Employment at Pacifica Graduate Institute
Pacifica Graduate Institute is a WASC accredited graduate school offering a variety of masters and doctoral degree programs framed in the traditions of depth psychology. The Institute has established an educational environment that nourishes respect for cultural diversity and individual differences, and an academic community that fosters a spirit of free and open inquiry. Areas of study include Clinical Psychology, Eco and Liberation Psychology, Depth Psychology, Mythology, and some encompass hybrid/distance learning options. Students have access to an impressive array of educational resources on Pacifica’s two campuses, both of which are located between the coastal foothills and the Pacific Ocean, a few miles south of Santa Barbara, California.
If you have any questions, please email humanresources@pacifica.edu or contact Karina Monares, PCB Specialist, at 805-679-6109.
Adjunct Faculty Positions
Pacifica Graduate Institute welcomes Adjunct Faculty applications for each of these graduate programs:
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- Depth Psychology
- Depth Psychotherapy
Appointment by quarters and by academic years vary by program. Qualifications reflect the course content, delivery method, and any applicable licensing standards.
For more information please contact the Department Chair of the department in which you are interested.
Core Faculty Positions
Job Title: Core Faculty – Chair, Counseling
SUMMARY:
The Counseling Psychology Department at Pacifica Graduate Institute is comprised of two depth psychologically focused graduate degree programs, an MA and a PsyD, centered on the preparation of students for licensure as an LMFT and/or LPCC (MA program) or as a Psychologist (PsyD program). The department values a collegial and interpersonal approach to teaching and learning, with a focus on pursuit of licensure and students’ professionalization, where faculty, staff, and students work collaboratively to support student success.
At Pacifica, Program Chairs are considered full-time faculty members with all the rights, responsibilities, and collegial status of our full-time faculty community. The candidate for a core faculty role will be a fully licensed clinician with a passion for teaching, student support, and participating in collaborative department and institutional pedagogical work from a depth psychological lens. In addition to their faculty role, Chairs take on program leadership responsibilities that align with their position as academic administrators. Given the dual nature of this role, below you will find two links for the full job descriptions associated with this position—one outlining the expectations and responsibilities of faculty members at Pacifica, and the other detailing the additional governance, oversight, and administrative duties specific to serving as Chair.
Contracting for the role will begin in September 2025. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, CV, and three letters of recommendation electronically.
Counseling Psychology Core Faculty.pdf
2025 Counseling Chair.pdf
Examples of Duties:
The Chair position is primarily an administrative role, the Program Chair has the option to teach, but there is no expectation or requirement to do so. The Chair is responsible for academic leadership, faculty supervision, curriculum oversight, student success initiatives, and program accreditation compliance.
The Chair provides leadership in all academic and administrative aspects of the Counseling Psychology program.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (Click for Program Chair Job Description):
- Overseeing daily operations and academic programming in alignment with BBS (MA), BoP (PsyD), WSCUC, and DOE standards.
- Managing program governance with the Department Management Council, which includes both Full Time and Adjunct Professors, Departmental Directors.
- Representing the Counseling Psychology program within the institution and at external events.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (CORE FACULTY)
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENTAL SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT
- Attend all departmental meetings, including:
- Quarterly Faculty & Staff Council Meetings
- Quarterly Department Management Council Meetings
- Department Trainings, Gatherings, and Retreats
- Attend departmental student events, including:
- Student Orientations in Fall Quarter, and as directed in other quarters
- Closing Dinners for all cohorts
- Summer Barbeque events for all cohorts
- Thesis Presentation Day
- Dissertation defenses for committees on which core faculty member serves.
- Contribute to departmental planning and evaluation activities, including curriculum review, faculty search, program evaluation processes, creation and revision of departmental documents.
- Faculty must be able to come to campus for academic sessions, community events, and faculty related meetings.
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT
- Attend Commencement ceremonies
- Attend institutional events and gatherings as directed
- Participate in institutional faculty governance and committee work as directed
TEACHING
- Teach the equivalent of 18 units per year in the MA and/or PsyD Counseling Psychology programs (unit release may be accounted for in addendum contracts).
- Support departmental development of curriculum and pedagogy in the MA and/or PsyD Counseling Psychology programs.
- Provide substantive feedback on student papers, providing written feedback throughout the paper and at its end, including a written assessment and justification of the final grade. If a TA is utilized, it is the faculty member’s responsibility to review the TA’s work and ensure that they support comments and final grade.
- Prepare and submit all course materials in established timeframe, including course syllabi, reading list (with clarity on sources and editions), online content creation/review, and back-up plans for coursework to fulfill emergency planning needs.
- Incorporate cross-cultural perspectives and address relevant issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the treatment of course subject matter.
ADMISSIONS ACTIVITIES
- Participate in 2 program breakout information sessions for the MA and/or PsyD Counseling Psychology programs at Pacifica Experience Days each year.
- Participate in 3 months of admissions file review for the Counseling Department each year.
- Participate in 4 scheduled Interview Days for the Counseling Department each year.
- Support departmental admissions processes and developments.
STUDENT SUPPORT
- Respond to all student inquiries within 72 hours, per the Student and Faculty Handbooks
- Be available for student meetings during all academic sessions.
- Post office hours which are the equivalent of one day per week, during which time students may meet in person or electronically.
- Serve as faculty mentor to students as assigned by Department Chair. Reach out to advisees and proactively assist them in completing the program in a quality way, making certain that they understand PGI policies and abide by them.
STUDENT REVIEW & EXAMINATIONS
- Administer 10 Oral Examinations for the MA Counseling Psychology Program OR 10 Comprehensive Examinations for the PsyD Counseling Psychology Program
- Administer Annual Assessments to PsyD Counseling Psychology students as assigned by Department Chair.
STUDENT RESEARCH
- Serve as Portfolio Thesis Advisor for 10 MA Counseling Psychology program students OR provide 10 PsyD Counseling Psychology dissertation commitments (a commitment equals one chair appointment or two reader appointments) OR an equivalent combination across the two program.
ASSESSMENT & ACCREDITATION
- Support departmental assessment and accreditation activities as directed.
- Abide by all BBS (LMFT and LPCC) and BOP (Licensed Psychologist) guidelines and regulations.
- Participate in WSCUC visit and reporting activities as directed.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Maintain active LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or Psychologist licensure.
- Report any concerns or infractions regarding professional licensure to Department Chair immediately.
- Participate in research, writing, publication, and continuing education activities.
INSTITUTIONAL CITIZENSHIP
- Claim one’s fair share of the collective work of the academic unit as a fully engaged faculty citizen of the Institute.
- Use one’s professional agency to enhance the effectiveness of colleagues within and across the academic program(s) to achieve the work of the unit and institutional health.
- Participate in Chair-directed activities required to create, maintain, and improve the infrastructure that sustains the program and the institute as an effective social institution.
The preceding duties and responsibilities are subject to review and possible revision in conjunction with the annual evaluation process.
Typical Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above and below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, correspondence and data; strong organizational, administrative, and time-management skills; strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to identify issues and creatively problem-solve on a variety of issues; effective presentation and interpersonal skills; strong ability to exercise sound and experienced judgment based on a thorough knowledge; and ability to engender respect from staff.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Psy.D., Ed.D., or Ph.D. in related discipline required for the doctoral program; minimum M.A. (doctoral degree preferred), in related discipline for the master’s program.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
Current active licensure required as an LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or Psychologist.
LANGUAGE AND MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to read, write, speak, and receive instruction in English. Intermediate math required.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to mediate and resolve issues; ability to determine issues and creatively problem-solve; ability to engage other departments in meaningful dialogue and articulate issues faced by the department; and ability to analyze the complex and make simple.
COMPUTER SKILLS
PC literate; MS Office (including Word and Excel).
General Office equipment.
PowerCampus experience preferred.
D2L experience preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms and talk and hear. Sometimes required to sit, climb and/or balance and stoop, kneel, and crouch. Close- and long-range vision and ability to lift 20 lbs.
MISSION
Contributes to personal, cultural, and planetary concerns of this era through individual and/or collective activities and shepherd’s students in attainment of their educational goals.
SALARY: $85,000.00-$89,000.00 annually
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pacifica
Staff Positions
Job Title: Director of Admissions
SUMMARY:
The Director of Admissions (DOA) plays a vital leadership role in shaping and guiding a student-centered admissions experience aligned with the mission and values of Pacifica Graduate Institute, a premier institution focused on depth psychology. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and Student Success (VPOSESS), the DOA will provide strategic oversight of the Admissions department, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience for prospective students while driving data-informed enrollment strategies.
The DOA will lead the admissions and outreach team, foster cross-departmental collaboration, and implement innovative strategies to enhance recruitment, enrollment, and student engagement. This position requires strong management skills, the ability to analyze enrollment data to guide decision-making, and the capacity to build meaningful relationships that support the institute’s long-term enrollment goals.
Examples of Duties:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Strategic Leadership and Operations
- Develop and execute a comprehensive admissions strategy aligned with institutional goals.
- Analyze enrollment trends and prospective student behaviors to refine recruitment strategies and improve conversion rates.
- Provide strong leadership and mentorship to the admissions team, fostering a collaborative, student-focused culture.
- Partner with the VPOSESS to set enrollment targets and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the admissions team.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of admissions data across multiple platforms, including CRM, SMS, and other institutional systems.
- Oversee the development and distribution of admission-related communications, including enrollment agreements and admissions letters.
- Monitor and reconcile enrollment reports to maintain real-time data accuracy and provide actionable insights.
- Lead the implementation of automated and streamlined processes to improve efficiency and enhance the student experience.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and federal and state regulations.
Innovation and Process Improvement
- Identify and implement innovative recruitment strategies to attract highly qualified applicant pool that is reflective of the world.
- Develop and test new approaches to improve applicant engagement and enhance the admissions journey.
- Stay current with industry trends and best practices to continuously improve admissions processes and outreach efforts.
- Introduce new data analysis methods to evaluate recruitment outcomes and identify areas for growth and improvement.
Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Partner with academic departments to refine admissions review processes and ensure alignment with academic expectations and program goals.
- Collaborate with Financial Aid, Student Services, and Academic Affairs to create a cohesive and supportive enrollment experience.
- Work closely with faculty and department chairs to communicate admissions trends and ensure alignment with program offerings and institutional priorities.
- Partner with Library Services, Academic Affairs, and Student Services to facilitate orientation and the transition to graduate study.
- Coordinate with the Director of Marketing to develop targeted recruitment campaigns and outreach materials that resonate with prospective students.
Student Recruitment and Counseling
- Implement a student-centered, relationship-driven approach to recruitment.
- Provide admissions counseling that emphasizes the transformative potential of a graduate education rooted in depth psychology.
- Train and support admissions advisors to engage prospective students with authenticity, transparency, and care.
- Develop outreach strategies to attract a diverse and mission-aligned applicant pool.
- Foster meaningful relationships with prospective students through personalized follow-up and engagement.
- Oversee the execution of an admissions communication plan that provides consistent and clear touchpoints from inquiry to matriculation.
Data Analysis and Reporting
- Track and analyze recruitment data, conversion rates, and applicant behaviors to refine admissions strategies.
- Provide regular reports and insights to senior leadership on enrollment trends, forecasting, and strategic adjustments.
- Use data to identify gaps and opportunities in recruitment, ensuring targeted and effective outreach.
- Ensure real-time tracking of prospective students, enabling timely follow-up and personalized engagement.
Compliance and Ethical Standards
- Ensure that all admissions practices adhere to institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
- Promote ethical and transparent recruitment practices that align with the institute’s mission and values.
- Uphold the highest standards of integrity in all admissions decisions and interactions with prospective students.
Typical Qualifications:
Qualifications
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in admissions and enrollment.
Preferred Experience
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with faculty, staff, and prospective students
- Prior Director level experience within related field.
- Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret complex enrollment data and translate it into actionable strategies.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Word, and Powerpoint.
- Experience with CRMs (i.e., Slate), with ERPs (especially Power Campus, Jenzabar), event registration software (i.e., EventBrite), SurveyMonkey, and DocuSign are strongly desired.
- Experience working in an academic environment.
- Excellent interpersonal, communications, public speaking, and presentation skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and work effectively, independently, and efficiently with tight time constraints.
- Ability to work a varying schedule to include evenings, weekends, extended hours and occasional holidays as needed to support recruitment efforts.
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pacifica
Job Title: Associate Provost
The Associate Provost (AP), Academic Administration provides administrative leadership for Pacifica Graduate Institute. Reporting directly to the Provost, this role supports the institution’s mission by overseeing academic administration, student affairs, and equity-related initiatives. The Associate Provost coordinates with various departments and stakeholders to ensure the alignment of academic policies, student engagement, and institutional effectiveness with Pacifica’s core values and strategic priorities.
The Associate Provost will seek to apply depth psychological principles in order to promote a healthy, effective, and sustainable organization consistent with Pacifica’s core values, legacy, and future vision.
The Associate Provost reports directly to the Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs and must have the experience and knowledge to perform a wide variety of academic administrative tasks, and experience to work closely with senior administration in conjunction with all of Pacifica’s academic programs, the primary responsibilities will cover various academic administrative duties across strategic design, organization, goals, and delivery of institutional research, assessment, and accreditation.
Examples of Duties
Oversee Academic Administration
Oversee and/or coordinate with departments such as Strategic Enrollment Management, Student Financial Aid, Registrar, Library, and the Dissertation Office
Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of policies, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and alignment with institutional goals.
Collaborate with faculty and administration to promote and facilitate data-driven decision-making in academic programs.
Oversee Academic Student Affairs
Serve as the college’s Student Concern/Grievance Officer, addressing student feedback and resolving grievances in a timely manner.
Foster a learning environment that supports student development through restorative disciplinary practices, ensuring alignment with the Student Code of Conduct.
Lead campus-wide training programs on student affairs, health, and safety, ensuring a holistic approach to student well-being.
Manage student discipline records, ensuring system integrity and compliance with institutional policies.
Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation Leadership
Lead and oversee the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, working closely with the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) to ensure compliance with accreditation standards, including WASC and other accrediting bodies.
Ensure timely preparation and submission of accreditation reports, collaborating with academic departments to integrate institutional data for continuous improvement.
Develop and implement quality assurance measures, leading accreditation activities that align with the institution’s strategic goals.
Equity and Academic Policies
Lead efforts in creating, reviewing, and renewing academic policies to ensure they are equitable, inclusive, and reflective of Pacifica’s mission and values.
Engage faculty and administration in continuous improvement efforts, particularly concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic affairs.
Campus-Wide Policy Development and Implementation
Develop, implement, and administer institutional policies, plans, and programs that support both academic and operational effectiveness.
Working with the Provost, guide initiatives that address student retention, academic performance, and institutional accreditation needs, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic goals.
Communication and Liaison Responsibilities
Facilitate transparent and effective communication between various academic and administrative units, ensuring consistent policy interpretation and execution.
Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives
Manage special projects and initiatives assigned by the Provost, leading cross-functional teams to advance institutional priorities.
Represent the Provost in key academic and administrative meetings, both internally and externally, ensuring that institutional goals are advanced effectively.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervise staff within the Institutional Effectiveness and Learning Office, Library, DO, ensuring alignment of their activities with institutional priorities.
Participate in hiring decisions related to academic administration and institutional research.
Oversee the performance management and professional development of direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Typical Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree in a related field required; Doctorate in Psychology or a related discipline preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, with experience in accreditation and institutional effectiveness. Knowledge of depth psychology and educational policy development preferred.
Skills:
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster collaboration across academic and administrative departments.
Expertise in accreditation processes, academic assessment, and institutional research methodologies.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly and effectively.
Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of implementing innovative solutions in a higher education setting.
SALARY: $160,000.00 – $176,000.00 Annually
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pacifica
Library Assistant I – Job Description
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Pacifica Graduate Institute is an accredited graduate school offering Master’s and PhD degrees in Psychology, Humanities, and Mythological Studies in the tradition of depth psychology. Located in beautiful Carpinteria, CA.
Summary:
Pacifica Graduate Institute is seeking an entry-level to provide exceptional customer service to library visitors by supporting circulation services, and performing clerical tasks. Responsibilities include shelving books, processing reserves, tracking overdue items, collecting fines, and assisting with library website navigation. The role also involves repairing materials, ordering supplies, and shipping items via carrier services during operational hours.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with circulation services, including:
- Shelving books
- Processing reserves and holds
- Tracking overdue items
- Collecting fines and fees
- Utilize the library’s integrated system, Koha, to check books in and out.
- Assist patrons with circulation inquiries:
- In person
- By email
- By telephone or in writing
- Provide basic assistance with:
- Library website navigation
- Use of library resources
- Repair or replace damaged library materials
- Assist with ordering library supplies
- Perform clerical tasks such as:
- Mailings
- Photocopying
- Assist students with basic computer needs (Mac & PC)
- Ship items to patrons via UPS (includes packaging and software use)
- Support the Director of Library Services and/or Library Services Coordinator with special projects
- Must be available to work Saturdays and Sundays on most weekends
- Work hours: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- 24-30 working hours/week
Requirements:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Knowledge of basic library circulation operations
- Basic computer proficiency (Mac & PC)
- Ability to work flexible hours, sometimes independently
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pacifica
PAY RANGE:
$19-$22/hour
Pacifica Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can start employment with Pacifica. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants.
If your qualifications meet our current needs, please send your resume to the email address listed below. Please indicate on the subject line the position you are applying. No faxes or phone calls, please.
You can apply online at: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pacifica
