Job Opportunities

SUA receives many applications each month. Your patience is appreciated as SUA takes the time to properly review, screen, and interview candidates. SUA is an equal opportunity employer.

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Visiting Assistant Professor of French

Date Posted: 10/12/2023

Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo, California, invites applications to fill a one-year position as Visiting Assistant Professor of French beginning August 1, 2024, with a teaching load of 5 courses per year (typically 4 French courses and one course in our General Education Program).

Candidates must be able and willing to teach a variety of courses outside of their field of specialization, including lower-division language courses, be active as scholars, and contribute to the life and activities of the Language and Culture Program and the University.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially with regard to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and have a willingness to facilitate the university’s mission to develop global citizens.

Qualifications:

Native or near-native competence in oral/written French.
Ph.D. in a relevant field and experience teaching French as a foreign language at the college level.

Application Information: To apply, please submit (1) a letter of application explaining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, (2) a current curriculum vitae, (3) evidence of teaching excellence from the past 3 years, and (4) three letters of reference before December 30, 2023 for full consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Applications will not be considered unless all required documents have been received.

Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check.

Benefits and Salary: Soka University of America offers an excellent benefits package for full-time faculty that includes medical, dental, vision, and retirement. The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Soka University requires all employees and students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. If hired, you are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of your employment at Soka University, except in instances where you have a qualifying medical condition or sincerely held religious belief that is contrary to receiving the vaccine. You will be required to provide your vaccination record on your first day of employment.

Apply for the Visiting Assistant Professor of French Position

Direct questions to: facultyrecruiting@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Date Posted: 10/12/2023

The Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration at Soka University of America (SUA) invites applications for a full-time tenure-tracked faculty member as Assistant Professor of Psychology beginning August 1, 2024. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in Psychology or ABD.

We seek a psychological scientist with training and research in basic or applied psychology, broadly defined, with a preference for cognitive, neuroscience, health, or industrial-organizational psychology. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is a demonstrated understanding of the interdisciplinary curriculum in the liberal arts tradition.

Qualifications: As part of a five-course teaching load, candidates will be expected to teach some combination of undergraduate courses in Introduction to Psychology, research methods, upper division psychology courses in the candidate’s area of interest, and other courses in the interdisciplinary general education program or core curriculum.

The successful candidate will be expected to show excellence in teaching students from diverse backgrounds in small class sizes and develop and maintain an active research program that can meaningfully incorporate undergraduate student collaborators from diverse backgrounds. Priority will be given to candidates with the demonstrated potential to publish or present findings with undergraduate co-authors.

Application Information: Applicants should submit the following materials: (1) a cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) a research statement that describes their program of research, including opportunities for meaningful student involvement; (4) a teaching statement that describes their teaching experience in psychology content courses, including evidence of their ability to create equitable learning opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds; and (5) the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted to submit letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin January 15, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check.

Benefits and Salary: Soka University of America offers an excellent benefits package for full-time faculty that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, dependent tuition remission, and faculty home loans. The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $90,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Apply for the Assistant Professor of Psychology Position

Email: facultyrecruiting@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies

Date Posted: 11/27/2023

The Environmental Studies concentration at Soka University of America (SUA) invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies beginning August 1, 2024 with the potential for continuation. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in an environmental field.

We seek a broadly trained environmental scientist with the ability to teach undergraduate courses in climate science, water resources, conservation science, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, wildlife ecology, plant ecology, resource management, or restoration ecology. Please note that we are also conducting a parallel search for a full-time tenure-tracked position at the Assistant Professor-level. Potential candidates are encouraged to apply to either position.

SUA full-time faculty teach five courses a year, with some courses being taught in our interdisciplinary general education program. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is a demonstrated understanding of the interdisciplinary curriculum in the liberal arts tradition.

Qualifications:

Application Information: Applicants should submit the following materials: (1) a cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) a research statement that describes their program of research, including opportunities for meaningful student involvement; (4) a teaching statement that describes their teaching experience in relevant content courses, including evidence of their ability to create equitable learning opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds; and (5) the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted to submit letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin January 15, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check.

Benefits and Salary: Soka University of America offers an excellent benefits package for full-time faculty that includes medical, dental, vision, and retirement. The salary range for this position is $77,500 - $88,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Apply for the Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Position

Email: facultyrecruiting@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies

Date Posted: 11/27/2023

The Environmental Studies concentration at Soka University of America (SUA) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty member as Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies beginning August 1, 2024. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in an environmental field and the demonstrated ability to establish a productive research program.

We seek a broadly trained environmental scientist with the ability to teach some of these potential courses at the undergraduate level: climate science, water resources, conservation science, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, wildlife ecology, plant ecology, resource management, or restoration ecology. Having the ability and willingness to work collegially is essential, as is a demonstrated understanding of the interdisciplinary curriculum in the liberal arts tradition. Please note that we are also conducting a parallel search for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position. Potential candidates are encouraged to apply to either position.

Qualifications: As part of a five-course-a-year teaching load, candidates will be expected to develop a two-year rotation of diverse undergraduate courses in Environmental Studies as well as teach other courses in the interdisciplinary general education program or core curriculum.

Application Information: Applicants should submit the following materials: (1) a cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) a research statement that describes their program of research, including opportunities for meaningful student involvement; (4) a teaching statement that describes their teaching experience in relevant content courses, including evidence of their ability to create equitable learning opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds; and (5) the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted to submit letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin January 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check.

Benefits and Salary: Soka University of America offers an excellent benefits package for full-time faculty that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, dependent tuition remission, and faculty home loans. The salary range for this position is $86,000 - $98,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please apply by submitting your application through Interfolio using this link:

Apply for the Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Position

Email: facultyrecruiting@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal-opportunity employer.

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Mental Health Counselor

Date Posted: 9/5/2023

Soka University of America is seeking a Mental Health Counselor. This is a full-time, 12-month position. The Counselor will provide individual and group counseling to students, as well as crisis intervention, consultation, and outreach to students, faculty, and staff. The Counselor primarily serves as a mental health resource to individual students.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

Providing individual and group counseling with appropriate treatment plans for students.
Providing crisis intervention and risk/safety assessment services in instances where students may require hospitalization or a higher level of care.
Providing case management.
Maintaining ethical and comprehensive clinical records.
Scheduling appointments and attending regular meetings with the Director of Student Services.
Providing consultation and outreach services to faculty and professional staff.
Providing outreach programming on a variety of developmental, preventative, and / or mental health topics.
Performing other similar duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Licensure

Master’s Degree in a related field (Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work).
Current California license as a marriage and family therapist, professional clinical counselor, psychologist, or social worker.

Professional Experience

Minimum of two years of counseling experience in higher education or with college-aged adults.
Experience working with college students from diverse social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds including students of color, students from lower economic backgrounds, first generation college students, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ students. Experience working with international students a plus.

Expected Skills:

Demonstrated knowledge and sensitivity regarding cultural traditions, language barriers, identity, and intersectionality.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and an enthusiasm for working with students, faculty and other university personnel.
High ethical and professional standards.
Bilingual or multilingual proficiency a plus.
Experience providing crisis stabilization services in a community mental health setting or university counseling center.
Experience conducting intake interviews, including psycho-diagnostic assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment plan formulation, for students with a broad spectrum of psychological problems, ranging from adjustment issues to major psychiatric disorders.

Soka University of America offers excellent benefits. Salary range for this position is $76,000 to $90,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check. Soka University requires all employees and students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. If hired, you are required to be fully vaccinated (including booster) for COVID-19 as a condition of your employment at Soka University, except in instances where you have a qualifying medical condition or sincerely held religious belief that is contrary to receiving the vaccine. You will be required to provide your vaccination record on your first day of employment.

Application review will begin immediately. The position will remain open, and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Application Requirements:

Must submit the following to be considered:

letter of interest for this position
resume
three professional references

Apply for the Mental Health Counselor position

For inquiries, e-mail: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Director of International Student Services

Date Posted: 11/10/2023

The Director of International Student Services reports to the Dean of Enrollment Services and serves as the university’s Primary Designated School Official (PDSO). The Director oversees the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a central database that the government requires to maintain accurate and current international student information during various enrollment periods. This individual is responsible for gathering essential documents and issuing I-20 forms to new and returning students, confirming international student’s ability to travel for their study abroad programs, and managing the process of international students’ post-completion options. The Director is responsible for informing key personnel on and off campus regarding changes in the Department of Homeland Security’s laws and participates in recruiting, evaluating, and reading admissions files with the purpose of supporting the university enrollment goals.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

International Student Services

Serve as the primary campus contact and maintains working relationships with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS), and US Department of State (USDOS) on matters of regulatory issues affecting international students.
Serve as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and interprets regulation authorizing Soka University of America to admit and enroll international students.
Oversee the creation and distribution of appropriate information and instructional resources for international students, including university policies and procedures and revising campus materials.
Provides counsel and support to all international students regarding traveling documentation for their mandatory study abroad programs by confirming the validity of their immigration documents.
Advises students on working in the US, applying for a driver’s license, applying for SSN, transferring to a new school, or taking leave of absence and providing supporting letters as needed.
Oversee and manage the process of each international student’s post-completion options, pursuing graduate studies or returning to their home country.

SEVIS Data Maintenance

Manages and provides oversight of the SEVIS system used to report international students’ information and oversees all stages of visa processing.
Prepares and submits materials necessary for SEVIS Recertification for the F-1 visa program.
Maintains active SEVIS user’s records and verifies their information when necessary.
Tracks and certifies students’ full-time enrollment and registers all students in SEVIS.
Submit student and program data correction requests to SEVIS or SEVIS help desk.
Provide expertise and direction in the gathering of essential documents and the issuance of I-20 forms, including annual cost of attendance information, curricular and optional practical training, and communication to all relevant office stakeholders within Enrollment Services.
Collaborate with the Office of Admission and Office of Financial Aid to ensure timely issuance of I-20 documents.

International Admission

Manage undergraduate admission-related inquiries from prospective international students in person and in virtual settings with the purpose of supporting the university’s long-term enrollment goals.
Utilize Admission Office CRM to record student data, view documents, and manage communication workflows.
Gather, analyze, and present statistical data and reports to management for the purpose of enrollment forecasting.
Participates in the evaluation of application materials and provides recommendations regarding an applicant’s candidacy for admission.
Assist with the development and revision of admission applications, brochures, bulletins, and fact sheets for the purpose of informing and recruiting students.

Management / Leadership

Supervise professional staff and student workers in their training, creating work schedules and daily tasks.
Interprets and incorporates regulatory changes into internal policies and procedures to ensure consistency in advising practices for professional staff.
Serves as a liaison between other Enrollment Service offices, Academic Affairs, Bursar, and Student Affairs.

Orientations, Activities & Workshops

Plans and conducts workshops for international students, staff, and faculty.
Support various Office of Enrollment Services-sponsored campus events.
Plan and implement OPT & CPT employment workshops.
Serve as an advisor to all students to promote social events and interactions that encourage cross-cultural awareness.

Other Administrative Duties

Oversees OISS office budget, projections, and expense reconciliations.
Organize and maintain physical and digital student records.
Regularly attends conferences with the purpose of advising university deans, directors, department heads, managers, and other key personnel working with international students on changes in immigration regulations.
Support Dean of Enrollment Services international initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requirements

Due to federal database access requirements, only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply for this position.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. Master’s degree in administration, education, international education, or higher education administration preferred.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in academic administration required. Significant and progressive administrative and management experience including, but not limited to personnel management, budget management, program analysis, and reporting. Significant and progressive experience and knowledge of best practices in one or more of the International Student Services Office’s primary areas of responsibilities (e.g., international student recruiting and admissions, international student services, exchange programs, visa issuance, etc.)
Human relations and demonstrated excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills required.
Experience with SEVIS and computer information systems for managing student records.
General working knowledge of Admission and Financial Aid service and program information.
Knowledge of retention issues and the use of technology in the recruitment process.
Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
Flexibility, creativity, and the ability to travel in a challenging environment are required.
Demonstrated experience in working with diverse and international populations and the ability to read, comprehend, and apply complex regulations and convey them to others.
Solid knowledge of the SUA mission and its community.

Competencies/Skills:

Maintains the ability to receive and carry out direction with high ethical and professional standards.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, oral, and written communication skills.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to demonstrate understanding and sensitivity regarding diverse cultural traditions and linguistic backgrounds.
Capacity for developing and sustaining effective relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and students, as well as a variety of outside organizations.
Ability to organize and manage a complex international student record-keeping function; prepare, maintain, and interpret statistical data.
Ability to work independently and in collaboration with the other members of Enrollment Services and the campus community.
Proficiency in personal computer systems utilizing student information systems such as PeopleSoft, Slate CRM, word processing, spreadsheets, and power points.
Knowledge of USCIS federal regulations, SEVIS-related processes, and reporting requirements.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to maintain a prominent level of accuracy and careful attention to detail.
Ability to effectively manage multiple short-term and long-term tasks and to exercise good judgment in stressful situations.

Soka University of America offers excellent benefits. The anticipated hiring range for this position is $83,000 - $95,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application review will begin immediately. The position will remain open, and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Application Requirements:

Must submit the following to be considered:

letter of interest for this position
resume
three professional references

Apply for the Director of International Student Services position

For inquiries, e-mail: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Assistant to the Director of the Office of Study Abroad and International Internships (SAII Office)

Date Posted: 12/1/2023

The Assistant to the Director of the SAII Office will support the Director by offering comprehensive administrative assistance for the Study Abroad program. This individual will collaborate with the Director to guide students through their international experiences, manage student records during the Study Abroad application process, and assist the Director in handling administrative tasks such as invoicing and maintaining the study abroad database. Excellent organizational and communication skills are a must. Our mission is to help students become global citizens and critically engaged lifelong learners. Study abroad and other international experiences play a vital role in broadening students’ perspectives.

The ideal candidate is efficient in paperwork management and has a solid grasp of the college setting. Experience working with college students is a plus. This role is focused on clerical duties, including financial record-keeping and administrative support for study abroad program coordination. Strong organizational skills, a proactive mindset, and multitasking abilities are essential. We value individuals passionate about enhancing overseas learning experiences for students in a fast-paced setting.

Essential duties include but are not limited to:

Collaborate closely with various campus departments to augment the Director’s efforts and provide support.
Process financial transactions, including the processing of invoices and overseeing financial issues pertaining to students.
Assist the Director in managing the student database for study abroad programs and disseminating pertinent documentation.
Serve as a supportive point of contact alongside the director for student inquiries, ensuring consistent communication throughout their study abroad experience.
Work in tandem with the office team to support campus events, providing necessary logistical support for associated activities.
Assist with preparation and regular updates of program materials and digital records.
Aid the Director in organizing informational sessions about Study Abroad programs and in the creation of relevant materials.
Facilitate visa application processes and handle other student-centric administrative duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

2-3 years in administrative roles; familiarity with a college environment is an advantage.

Competencies/Skills:

Teamwork within the SAII Office and demonstrated cultural sensitivity.
Ability to prioritize in a dynamic setting and adhere to deadlines.
Strong communication skills and a student-centered approach.
Aptitude for confidentiality and professionalism.
Technological proficiency, particularly with MS Word and Excel.
Ability to understand and communicate policies governing student matters effectively.
Experience with fiscal and operational management.

Soka University of America offers excellent benefits. Salary range for this position is $43,000 to $48,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application review will begin immediately. The position will remain open, and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Application Requirements:

Must submit the following to be considered:

letter of interest for this position
resume
three professional references

Apply for the Assistant to the Director of the Office of Study Abroad and International Internships position

For inquiries, e-mail: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

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