Manager of Graduate Services - SSHA (Hybrid) Job Listing at University of California in Merced, CA (Job ID 66145)

Description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $61,400- $109,200.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,000 - $86,500.

Job Closing Date

Initial applicant review will begin on or around March 25th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is hybrid.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

About the Job

The Manager of Graduate Services independently manages the Graduate Services Office in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA) and is responsible for supervising the administrative services and programs of all functions associated with graduate student education, funding and employment, recruitment and admissions, and advising. Provides advice to leadership, faculty, and staff on various complex student issues. Functioning with a high degree of independence, reports to the Assistant Dean of Student and Instructional Services, and supervises SSHA Graduate Services Coordinators (professional staff). Under the direction of the Assistant Dean of Student and Instructional Services, the Manager of Graduate Services, implements school policies and procedures for Graduate Education Support and Services within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SSHA). SSHA Graduate Services supports approximately 200 graduate degree-seeking students in seven distinct graduate programs within the School (Cognitive and Information Sciences, Economics, Interdisciplinary Humanities, Political Science, Psychological Sciences, Public Health, and Sociology). The Manager of Graduate Services oversees the unit's financial and human resource projects. Primary duties include oversight, responsibility, planning, and administration for graduate programs within SSHA, including all graduate degree programs. Responsible for website creation and maintenance, training, and supervision of the Graduate Services Professional Staff, developing new approaches to planning and administration, assessing, communicating, collecting data, and offering recommendations for improvements. Interprets and explains University and School policies and procedures relevant to graduate programs. These range of activities include but are not limited to, graduate student funding, graduate student advising, graduate program academic support, university-wide collaboration, solving complex student issues, and graduate student admissions. The Manager of Graduate Services collaborates extensively with the Assistant Dean for Student & Instructional Services, the Associate Dean for Student Services and Academics, Graduate Program Chairs, Graduate Division Staff, graduate faculty, and other campus partners (i.e., the Office of the Registrar and Office of International Affairs) to recommend and facilitate changes to policies, practices, and procedures. Regularly represents SSHA Graduate Services and graduate faculty on campus committees. Independently advises students in all SSHA graduate programs and resolves academic/student services-related issues inherent within the School and University. Advises faculty and leadership on a variety of student issues. Provides guidance on issues requiring in-depth knowledge of programs, including but not limited to the financial aid office, graduate division, international affairs, orientation, student learning center, program/school academic affairs, and payroll services. Achieves organizational objectives through the coordinated achievements of subordinate staff, ensuring adherence to campus systems and procedures while providing feedback and updates on behalf of SSHA.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees the administration and processing of all SSHA academic student employee (ASE) and graduate student researcher (GSR) appointments, fellowships, exceptions, and other awards; advises students and faculty on employment and funding options on campus and extramural fellowship opportunities. Works closely with the campus Academic Personnel Office, Payroll Office, and Graduate Division to ensure all campus and union hiring requirements and regulations are satisfied. Coordinates funding assignments and fellowships in systems including but not limited to Graduate Lecturer Academic Appointment System (GLAAS), GRIP, SLATE, OnBase, and other campuses/school systems. Responsible for supporting one Graduate Group directly. Advises faculty on the graduate group, School, and university policies and procedures; reviews students' progress and advises students and faculty on requirements for degree/ program completion; advises students on alternative academic options. Identifies students with progression problems and recommends interventions. Uses systems including but not limited to BANNER, BLINK, Cognos, MyDegreePath, GRIP, and OnBase. Serves at SSHA Graduate Group Chairs meetings as lead SSHA staff expert in Graduate Services. 
• Directs and guides SSHA Professional Graduate Services Staff on complex and sensitive issues encountered within their roles, including setting staff priorities, giving direction on managing student employees, and annually updating office processes and procedures. Monitors and evaluates employee performance; recommends employee selection and corrective action, if necessary; responsible for merit evaluations. 
• Makes recommendations on performance, salary actions, hiring decisions, and other human resources-related issues of subordinate staff. Serves as the Graduate Group Chairs and deans' first point of contact for the SSHA Graduate Services Office. 
• Creates training and programming materials, flow charts, and processes for the office. Initiates the development and monitoring of policies and procedures for Graduate Services operations and recommends changes in policies, procedures, and academic program requirements to department management. 
• Participates in creating, maintaining, and reporting operational and budget processes, academic and/or staff FTE, finance, human resources, and space planning related to temporary instructional Staff, Academic Student Employees, graduate student researchers, and other similar research personnel and graduate education programs. Provides a full range of student services advice to leadership, faculty, and students. The Manager of Graduate Services participates in developing and maintaining the Graduate Services Office website content, internal Box folder of procedures, integrated calendar, and other process creation/updates as needed. 
• University-Wide Collaboration: School and campuswide standing meetings, collaboration across offices and teams. Represents SSHA Graduate Services to the campus community and relevant external constituencies by sitting on various campus-wide academic policy and student success committees. Advises department/ school chair/dean on complex curricular issues and recommends courses of action when new courses and programs are introduced. 
• Manages and contributes to developing and assessing unit goals and outcomes, including implementing actions to respond to findings. Works collaboratively with counterparts on campus graduate units to assess support and adjust services as needed to provide a comprehensive experience for all students. 
• Plan, implement, and serve as SSHA representative for student events, including but not limited to Graduate Orientation Week (GROW), Graduate Visitation Weekend (GVW), Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW), and program-specific activities. Plans, designs, and provides workshops for students, such as information about the organization, funding, and/or academic strategies and enrichment programs. Attends recruitment events and conferences.

Qualifications

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in related area, or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in a student services job function or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training. Advanced degree is preferred but may not substitute for the required years of experience as outlined. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. (Preferred) 
• Knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences. 
• Skills in monitoring / assessing people, processes, or services to make improvements. 
• Skills in project management and social perceptiveness to be aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. 
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning. 
• Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems using persuasion and leadership.

Policy Statement

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.  

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy.  All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.  For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment. 

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

Employee Referral Program

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7    (on the application)               Referrals          

How did you hear about the job?               (select) “other”

Additional information?                              (select) “other”

Specific Referral Source?                          (write in) first and last name of referring employee  

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility. 

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