Assistant Chancellor and Chief of Staff (In-Person)

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 $168,700 - $346,500. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $230,000 - $300,000.

In order to successfully meet the demands of this position, a strong on-site presence is required.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around December 2nd, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This search is being conducted in partnership with UC San Diego's Executive Recruitment Services. For additional details or inquiries, please contact Jen Brooks (jgbrooks@ucsd.edu).

To complete your application, you must submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion. Please attach this statement to your resume to upload. For help in writing your statement, please go to https://hr.ucmerced.edu/hr-units/talent-acquisition/contributions-diversity-statement

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.

The Assistant Chancellor/Chief of Staff is a member of the Chancellor's Cabinet, guiding the development of Cabinet agendas and follow-up actions and participating in the formulation of campus policy. The Assistant Chancellor/Chief of Staff provides strategic leadership, management, and guidance across a range of campus operations, including crisis planning and response, workforce development, communications and marketing, and governance/oversight structures and functions critical for the success of the institution. The Assistant Chancellor/Chief of Staff serves as senior advisor and designate to the Chancellor and advises the Chancellor on sensitive organizational matters and represents the Chancellor to campuswide, systemwide, and external constituents, often required to make decisions on behalf of the Chancellor. The position's responsibilities intersect with the UC Office of the President, the UC Regents Office, other UC Offices of the Chancellor, and with all UC Merced divisional offices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Formulate and administer policies and programs for major functions (operational or program results affect organization-wide performance and reputation). Direct development of strategic goals and objectives for accountability and stewardship of university resources. Provide direct strategic leadership, management, and guidance to Government Relations, Human Resources, Ethics & Compliance, Internal Audit, Risk Services, the Ombuds Office, the University Arts Program, and the Immediate Office function. Provide general administrative oversight to units reporting directly to the Chancellor: Office of Legal Affairs, Internal Audit, Ethics and Compliance, the Ombuds Office, and NCAA Athletics. Interview, select, train, and evaluate staff performance; provide oversight and leadership for work; adjust staff duties to improve work distribution and productivity; provide staff development; manage human resources in a high performance environment. Ensure teams provide optimal/synergistic support for the Chancellor, Chancellor Events, UHouse management, and Associate of the Chancellor. Conceptualize and implement initiatives to advance the Chancellor's vision and lead/manage special projects on behalf of the Chancellor. Monitor progress of Chancellor-inspired initiatives and respond to Office of the President and Regental directives/ requests. Recognize erroneous decisions have a serious impact on the overall success of the organization, and make decisions related to highly sensitive and politically charged issues.
• Serve as advisor to Chancellor on issues for consideration and decision-making, facilitate resolution. Provide general oversight of the Chancellor's calendar, advise prioritization of meeting/event requests and consulting. Communicate on the Chancellor's behalf with university constituents and others. Draft sensitive/high-level correspondence or reports. Facilitate and participate in key constituent meetings and ensure follow-up. Serve as intermediary for the Chancellor, convey information and requests, and provide the Chancellor's response and guidance. First point of contact for issues with a heightened level of sensitivity or needs immediate attention of Chancellor. Serve as key thought partner with executive leadership in developing plans and recommendations for Chancellor. Participate in the formulation of campus policy as a member of the Chancellor's Cabinet, Council of Vice Chancellors, Council of Deans and Vice Chancellors (Extended Cabinet), and Executive Audit and Compliance Committee. Guide the development of agendas and follow-up actions for meetings (or periodic retreats) of Chancellor's Cabinet, Council of Vice Chancellors, and Council of Deans and Vice Chancellors (Extended Cabinet). Attend internal/external constituency meetings and consult for insights into administrative decision-making, communication, and relationship-strengthening. Collaborate with University Communications in the development of Chancellor messages across communications platforms.
• Prepare Chancellor for UC Council of Chancellors meetings and UC Board of Regents meetings, and facilitate follow-up actions. Provide staffing support to the Chancellor at Regents meetings. Advocate for UC Merced representation in reports/presentations to the UC Board of Regents. Provide leadership/support for special events (Regents or UC President's visits, Regental or Presidential task forces or committees, ad hoc task forces). Participate in system-wide conference calls and meetings of Associate/Assistant Chancellors convened by the Office of the President. Participate in national higher education networks for insights on national/international issues of higher education and optimal positioning of colleges and universities and leaders.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related area.
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in a related area. (Preferred)

AND

• 10 years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in an executive advisor capacity, preferably in higher education, or a combination of education, training, and experience. An advanced degree is preferred but may not substitute for the required years of experience.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

• Direct development and advancement of strategic goals and objectives for accountability and stewardship of university resources.
• Strong knowledge of human resources, compliance and audit, risk management, crisis response and management, and budgeting, accounting and payroll.
• Expert skills to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations; skills in conflict management techniques.
• Expert leadership abilities to establish department goals, effectively supervise individuals and teams, and motivate and influence others to achieve specific goals.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate and influence others across the organization.
• Formulate and administer policies and programs for major functions that affect organization-wide performance and reputation.
• Ability to establish and track metrics for department and employee goals which measure effectiveness of contributions and efficient operations of the department. (Preferred)
• Sophisticated skills in strategy development, systems planning, and change management. (Preferred)
• Expert project management skills, including capital projects. (Preferred)
• Sophisticated knowledge of administrative management theory and ability to translate this knowledge into practice. (Preferred)

Background check required.

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/