Administrative Assistant - Planning and Institutional Effectiveness

Administrative Assistant - Planning and Institutional Effectiveness

Salary

See Position Description

Location

6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA

Job Type

Full-time (100%)

Job Number

2026-02227

Department

PRO (Planning & Research Office)

Division

President

Opening Date

11/06/2026

Closing Date

11/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Please apply for this job directly on the Cabrillo College job opportunities page here.

Employment Opportunity

Ready to make a meaningful impact?

At Cabrillo College, we believe that changing the world starts with supporting our students. We are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and strengthen a campus ecosystem where every role contributes to student success. As a member of our classified staff, you will join a vibrant community of professionals and educators working together to foster a collaborative culture and a welcoming environment. If you value professional growth, operational excellence, and helping our students achieve their aspirational goals, we need YOU at Cabrillo!

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Cabrillo College is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values high-level, innovative instruction and equity-minded support services. As of the 2025 Academic Year, 71% of Cabrillo students belong to minoritized populations, identifying as Latinx (49%), Multi-Ethnic (20%), Asian (1%), Black Non-Hispanic (<1%), Filipino (<1%), American Indian/Alaskan Native (<1%), and Pacific Islander (<1%). Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in 2006, Cabrillo has a strong commitment to the educational attainment and economic well-being of our surrounding community.

We are seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative Administrative Assistant to support the offices of Research, Planning, Institutional Effectiveness, and Grants. This position plays an important role in coordinating institutional research requests, supporting college planning and participatory governance processes, and maintaining administrative systems that keep both offices running smoothly. The ideal candidate is adaptable, comfortable working with data and technology, and committed to supporting an inclusive and equitable campus environment. This is a full-time, twelve (12) months per year position.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary & Schedule:

• Starting Salary Range: $5,137 - $5,947/month (initial placement up to Step 4 on the classified salary schedule. 5% annual increases up to Step 7

• Assignment Details: Full-time (40 hrs/week), 12 months/year. Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends.

• Start Date: As soon as possible, pending Governing Board ratification. Start-date salary is subject to proration. Cabrillo College is unable to sponsor work visas.

Benefits & Retirement:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, life, short- and long-term life insurance, disability, and optional vision coverage (shared-cost, pre-tax), plus an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Details are available on the Benefits webpage.

• CalPERS Retirement: Mandatory participation for classified staff with an 8% pre-tax employee contribution.

Paid Time Off & Incentives:

• Vacation: 12 days accrued annually (increases up to 20 days at 10 years of service).

• Sick Leave: 12 days accrued annually (up to 7 days convertible to Personal Necessity leave).

• Holidays: 22 paid holidays per year.

• Longevity & Growth: 5% annual longevity stipend after 10 years (increases to 15% at 20 years), plus access to professional growth educational incentives.

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.

• Provides administrative support to an administrative Dean, Director, or department head (supporting the operations of Planning, Research, Institutional Effectiveness and the Grants Office); acts as liaison in coordinating calendar and matters between the manager's office and other departments, divisions, students and other constituents; represents the department over the phone, in person and online; provides information and assistance regarding various District programs, schedules, procedures and requirements and handles issues that may require sensitivity and use of tact and independent judgment; researches requests or complaints and refers matters to appropriate staff and/or takes or recommends actions to resolve issues.
• Using standard office software, composes and/or types memoranda, correspondence, reports, agreements, contracts, presentations, spreadsheets, forms and other documents, often of a highly technical and sensitive nature (such as institutional research reports, strategic planning documents, program planning materials, and grant-related correspondence); proofreads and checks typed and other materials for accuracy, completeness and compliance with District standards, policies and procedures; ensures materials, contracts, reports and documents routed for signature are accurate and complete; drafts materials for submission to the Governing Board and committees.
• Creates and maintains tracking systems, spreadsheets and small databases (for institutional surveys, student course evaluations, coordination and tracking of program planning cycles, and other research-related data collection); independently performs research for staff on specific student/department issues and programs (assisting with the coordination and tracking of institutional research requests); ensures programs and services meet funding guidelines and data tracking requirements, and generates performance reports for District and grant compliance (such as Perkins reporting and other grant-related data tracking).
• Prepares or reviews, submits and tracks requests for payments and purchase orders in accordance with District policies and procedures and funding source requirements; monitors division/department funding sources and budget usage and prepares requests for budget transfers; responds to requests for additional information from division-level financial support staff; assists with ordering equipment and materials; coordinates full- and part-time staff and faculty payroll administrative processes at the division level.
• Maintains and coordinates a variety of administrator, division and/or department calendars; makes meeting arrangements including preparing and posting agendas and notices and planning meeting logistics; prepares and distributes agendas and supporting documents to appropriate parties; takes and transcribes meeting minutes; prepares and distributes follow-up documentation; may provide administrative support for a committee (such as the Institutional Effectiveness Committee, participatory governance councils, and college planning workgroups).
• Coordinates administrative processes for department hiring for faculty, staff, student employees, and independent contractor positions, including submitting and tracking requisitions, assisting the selection committee with materials, and scheduling and preparing contracts/hiring paperwork; tracks time off and other personnel actions.
• Organizes, maintains, and updates specialized and technical files, documents, and records (such as the Governance Handbook, strategic planning documents, program planning records, and participatory governance committee documentation); creates and maintains electronic and physical filing systems.
• May provide day-to-day lead work guidance and direction to other staff and student aides; assigns, schedules and monitors work for completeness, accuracy and conformance with District, department and legal/regulatory requirements and standards; provides information, instruction and training on work procedures and technical, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff.

OTHER DUTIES

• Tracks, maintains, and oversees renewal of a variety of program, facilities, equipment, and software contracts and licenses (particularly those supporting institutional research, survey administration, and departmental operations).
• Maintains and updates divisional web pages, social media, and online calendar (publishing and updating institutional research resources, planning documents, governance information, and other departmental website content).
• Represents the District and/or department on a variety of internal and external committees; liaises with community agencies, business/industry, local government, local high schools, other colleges and academic institutions.
• Provides backup for associated support staff.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• An understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty, and staff; and
• Graduation from an associate degree program, and
• At least two years of journey-level administrative support experience preferably in an academic setting; or
• An equivalent combination of training and experience. Additional experience may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis up to two years.

Desirable

• Experience working in a community college setting and knowledge of institutional processes, such as program planning and participatory governance.
• Experience with data collection and data entry.
• Experience using survey software, such as SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet software for organizing and maintaining data.
• Experience updating webpages using content management systems, with familiarity with web accessibility practices.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment including advanced knowledge of computers and applicable software programs.
• General principles, practices and techniques used in customer service, public relations and community outreach.
• Division and department goals, objectives, policies, procedures and practices applicable to area of assignment.
• District rules, policies and procedures applicable to departmental and division operations.
• Basic research methods and analysis techniques.
• District student recordkeeping practices and procedures for processing student information and interpreting input and output data.
• District payroll and general accounting systems operations, practices and procedures applicable to assignment.
• District policies, procedures, and rules regarding budgeting, purchasing, and expense reporting.
• Basic grants administration methods and practices.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Practices and techniques of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Safety policies and work practices applicable to the work being performed.
• Basic principles and practices of employee work guidance and direction.
• Applicable Administrative Procedures, Human Resources procedures and collective bargaining agreements.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Communicate information accurately and effectively; understand requests for information or assistance; maintain a courteous and tactful manner when under pressure or in an antagonistic situation.
• Compose clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, agreements, presentations and other written materials from brief instructions.
• Track and report statistical information utilizing complex spreadsheets and databases.
• Perform mathematical calculations; assist in monitoring departmental budgets.
• Assess work problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend or adopt effective courses of action in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Set priorities and exercise sound judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Operate a computer and use standard business software.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Uphold the District's mission, values, and objectives, including equity and Guided Pathways.
• Support an inclusive work environment that fosters diversity, respect, and engagement.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

A valid California driver's license or ability to access and use alternative transportation.

Additional Information

Application Process:

• Complete the application with a minimum of three (3) professional references and answer all supplemental questions; provide detailed information to aid in determining that the minimum qualification requirements have been met.

• Attach resume

• (Recommended but not required) Attach unofficial transcripts (copies, photos, scans, or downloads) for all completed college coursework, ensuring conferred degrees are visible. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency at the applicant's expense - click here for more information.

Please note: All application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date indicated above.

Attention Applicants

Only completed applications with the above required documents will be reviewed by the committee. Application materials not required (including cover letters or letters of recommendation) for this position will not be reviewed. Remove personally identifiable information such as personal photos, Social Security number, birth date, age, and gender from your application materials. Expenses related to the recruitment process are the responsibility of the applicant. Cabrillo is unable to sponsor work visas.

Accommodations

Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to complete the employment process must notify Human Resources at cabrillohr@cabrillo.edu.

Selection Procedure

A search committee will review and invite applicants for an interview. Meeting the posted requirements does not guarantee an interview. A written performance exercise and/or presentation may be a part of the interview, and finalists may be invited to return for a second interview. All notifications will be via email and can also be accessed through your application profile. A candidate eligibility pool may be established from this recruitment to fill future full-time, part-time, or temporary/substitute vacancies.

Conditions of Employment

Selected candidates given a conditional offer of employment are required to submit tuberculosis screening clearance results, proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and present their Social Security card upon hire (for payroll purposes). Cabrillo is an E-Verify employer.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cabrillo College is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive workforce, and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Questions? Concerns? Contact HR at cabrillohr@cabrillo.edu or (831) 479-6217. Departments, divisions, and committee members cannot discuss active recruitments.

Cabrillo College currently provides a benefit stipend contribution for medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance for full-time employees and eligible dependents. Please note: Employees who work less than 1,040 hours per year are not eligible for benefits. More than part-time contracts will receive a pro rata benefit stipend based on the percentage of assignment.

Classified employees are required to join the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) and as such contribute 8% of their monthly salary to CalPERS on a pre-tax basis. (For additional details you can visit the CalPERS webpage.)

For more information related to benefits, please visit the Cabrillo College Human Resources Benefits webpage on our website.

01

IMPORTANT: All applicants are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will provide information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the screening and selection process. Be concise, yet specific and informative in your responses to these supplemental questions. "See resume", "Will be answered during interview", attachments, or links/URLs (unless a question specifically requires it) will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to the questions in the following boxes. Please indicate below that you have read and understood these instructions.

• Yes
• No

02

What does it mean for you to commit to diversity? How have you demonstrated that commitment?

03

This position works with students, faculty, administrators, and community members who may have different levels of familiarity with institutional processes and technical information. Share an example of when you helped someone understand an unfamiliar or complex process. How did you adapt your communication to meet their needs?

04

What experience do you have using software or technology to support administrative operations? Provide examples of tools you have used to organize information, maintain records, or track processes, and explain how they supported your work.

05

Tell us about your experience providing administrative support to committees, workgroups, or institutional planning initiatives. What responsibilities did you have, and how did you contribute to the groups work?

06

I understand and reconfirm my consent and authorization that if I am a final candidate for this position, Cabrillo College or its authorized agent(s) may conduct comprehensive, job-related background and/or reference checks, including job history, criminal history, identity check, and/or fingerprinting. This reconfirmation question and its answer are confidential and will not be seen by the Search and Selection Committee.

• I agree
• I do not agree

Required Question

Employer Cabrillo College

Address 6500 Soquel Dr

Building 1550

Aptos, California, 95003

Phone (831) 479-6217

Website http://cabrillo.edu