Jeff "Jay" Darden II
Chino,USA
Summary
Highly motivated and results-driven athletic professional with over 15 years of experience, with a proven track record of enhancing student-athlete support programs. Adept at strategic planning, compliance management, and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity. Ability to communicate in oral and written formats Ability to investigate, negotiate and solve problems Cooperative team player, yet equally motivated and hard working independently Diverse portfolio in the private sector; looking to expand upon this knowledge base Effective learner with the ability to adapt readily to new concepts and situations Motivated self-starter with a knack for attention to detail Proven interpersonal and leadership skills Computer: Salesforce, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook), ARMS, Internet, and online database resources
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion & Corporate Sponsorships
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
07.2024 - Current
- Fostering meaningful relationships across campus to embed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles within the Department of Athletics, implementing programming and initiatives that enhance student-athlete, coach, and staff experiences while creating a strong sense of belonging
- Designing and facilitating training sessions for staff and student-athletes, equipping them with the skills to recognize, accommodate, and appreciate individual differences while serving as a change agent to implement solutions, resources, and ongoing education on DEI-related topics
- Overseeing a diverse portfolio of individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations, with a primary focus on major corporate partnerships and contract negotiations, while proactively identifying new prospects through business outreach, cold calls, emails, and social media engagement
- Serving as a liaison with Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services to efficiently coordinate assignments, communicate essential information, and promptly address concerns, ensuring a seamless housing experience for student-athletes
- Collaborating with coaches and staff to assess and address their needs by developing strategic partnerships, while also serving as a backup sports supervisor for athletic competitions to support event operations
Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
05.2023 - 07.2024
- Fostering meaningful relationships throughout the campus community to integrate the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion into the Department of Athletics through a curriculum of programming and initiatives which will create a sense of belonging for student-athletes, coaches, and staff and support them holistically
- Directing high-impact, strategic efforts and engaging in the planning and implementation of these efforts that actively drive inclusive excellence
- Developing training opportunities to educate staff and student-athletes on how to recognize, accommodate and appreciate individual differences, while serving as a change agent to provide solutions, resources and training on DEI related topics
- Functioning as the primary contact for student-athletes, coaches, administrators and staff, providing support and guidance on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion matters
- Efficiently managing student-athlete housing by establishing a centralized system that coordinates housing assignments, communicates important information, and addresses concerns promptly
Senior Academic Advisor
California State University, San Marcos
San Marcos, CA
04.2021 - 05.2023
- Provided advising services by using professional judgment skills to establish individualized student advising needs that are often complex using sound techniques and concepts
- Advised students regarding degree progress and requirements, various campus policies and procedures related to the student experience and needs, by means of one-on-one advising, e-mail, and/or telephone
- Presented advising related information, while working collaboratively with Directors and various campus stakeholders to ensure important and accurate information is maintained and is accurately communicated
- Worked within the guidelines of the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) to ensure confidentiality of student information and student records
Senior Relationship Manager
United Negro College Fund
Washington, DC
10.2020 - 03.2023
- Served as an expert and team lead in managing sponsored undergraduate and graduate scholarship programs including the planning, coordinating, awarding, and administrating/processing and follow-up of scholarship funds over 7 million dollars
- Oversaw the team in administering over 6 million dollars in COVID-19 pandemic funds
- Operated as Lead Salesforce Administrator, which involves case management, addressing app flow errors, troubleshooting issues, creating reports, list views and dashboards for staff
- Provided oversight for relationship building and maintenance with the desired result of program renewal, increases in funding opportunities and customer/client engagement
- Produced reports for Development Officers aiming to acquire funding of new and continuing scholarships and institutional initiatives, while coordinating the planning and development of summer internship programs
- Reviewed project schedules and resources with senior management and staff, while ensuring project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality
- Managed contracts with development officers and donors including, negotiating service expectations, and managing performance and escalations to ensure integration into services, policies, and processes
Relationship Manager
United Negro College Fund
Washington, DC
01.2017 - 10.2020
- Managed day-to-day sponsored undergraduate and graduate scholarship programs including the planning, coordinating, awarding, and administrating/processing and follow-up of scholarship funds more than one million dollars
- Produced reports for Development Officers aiming to acquire funding of new and continuing scholarships and institutional initiatives, while coordinating the planning and development of summer internship programs
- Performed day-to-day Salesforce Administrator functions including case management, addressing app flow errors, and troubleshooting issues
- Also, creating reports, list views, dashboards for staff
- Managed designated scholarship programs administered by the Scholarships and Grants Management Department, including interacting with donors, students, and departmental staff to maintain programs, and create new programs
- Responsible for relationship building and maintenance with the desired result of program renewal, increases in funding opportunities and customer/client engagement
- Reviewed project schedules and resources with senior management and staff, while ensuring project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality
- Oversaw contracts with development officers and donors including, negotiating service expectations, and managing performance and escalations to ensure integration into services, policies and processes
Student Success Counselor
Howard University
Washington, DC
10.2016 - 01.2017
- Provided academic advisement for first and second-year students and student-athletes on major and course selections, in accordance with university wide requirements
- Managed student academic progress via weekly meetings to develop and implement academic support plans, including computer database management
- Coordinated, monitored, and reported student academic progress to the Deputy Director of Academic Excellence
- Submitting monthly reports outlining individual student performance and progress
- Organized New Student Orientations for freshmen and transfer students, explaining general education requirements and assisting new students with course planning and registration
- Collected and analyzed retention-related data to formulate and implement organizational goals and objectives, development of support services, policies, and procedures to enhance retention and success
- Reviewed student course selections and transcripts to determine compliance with major and graduation requirements, while teaching new student orientation courses designed to enhance educational goals, personal and cultural developmental skills
Enrollment Services Specialist
Quinstreet-California University of Pennsylvania
Beaverton, OR
10.2015 - 09.2016
- Lead a team of specialists in conducting in depth studies, reviews, evaluations, and assessments leading to accomplishing quarterly enrollment goals
- Developed and maintained relationships with prospective students selecting certificate, certification, undergraduate and graduate degree programs while providing guidance throughout the admission process
- Provided matriculation information, guidance, support and accountability throughout the application and enrollment process, including managing confidential company and student information through a computer database management system
- Interviewed prospective students to access deficiencies and abilities, to make recommendations to program coordinators on appropriate classes for skill advancement and tutorial exercises to promote student success, while collecting enrollment documents, completing follow-up calls and emails
- Served as a liaison between students and appropriate college departments, to enhance the student experience and acclimation process, while participating in the admission redesign process to increase student retention
Educational Advisor
Upward Bound Los Angeles-Volunteers of America
Los Angeles, CA
03.2014 - 10.2015
- Served as an advisor consulting first-generation, low-income, and/or migrant at-risk high school students with planning for college, career exploration, and assessment of options, to support financial aid decisions and support the life cycle of the college application process
- Managed a caseload of 200 students
- Coordinated and managed the Upward Bound program in accordance with federal and agency laws, Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), and the Federal Office of Migrant Education
- Prepared, implemented, and monitored program budget, grant development, scholarships, educational plans, student retention, stipends, and expenditures to foster the ongoing review and program acceptance process for new students
- Represented the program at recruiting events leading to the identification, interviewing, selection and retention of qualified students on a semi-annual basis consistent with overall program goals and objectives
- Reviewed and assessed high school transcripts to determine eligibility for university admissions and transfer potential
- Planned and developed program overviews and syllabus for each program cohort and implemented workshops on career planning, internships, financial literacy, and personal development to support student needs and anticipated college survival necessities
- Facilitated such workshops as requested
Program Manager
Executive Fitness & Med Spa, Incorporated
Long Beach, CA
09.2013 - 11.2014
- Supervised a fun, safe, healthy, and community-focused club culture that delivers high member satisfaction and achieves maximum profitability
- Managed all aspects of club programs throughout the development project lifecycle including project scope, process workflows, recruitment, scheduling, resources, quality, costs, and change
- Established priorities and goals, including monthly club membership, fitness, and service targets, while preparing and submitting program status reports for management
- Conducted weekly meetings reviewing performance and offering direction, motivation, and guidance toward achieving individual and company recruiting and financial goals
- Through education, motivation, and leadership, assisted clients with establishing and reaching their fitness/wellness goals
Program Coordinator
California State University, Domínguez Hills
Carson, CA
01.2014 - 03.2014
- Oversaw the Male Success Alliance Program, which aimed to improve life and educational outcomes for minority males within discrete areas of the city of Los Angeles
- Provided supervision to college mentors and advisors, in accordance with federal and college policies and procedures, as well as techniques and professional characteristics of the Male Success Alliance Program
- Established and maintained ongoing relationships with K-12 schools, community colleges and universities, community-based organizations, faith-based institutions, migrant families, and other agencies necessary to accomplish the goals of the program
- Designed, conducted, and continually evaluated student success workshops and cultural activities, while participating in planning sessions with academic, administrative and student learning services to support program participants in their academic and personal endeavors
- Assisted the Career Coordinator with implementing academic programs designed to promote an environment that supported innovation, teamwork, and successful outcomes for students
- Demonstrated sensitivity and awareness of academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of students, faculty, staff, and communities in support of overarching diversity program mandates
- Mentored at-risk male students and student-athletes in areas such as college admission requirements, personal and social development, conflict mediation, and life choices to encourage the attainment of long-term personal, professional, and academic success
Admissions Representative
San Joaquin Valley College
Corona, CA
02.2011 - 09.2013
- Coordinated recruitment activities and quarterly admission goals using cold calling, conducting on-campus interviews and marketing techniques to achieve enrollment requirements
- Assisted in the assessment of student deficiencies and abilities, to make recommendations to instructors on appropriate classes for skill advancement and tutorial exercises to promote student success
- Advised current and potential students on course selection, admissions testing, and choices encouraging the attainment of professional and academic success
- Served as a liaison between the students and appropriate college departments to enhance the student experience and acclimation process
- Participated in the admission redesign process to increase student retention
- Provided matriculation information, guidance, support and accountability throughout the application and enrollment process, which included managing confidential company and student information through a computer database management system
Academic Mentor
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Served as an Academic Mentor for at-risk football student athletes in danger of not meeting academic requirements
- Maintained cohesive tutoring and academic support programs, which resulted in a 90% graduation rate
- Coordinated, monitored, and reported student academic progress to the Assistant Director of football support services
- Provided monthly reports to the Assistant Director, which outlined individual student progress
- Collaborated with various student-centered offices (counseling, admissions, student learning center, technical and disabled student support services, tutoring, and financial aid), to maximize resources and services for student athletes
- Expanded knowledge on university policies, regulations, and procedures, National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Eligibility Requirements, Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and the Graduation Success Rate (GSR), which contributed to overall student performance and academic success
Assistant Athletics Director/Counselor-Intern
Rainier Beach High School
Seattle, WA
09.2008 - 06.2010
- Assisted the Athletics Director and Head Counselor with scheduling, logistics of competitions, development, and supervision of the Athletics Department in accordance with the district policies, rules, and regulations
- Mentored At-Risk Students and Student-Athletes in areas such as; personal and social development, decision making, conflict mediation, college admission requirements, academic advisement, and support
- Performed administrative support duties to including, bookkeeping, copying, faxing, handling of confidential files and computer database management
- Completed all assignments created by the Athletics Director, Counselor and Head Basketball Coach, aimed to achieve results that demonstrated academic, personal and athletics excellence
- Received formal training on; planning, organizing, directing, budget management, transcript evaluation and staffing of a student support program
Education
Master of Science - Sports Administration and Leadership
Seattle University
Seattle, WA08.2010
Bachelor of Science - Education
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR12.2007
Skills
- Salesforce
- Microsoft Office
- Word
- Excel
- Access
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- ARMS
- Internet
- Online database resources
Committees And Professional Affiliations
- Tennis Coach Hiring Committee, California State University, Fullerton, 2024
- N4A Membership, 2023
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council, California State University, Fullerton, 2023
- National Association of College Directors of Athletics, 2023
- Commission on Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice, California State University, Fullerton, 2023
- DEI Committee, California State University, Fullerton, 2023
- Black Faculty & Staff Association, California State University, Fullerton, 2023
- Black Excellence Care Group, California State University, Fullerton, 2023
- Big West Undivided Committee, Big West Conference, 2023
- Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designees, National College Athletic Association, 2023
- Black Student Success Committee, California State University, Fullerton, 2023
- California State University, Dominguez Hills School Outreach Committee, 2014
- California Community College Counselors/Advisors Academic Association for Athletes, 2012-2013
- UCLA Campus Relations Committee, 2012-2013
- National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics, 2011-2014
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, 2007
- Multicultural Student Association, 2002-2006
Timeline
Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion & Corporate Sponsorships
California State University, Fullerton
07.2024 - Current
Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
California State University, Fullerton
05.2023 - 07.2024
Senior Academic Advisor
California State University, San Marcos
04.2021 - 05.2023
Senior Relationship Manager
United Negro College Fund
10.2020 - 03.2023
Relationship Manager
United Negro College Fund
01.2017 - 10.2020
Student Success Counselor
Howard University
10.2016 - 01.2017
Enrollment Services Specialist
Quinstreet-California University of Pennsylvania
10.2015 - 09.2016
Educational Advisor
Upward Bound Los Angeles-Volunteers of America
03.2014 - 10.2015
Program Coordinator
California State University, Domínguez Hills
01.2014 - 03.2014
Program Manager
Executive Fitness & Med Spa, Incorporated
09.2013 - 11.2014
Academic Mentor
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
09.2012 - 06.2013
Admissions Representative
San Joaquin Valley College
02.2011 - 09.2013
Assistant Athletics Director/Counselor-Intern
Rainier Beach High School
09.2008 - 06.2010
Master of Science - Sports Administration and Leadership
Seattle University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Western Oregon University
Similar Profiles
Taylor MasonTaylor Mason
Collegiate Athlete at California State University FullertonCollegiate Athlete at California State University Fullerton
Samuel GonzalezSamuel Gonzalez
Community Service Officer at California State University Fullerton Police Dept.Community Service Officer at California State University Fullerton Police Dept.
Kaiya EllisonKaiya Ellison
Teacher's Assistant - Mathematics at California State University, FullertonTeacher's Assistant - Mathematics at California State University, Fullerton