Program Specialist (4168U) - #77454

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). 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 full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Summer Sessions, Study Abroad, Lifelong Learning & University Extension (SSALLEX) is the extended education division of the University of California, Berkeley and an essential part of the University's mission to extend the research and scholarship of UC Berkeley to a global community.

SSALLEX is a vibrant and dynamic organization that enables more than 60,000 visiting UC and potential Cal students; parents, faculty, academic units, international business partners, and central campus service providers engage in campus activities. The department provides more than 2,000 summer courses, fall freshmen programs, study abroad experiences, global internships, and year-around programs or courses, lectures, special events and interest circles for older adults.

Position Summary

Under general supervision, organizes and supports existing international programs. Works directly with instructors or liaison campus department to secure academic approval for courses submitted to COCI (Committee of Courses on Instruction), assisting them in finalizing course syllabi for the Course and Instructor Approval (CIA) Process. Resolves student/instructor disputes, when appropriate, refers issues to the Program Director. Orients new instructors/GSI/independent contractors to Extension international policy and procedures.

Provides support for students and instructors in collaboration with the lead student advisor. Advises prospective student applicants on program options and assesses admission eligibility. Assists students in determining proper courses to complete program requirements. Provides extra assistance to international students who have a wide variety of questions about programs, life in Berkeley, and activities on campus. Support the admissions review process by verifying application materials.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 04/21/2025.

Responsibilities

Plans and schedules course offerings, identifies course topics.

Program Operations Support

• Under general supervision, organizes and supports existing international program(s).
• Works directly with instructors or liaison campus department to secure academic approval for courses submitted to COCI (Committee of Courses on Instruction), assisting them in finalizing course syllabi for the Course and Instructor Approval (CIA) Process.
• Tracks progress of CIA process and alerts program director of any potential issues.
• Assists in the recruitment of new instructors and solicits course proposals.
• Works with program director to identify potential instructors; coordinates instructor interviews, and is involved in assessing instructor candidates.
• Assists in planning and scheduling course offerings and course topics.
• Schedule courses and arrange for classroom space for a portfolio of classes.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the department's most complex programs, including monitoring and updating online groups and programs.
• Establish and maintain files for students, courses, and instructors on all applicable systems arrange for logistical support of courses, programs, and meetings which may include: exams, audio-visual equipment, computers, photocopying, textbook orders, catering, lodging, support staff/cashier needs and other course materials.
• Performs administrative tasks for payments, pre-approvals and tracks budget for program(s) and reports any discrepancies to program director.

Tracks student or participant performance and course desirability.

• Enrollment/Student/Instructor Support Provides support for students and instructors in collaboration with lead student advisor.
• Advises prospective student applicants on program options and assesses admission eligibility.
• Assists students in determining proper courses to complete program requirements.
• Provides extra assistance to international students who have a wide variety of questions about programs, life in Berkeley, and activities on campus.
• Support the admissions review process by verifying application materials.
• Puts together data analysis summaries/metrics on recruitment #s and enrollment #s.
• Researches and resolves enrollment issues.
• Resolves student/instructor disputes, when appropriate refers issues to the Program Director.
• Orients new instructors/GSI/independent contractors to Extension international policy and procedures.
• Responds and resolves urgent situations such as last-minute course schedule or location changes, informing students and instructors of changes.
• May create and present training materials for instructors or students pertaining to navigating LMS and/or Extension procedures discrepancies to program director.
• Facilitates and supports own and others special program events.

Event Planning

• Organizes and coordinates student/instructor orientations, information sessions, departmental program extracurricular activities, closing ceremonies and special events for visiting students, agents and international partners.
• Serves as the lead in collaborating on site visits at various Bay Area entities (e.g. companies, startups, nonprofits).
• Collaborates with student advisor and other team staff to put together presentations and event handouts; verifies presentation and handout information for accuracy.
• Conducts presentations, facilitate workshops and information sessions at orientation events; presents program information to incoming students.
• Supports the organization of student focus group sessions in collaboration with the program teams and other stakeholders.

Actively participates in supporting long-range strategic planning for existing international public educational programs.

• May conduct research on various international programs, compiling information to support a program director's decision to create a new course or program.

May conduct research on various international programs, compiling information to support a program director's decision to create a new course or program.

• Actively supports long-range strategic planning for new international programs in collaboration with core team.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
• Thorough knowledge of and/or can quickly learn campus policies and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of and skill in delivering programs.
• Thorough knowledge of current public educational programs and trends.
• Thorough skills to conduct needs assessment and development of new presentations/courses to meet organizational needs.
• Knowledge of managing a portfolio of business and management courses at the university or corporate level.
• Skill in using business software systems in the completion of work assignments; i.e. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.
• Thorough knowledge of work environments in international higher education institutions, their organizational structure and processes.
• Thorough knowledge of international higher education systems and their issues of concern with respect to developments in global economics and geopolitics.
• Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications, tact and political acumen to effectively represent the campus and interact with representatives and leaders of higher education institutions and corporations.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.
• Advanced intercultural communication skills to effectively manage intercultural teams as well as the relations with international students and life-long learners, parents, agents and representatives of institutional or corporate partners.
• Active listening skills, including advanced critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Skill to recognize potential areas of constituency concern and address, resolve and/or mitigate problems or issues.
• Ideal candidate will be a self-starter, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
• Thorough research, analytical and critical thinking skills, including sound judgment and decision-making skills and skill to correctly identifying real and potential problems, advising directors as required, and proposing effective strategic resolutions.
• 1-3 years of international education work experience.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Continuing education in related field required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in international higher education administration.

Salary & Benefits

This is a 2-year, full-time (40 hours/week), contract appointment, eligible for UC benefits with the possibility of extension. This is an exempt position, which is paid monthly at an annual rate. This position is eligible for up to 80% remote work (1 day on-site per week) within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.

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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $61,200.00 - $83,200.00.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.

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.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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.

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 E-mail address in the Specific Referral Source field. Please enter only one name and email.