looking for career enhancement and counseling psychology professionals.
• Review applications for admission and monitor the admission profiles of incoming students; facilitate communication between program chairs and prospective students regarding admission policies and procedures; resolve exceptional applicant problems.
• Provide suggestions for improving and facilitating workflow for admissions and recruitment operations
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Strategic Enrollment, International, and Alumni Affairs

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, Psychology, Education, Marketing, Public Relations, Counseling, or related fields.
• Strong preference for candidates with 3 years of experience as an admissions counselor, recruitment and outreach specialist, or similar experience
• Ability to be proactive, work under minimal supervision, with an appreciation for innovation, creativity and professionalism
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Highly motivated self-starter with strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex issues and implement systemic solutions. Previous experience with University CRM and SIS platforms is strongly preferred.
• Proficient with computer software including excel, Word, Power Point
• High energy, meticulous attention to detail, and keen organizational skills are highly desirable.
• High knowledge of social media platforms
• Demonstrated ability to work in a proactively diverse and inclusive culture and effectively collaborate with all Departments across the organization
• Ability to travel and work nights and weekends as necessary

Sofia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Human Resources Department at 888-820-1484 ext.10200.

Reports to:  Chief Registrar, Director of Registration and Records

Department: Office of the Registrar

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Palo Alto, CA or Costa Mesa, CA

University Overview:

Since 1975, Sofia University has aspired to be a leader in transformative higher education offering students an education that transcends beyond a traditional learning environment. Students, staff, and faculty of Sofia are passionate individuals that recognize the need to be a part of something greater than themselves and seek opportunities that will provide them with the tools to empower themselves and their community. As Sofia continues to grow as a University, it remains committed to its transformative transpersonal values, as well as to maintaining a high-quality and diverse workforce representative of the community it services.

Sofia University is Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in the fields of psychology, business, and computer science. Located in Palo Alto and Costa Mesa, California, the University provides both on campus and online programs, giving students the flexibility to further an education rooted in transformative and transpersonal values, in a format that best suits their schedule and needs. Sofia University is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Overview:

The Mission of the Office of the Registrar is to provide outstanding academic and support services to students, faculty, staff, and alumni in compliance with institutional, professional, and legal standards; and to provide timely and accurate information while maintaining the security and integrity of student data.
The Registrar’s Office maintains the academic records of all Sofia University students. The Office issues transcripts, receives incoming student transcripts and documents, certifies enrollment, evaluates students’ records, monitors academic standing, coordinates grades and attendance, and processes students for graduation.
The Registrar’s Office strives to improve processes and procedures through the innovative use of technological resources. In all these duties the Office supports the University’s core values.
The Associate Registrar assists and works under the direction of the Registrar to lead, analyze, plan, and implement the operations and administrative requirements for graduation, and provides supportive presence for Sofia University students at our Palo Alto or Costa Mesa campus.

Responsibilities:

• Manage admissions and academic records for all current and former students
• Supervise grading, records’ editing functions, the production of transcripts, enrollment/degree verifications, and the processing of requests from students for course changes while ensuring compliance with University policies and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Maintain transcripts, withdrawals, clearance, degree completion audit, processing of graduation application and conferment of degrees, posting and awarding of degrees with the supervision of the Registrar
• Work with the Registrar, Program Chairs, faculty, and the student services staff to devise registration schedules and procedures
• Assist in planning and executing domestic and international student orientation and commencement ceremonies
• Collaborate with Registrar, Admission department, and Dean to develop Retention and Re-entry strategic plans for graduate, undergraduate, domestic, international, and at-risk students
• Monitor attendance and academic progress for all domestic and international students, and ensure they meet the requirements of satisfactory academic progress according to the University’s and Department of Education regulations
• Monitor and release holds on student records
  • Responsible for providing information and reports to departments across campus, and works in cooperation with the Registrar and others to ensure academic policies and procedures are enforced and proper records are maintained
• Assist in maintaining, troubleshooting, and enhancing the University’s data management and related systems
• Coordinate class schedules with room assignments for optimum use of buildings and equipment
• Upholds a thorough knowledge of the University catalog, curriculum, degree requirements and regulations, policies and procedures to be able to communicate and interpret verbally and in writing to advise students
• Develop and implement best business practices that improve and maintain customer service and communications with all university constituents
• Some evening and weekend hours may be required in line with academic offerings
• Other duties as assigned.
  Qualifications
• Baccalaureate degree required
• Minimum of two years of full-time experience in a records environment, with emphasis on university graduation processes
• Ability to be proactive, work under minimal supervision, with an appreciation for innovation, creativity and professionalism
• Highly motivated self-starter with strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex issues and implement systemic solutions.
• High energy, meticulous attention to detail, and keen organizational skills highly desirable
• Demonstrate technical skills with student information systems/databases and will possess experience managing multiple projects
• Experience with transfer credits, graduation processing and degree audit
• Additionally, candidates must possess excellent written and oral communications skills and have the ability to work with diverse constituencies.
• Ability to travel and work nights and weekends as necessary.

Sofia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Human Resources Department at 888-820-1484 ext.10200.

Reports to: Senior Instructional Designer & Provost

Department: Instructional Designer

Classification: Part-Time, Non-exempt

Location: Costa Mesa, Palo Alto, or Remote

Wage: $35/hr

University Overview:

Since 1975, Sofia University has aspired to be a leader in transformative higher education offering students an education that transcends beyond a traditional learning environment. Students, staff, and faculty of Sofia are passionate individuals that recognize the need to be a part of something greater than themselves and seek opportunities that will provide them with the tools to empower themselves and their community. As Sofia continues to grow as a University, it remains committed to its transformative transpersonal values, as well as to maintaining a high-quality and diverse workforce representative of the community it services.

Sofia University is Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in the fields of psychology, business, and computer science. Located in Palo Alto and Costa Mesa, California, the University provides both on campus and online programs, giving students the flexibility to further an education rooted in transformative and transpersonal values, in a format that best suits their schedule and needs. Sofia University is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Senior Instructional Designer and Provost, this position performs necessary functions related to instructional design for Sofia University. The position works closely with Academic Affairs and IT in the development of online courses, training and support of faculty and students in the use of Canvas LMS. This is a part-time position.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with appropriate personnel across departments for various projects.
• Provide support for the university’s organizational improvements, course delivery, academic accreditation, and program activities.
• Build online courses in Canvas LMS using the developed course using best practices in online teaching/learning
• Assist faculty in course design and development and real-time troubleshooting for Canvas LMS courses.
• Design, develop, and conduct faculty training sessions for Canvas LMS.
• Develops course master and syllabus templates, assignment rubrics, style guide, and Getting Started module for all university courses.
• Assist with identifying and locating assets for Chinese language courses, including scholarly articles, textbooks, and websites.
• Reviewing existing Chinese language courses and developing appropriate improvements and refinements.
• Translating English to Chinese in Canvas courses.
• Researching specific topics and issues related to Chinese language courses.
• Build online courses in Canvas LMS using the developed course model/template, rubrics, and style guide.
• Participate in process definition and continuous improvement related to quality, consistency, effectiveness, and efficiency of course design, development, and maintenance.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Curriculum & Instruction, Instructional Technology, or similar degree program
• Two to three years of work in instructional design for higher education and distance learning
• Fluent in spoken and written Chinese; ability to perform translations from English to Simplified Chinese
• Ability to edit existing translations for accuracy and clarity
• Working knowledge of current Chinese online culture, e-commerce, social media, higher education
• Solid working knowledge of MS Office and OneDrive
• Solid working knowledge of HTML5.
• Working knowledge of videoconferencing technologies, including MS Teams and Zoom
• Solid working knowledge of Canvas LMS, or another major learning management system such as Moodle, Blackboard, or D2L (Brightspace)
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to problem-solve in online courses
• Experience with higher education administrative/student information systems preferred
• Working knowledge of “Backward Design” and conventional instructional design methodology
• Working knowledge of APA citation formatting in online courses

Sofia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Human Resources Department at 888-820-1484 ext.10200.

Reports to: Associate Vice President of Strategic Enrollment, International and Alumni Affairs

Department: Admissions and Alumni Affairs

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Costa Mesa, CA

University Overview:

Since 1975, Sofia University has aspired to be a leader in transformative higher education offering students an education that transcends beyond a traditional learning environment. Students, staff, and faculty of Sofia are passionate individuals that recognize the need to be a part of something greater than themselves and seek opportunities that will provide them with the tools to empower themselves and their community. As Sofia continues to grow as a University, it remains committed to its transformative transpersonal values, as well as to maintaining a high-quality and diverse workforce representative of the community it services.

Sofia University is Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in the fields of psychology, business, and computer science. Located in Palo Alto and Costa Mesa, California, the University provides both on campus and domestic and international online programs, giving students the flexibility to further an education rooted in transformative and transpersonal values, in a format that best suits their schedule and needs. Sofia University is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Overview:

The Outreach & Alumni Relations Coordinator will help strengthen our connection with the community, cultivate relationships with prospective students, alumni, and foster partnerships that enhance the university’s mission. This role will be responsible for leading outreach initiatives, managing alumni engagement programs, and organizing events that build strong connections within and beyond the university community.

Responsibilities:

Outreach and Recruitment:

• Support the collaboration with Marketing Department in developing strategies to achieve enrollment goals (quarterly and annually)
• Assist in developing and implementing outreach and recruitment plans with an emphasis on increasing enrollment for both U.S. campuses and improving student retention
• Build and maintain relationships with other Universities’ and Community Colleges’ admissions office, transfer center, career center and relevant departments to promote Sofia’s academic programs through various outreach events
• Plan, organize and manage on-campus and virtual events such as open house, campus tour, information sessions, community events, visits and presentations at potential partner schools and organizations, aiming for enhancing university’s brand awareness as well as boosting enrollment
• Make recommendations on admissions, outreach and recruitment related policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness as well as to enhance collaborations with other departments
• Ensure a timely follow-up on the leads and contacts generated from conferences, school fairs, business and community events.
• Recruit high quality, resourceful and reputable international agents to increase international student enrollment.
• Collaborate with International Student Office for the assessment on international agents’ performances
• Assist in reviewing and updating the recruitment publications and materials (in conjunction with Marketing and Admissions teams)
• Effectively manage projects assigned and provide regular reports to Supervisor.
• Assist in all accreditation and regulatory processes when needed
• Serve on committees as assigned
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor

Alumni Relations:

• Assist in reconnecting and uniting domestic alumni and Global College alumni through collaborative efforts with all departments, faculty, students and vendors/partners
• Assist in managing Sofia alumni ambassador association (SAAA) operations and working closely with Alumni Ambassadors, aiming for enhancing communication with all Alumni (domestic and international) and increasing enrollment through referrals
• Provide support to Global College for graduation ceremony planning and other events to engage Sofia Alumni community as a whole
• Assist in developing alumni communication strategy including surveys and other feedback tools
• Assist in creating the content for the Alumni Newsletter and managing Alumni Social Media Platforms (LinkedIn, etc.)
• Assist in interviewing Alumni (virtual and in-person) and collecting written testimonial to showcase their experiences and successes
• Facilitate the annual alumni award voting process and assist in the operation for the awards night ceremony
• Work closely with Marketing Department to produce outreach marketing materials, email, and text templates to enhance communications with Alumni; promote alumni events and alumni stories and testimonials across various platforms, ensuring consistent and engaging communication
• Manage alumni affairs email inbox and ensure a timely response. Follow up with alumni inquiries via phone call, email, social media (e.g. LinkedIn posts) to improve overall outreach to alumni
• Assist in managing work-study students, alumni ambassadors, volunteers to participate in Sofia events
• Represent Alumni Affairs Office at external events and help build strategic partnerships for Sofia
• Manage the alumni database, track projects progress, and run reports
• Assist in all accreditation and regulatory processes when needed
• Serve on committees as assigned
• Other tasks as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
• 2-3 years of experience in outreach, event management, or alumni relations, preferably in an educational setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a talent for building relationships and engaging diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (word, excel, PPT, outlook)
• Proficiency in social media platforms and content creation.
• A passion for education and a commitment to fostering a strong university community.
• Must have exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and document review

Sofia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Human Resources Department at 888-820-1484 ext.10200.

Reports to: President

Department: Administration and Finance

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Palo Alto & Costa Mesa Campus

Language Requirements: Bilingual (English/Mandarin highly preferred)

University Overview:

Since 1975, Sofia University has aspired to be a leader in transformative higher education offering students an education that transcends beyond a traditional learning environment. Students, staff, and faculty of Sofia are passionate individuals that recognize the need to be a part of something greater than themselves and seek opportunities that will provide them with the tools to empower themselves and their community. As Sofia continues to grow as a University, it remains committed to its transformative transpersonal values, as well as to maintaining a high-quality and diverse workforce representative of the community it services.

Sofia University is Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in the fields of psychology, business, and computer science. Located in Palo Alto and Costa Mesa, California, the University provides both on campus and domestic and international online programs, giving students the flexibility to further an education rooted in transformative and transpersonal values, in a format that best suits their schedule and needs. Sofia University is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Overview:

The Vice President Administration & Chief Financial Officer (VPA & CFO) provides strategic senior leadership for the administrative and financial operations of the University.  The Vice President (VP) serves as a senior member of the University management team, reporting directly to the President.  The VP plays a central role in the short-term and long-term development of the University’s infrastructure and facilities.

The VPA & CFO Officer will have primary day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling designated administrative and financial-related activities of the University.

Responsibilities:

• Reporting directly to the President, the VP provides leadership, direction and assessment for designated administrative and financial services.
• Manage Finance, Financial Aid, Administration and Facilities Departments.
• Additional administrative tasks related to IT and HR in partnership with the President.
• Work collaboratively with the Provost, AVP of Global Engagement, the Associate Vice President Strategic Enrollment International & Alumni Affairs and Director of Marketing & Communications by providing strategic financial insight and assessment of enrollment growth of the University within the context of regulatory and accreditation compliance.
• Provide strategic financial insight and long-range planning for proposed growth plans and new programs both domestically and internationally.
• Provide strategic leadership in financial planning and management with partners in China and Canada.
• Develop, track and manage the Finance Departments’ staff, goals and success metrics.
• Lead a review of financial operations, ensure timely and accurate reporting and forecasting, ensuring the right key performance indicators are in place to support decision making.
• Manage the process and provide timely and accurate analysis of yearly budgets, and audits, quarterly internal audits and monthly financial trends.
• Provide forecasting reports for the President, the Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for all treasury activities, including cash management, foreign exchange, and debt management.
• Provide senior management with advice on financial implications of business activities.
• Assess and manage all University insurance policy needs on a yearly basis.
• Oversee the management of Sofia’s physical infrastructure (two campuses).
• Negotiate and administer contracts with outside vendors.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports and other documents as required by regulatory agencies and internal constituencies.
• Commitment to embracing the educational mission, global expansion and student centricity of Sofia University.
• Work closely with the President to maintain communication with the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees.
• Work closely with the President and AVP of Global Engagement to manage cooperation with educational partners in China and other countries.
• Timely and effectively communicate with domestic, Chinese, South Korean and Canadian partners and agents on contracts and financial transactions.
• Other administrative responsibilities as assigned by the President and the Board of Trustees.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree plus five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in business administration & finance in a complex organization or equivalent combination of education and experience preferably in Higher Education.
• Current CPA license required.
• Strong background and knowledge in accounting and quantitative analysis.
• Previous administrative and CFO experience and knowledge of financial aid is highly desirable.
• Excellent working knowledge of higher education rules and regulations, as well as a broad range of fiscal compliance issues.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, ability to provide sound leadership and decision-making.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience leading a team of professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a proactively diverse and inclusive culture and effectively collaborate with all Departments across the organization.
• Superior interpersonal communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a variety of both internal and external constituents.
• Proficiency in using computers and relevant software programs.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Bilingual (English-Mandarin) is highly preferred.

Sofia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Human Resources Department at 888-820-1484 ext.10200.