Description
About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.
We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.
Departmental Overview
Made possible by a $20-million commitment from the Paul and Stacy Jacobs Foundation, Berkeley Engineering launched the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation at the Clinton Global Initiative in June 2013. The Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation expands the role of design in undergraduate and masters-level engineering education at the University of California, Berkeley. As the Institute works to further its mission of educating leading innovators at the intersection of design and technology, it provides students with hands-on experiences and opportunities to work in interdisciplinary teams to address real societal issues. Students are challenged to approach the entire cycle of design, from identifying user needs to rapid prototyping to commercialization and manufacturing, from an integrated vantage point.
Core programs within the Jacobs Institute include:
- a professional Master of Design degree (Berkeley MDes), offered in partnership between the College of Engineering and the College of Environmental Design and housed within the Jacobs Institute;
- the Berkeley Certificate in Design Innovation (BCDI), an undergraduate certificate offered in partnership with the Haas School of Business, College of Letters & Science, and College of Environmental Design;
- a curriculum of 6-8 design-focused courses offered fall, spring and summer, for which the institute recruits lecturers and faculty;
- a makerspace staffed by professional and student workers which is accessed by 1200+ students each semester;
- mentorship and co-curricular programming for students, such as the Innovation Catalyst program;
- supporting 15+ design and innovation courses from campus departments and 25+ clubs and decals each semester by offering access to high quality teaching, meeting and event space;
- public events and speaker series;
- partnerships with companies and international universities.
The Jacobs Institute is housed in Jacobs Hall, a 24,000 square foot building equipped with design studios and equipment rooms featuring the latest in digital fabrication technologies. Using a high degree of knowledge of student affairs, campus policies, and counseling techniques, the Director of Academic Affairs collaborates with other Institute Directors in leading the academic thrusts around undergraduate (BCDI) and graduate (MDes) academic initiatives. The Director of Academic Affairs manages the Academic & Student Affairs team staff to aid in supporting and advancing academic efforts, and represents the unit on advisory committees relevant to the functions of Jacobs Institute/MDes Student Services. The position requires a thorough understanding and ability to interpret university and college policies, regulations, requirements, maintaining uniform and consistent application of college policy and regulations; and participates in various outreach activities, supervises students, and manages programs related to the work of the office. Working closely with the Institute leadership, the Director of Academic Affairs takes an active and strategic role in developing new policies, processes, and resources.
This position involves a wide range of student services duties for the Jacobs Institute as well as providing assistance to the students in academic advising, recruitment, admissions, financial aid, visa / immigration matters, the evaluation and awarding of fellowships and block grant funds, student orientation and events, career counseling, and related programs.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: June 7, 2024 - Open Until Filled
Responsibilities
Administration:
- Advise faculty on college/university policies & procedures. Develop recommendations to Directors for the improvement of existing programs and policies.
- Proactively develop policies and programs in support of creating and maintaining an inclusive environment for all students and the Jacobs community.
- Manage the Academic & Student Affairs team of student workers and staff (currently 2) to aid in supporting and advancing academic efforts..
- Administers academic departmental awards, grants and selected funds.
- Other duties as assigned.
Advising:
- Foster student success through advising students towards education goals aligned with their values, abilities, and life goals.
- With a focus on student health and well being, identify students facing challenges and help them find appropriate support with campus services.
- On an ongoing basis, develop and implement innovative and cutting edge advising programs, workshops and services which effectively meet the needs of a changing student body including but not limited to specific cohorts of students (i.e. students historically underrepresented in STEM, those on subject to dismissal status, new students).
- Establish relationships and serve as the point person between Jacobs Institute and other departments including Grad Admissions, Registrar, Cal Student Central, University Health Services,
- Disabled Students' Program, Career Center, Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence, International Office, Financial Aid, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Student Life Advising, other campus advisors, etc.
Program Management:
- Identify needs of current students including cohorts of students historically underrepresented in STEM. Remain abreast of student trends on the Berkeley campus and nationwide, developing recommendations to improve existing programs' DEI efforts.
- Participate on campus-wide committees; and participate in joint campus-wide ventures such as orientations and advising programs.
- Develop, manage, and implement academic milestone events (e.g. MDes Orientation, end of semester final presentations, Capstone showcase, and Commencement.)
- Advise student leadership groups, including the MDSA, the MDes Student Association, and others, on best practices and University Policies. Serves as the first point of contact for officers of these student groups.
- Working with Jacobs leadership, collaborate on student surveys to understand program outcomes and student evaluations of the academic programs and services offered.
- Supervise administration of student grant programs (e.g. Innovation Catalysts, Engineering Design Scholars) for Jacobs Institute.
- Co-develop with Senior Director of External Affairs marketing initiatives around academic programing and events.
- Advise and contribute to the development and editing of Jacobs Institute & MDes electronic and printed materials (videos, the MDes Academic Handbook, the Berkeley Academic Guide, webinars, MDes and Jacobs web pages, etc.)
Admissions Recruitment and Admissions:
- Manage MDes admissions process including application requirements, application review, student selection, recruitment, and matriculation.
- Plan and conduct information sessions, outreach and recruitment events for prospective students.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
- Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
- Knowledge of 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.
- Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills.
- Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.
- Enthusiasm for working with students to create a high-quality education and experience at the Jacobs Institute and at UC Berkeley in general.
- Ability in problem identification and reasoning; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems, persuasion, leadership.
- Skills in monitoring / assessing people, processes or services, to make improvements.
- In-depth knowledge of the field's post-degree employment opportunities and practices.
- Skills in project management, social perceptiveness to be aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. 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, analysis of internal equity, 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 budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,100 to $124,700 yearly. This is a 100% FTE, Exempt career position eligible for full benefits.
Referral Source info
This job is part of the Employee Referral Program. If a UC Berkeley employee is referring you, please ensure you select the Referral Source of "UCB Employee". Then enter the employee's Name and Berkeley email address in the Specific Referral Source field. Please enter only one name and email.
Conviction History Background
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.
The University of California's Affirmative action policy.
The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.
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