Assistant Dean, Academic Programs

Job Posting Details

Position Number: 40027550

Payroll Title: Academic Program Management Officer 4

Job Code: 000378

Job Open Date: 4/22/25

Application Review Begins: 5/7/25; open until filled

Department Code (Name): ESMS - Bren School of Environmental Science & Management

Percentage of Time: 100%

Union Code (Name): 99 (Non-Represented)

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff (Career)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator (Personnel Program): MSP

Salary Grade: Grade 25

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range the University reasonably expects to pay is $104,900 to $151,900/yr. Salary offers are based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable and consistent pay practices at the University. The full range for this position is $104,900 to $198,900/yr.

Work Location: Bren Hall - 2424

Working Days and Hours: M-F; 8am - 5pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations) The University has the authority to change or revoke hybrid scheduling with reasonable notice. Incumbent must be available to be in the office as requested or full time should operational needs require it.

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

At the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, we develop interdisciplinary solutions to environmental problems, train environmental leaders, and work for a sustainable future.

Located steps from the beach on the beautiful UCSB campus, the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management is home to two professional master's programs, the Master of Environmental Data Science and Master of Environmental Science and Management, a dynamic PhD in Environmental Science and Management, and research leaders who contribute meaningful work in their fields.

Bren is a leading center of environmental research. Bren faculty are experts in their disciplines of environmental and natural resources research, collaborating across disciplines from the natural sciences, social sciences, and data science, as well as environmental economics, policy, and law. #LI-KA1

Benefits of Belonging:

There is a reason UCSB has been named the Best Place to Work by our local media for several years running. Whether our employees are on our stunning campus, or working remotely or hybrid they tell us they value the flexibility, stability and rich benefits we offer. Come join us as we support the mission of one of the finest public institutions in the nation. UC Santa Barbara is consistently recognized for excellence across broad fields of study. Set alongside the glorious California coast, our dynamic environment inspires scholarly ambition and creativity. Information Technology Services (ITS), the Campus' central IT unit, contributes to UC Santa Barbara's mission of research, teaching, and community service by partnering with the Campus community to efficiently deliver IT infrastructure and enterprise application services to faculty, students, staff, and affiliates.

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

Manages highly-visible graduate school (Bren School of Environmental Science & Management) and three associated academic and professional programs: PhD, Master of Environmental Science and Management (MESM), and the Master of Environmental Data Science (MEDS). Maintains excellent quality instruction and service to existing PhD, MEDS, and MESM programs. Oversees all elements of academic and professional program administration. Guides and participates in short- and long-term strategic planning to establish and achieve school and program goals. Supports a significant transition to bring greater awareness and appreciation of diversity, and builds and supports a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable faculty, staff and student body.

Serves as the Bren Graduate Program Advisor. Fosters an inclusive learning environment that prioritizes students' welfare and provides a supportive climate for a diverse student body. Serves on committees supporting and representing the Bren School. Develops academic policies and procedures and ensures compliance with UCSB requirements. Collaborates with other departments, institutes, centers and universities to enhance educational and research opportunities for Bren graduate students. Interacts with higher administrative offices on issues relating to academic and student affairs, policy decisions, and personnel. Plans and manages annual school and program budgets in collaboration with Business Officer and presents annual budget reports to the deans, faculty and staff. Serves as the Authority to Approve Transactions - Academic Affairs, and, in this capacity, reviews and approves advances, reimbursements, and gifts. Provides leadership regarding public relations and promotes Bren School through outreach and events. Serves as de facto staff manager for the Bren School. Supervises Director of Academic Programs, Director of Admissions and Student Affairs, Academic Personnel Manager, Senior Events Manager, Director of Communications and Marketing, Coordinator for Student Initiatives and Community Partnerships, and several Academic Coordinators. Works independently with general direction from the dean.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree or equivalent combination of education and prior experience.
• 5+ years of financial management experience.
• 7+ years of academic background and experience in environmental science and management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expert oral and written communication skills, active listening, critical thinking, advising, and counseling.
• Expert ability to lead, motivate, and supervise staff.
• Expert ability in strategic planning, creative thinking, problem solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to be discreet and maintain confidentiality.
• Solid knowledge of software for word processing, spreadsheets, assessment, analytics, visual communication, email management, document management and file storage, and office management.
• Advanced knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to a high level of customer service.
• Knowledge of administrative operations such as event planning, communication and outreach, space planning, and basic fundraising.
• Knowledge of UCSB policies, systems, and software, including but not limited to UCPath, Kronos, UC Recruit, Concur, GauchoBlue, GradPoint, egrades, Graduate Division Electronic Application, CourseDog, Canvas, Oracle Financial Cloud, and ZenDesk, and ability to learn new UCSB systems.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory conviction history background check.
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.
• May be called upon to work occasional nights or weekends.

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 allegation 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

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

40% School and Program Administration - Manages highly-visible graduate school (Bren School) and three associated academic and professional programs (PhD, Master of Environmental Science and Management, and Master of Environmental Data Science). Designs, develops, directs, and administers academic and professional programs. Oversees all elements of program administration. Designs and develops major program components, administers operations requirements. Frequently solves unique issues/problems without precedent and/or structure. Assesses program effectiveness and recommends changes to program content, policies, and strategic goals. Develops academic policies and procedures with deans and faculty, and ensures their compliance with UCSB requirements. Every five years (beginning Fall 2019), prepares proposals for professional degree supplemental tuition (MESM and MEDS) and guides proposals through school, campus, and systemwide reviews. Plans and manages budgets for revenue from professional degree supplemental tuition. Establishes annual curriculum plan for three academic and professional programs, and assigns teaching and service responsibilities to faculty. Develops annual workload report for faculty and Office of Budget and Planning.

Seeks and implements new curricula that offer an inclusive understanding of the field of environmental science and management. Identifies gaps in instruction and hires lecturers and visiting professors to fill teaching gaps. Coordinates with lecturers and visiting professors regarding course content. Guides special academic program priorities in collaboration with Academic Coordinators. Collaborates with other departments, institutes, centers and universities to enhance educational and research opportunities for Bren graduate students. Identifies Bren courses that need teaching associates, teaching assistants, readers or tutors, and hires student academic employees. Reviews summary of student evaluations of Bren School professors, lecturers, and TAs. Meets with faculty, lecturers, and/or TAs, as necessary, to resolve concerns raised by students. Escalates serious issues to the dean. Develops assessment plans for program learning objectives and guides data collection to produce required assessments every three years for accreditation with WASC. Serves as a staff consultant on committees supporting the Bren School, including Diversity; Faculty Executive; PhD Program; Master's Curriculum and ad hoc committees. Develops ideas and options for faculty review and approval, and develops and implements instructional programs that reflect faculty interests. Serves on campus committees, including but not limited to the Academic Management Group.

20% Strategic Planning and Management - With deans, faculty, and senior staff, develops vision and establishes agenda to achieve school and program objectives. Formulates strategies and goals, guides short- and long-term planning, and develops new policies and procedures and ensures their compliance with UCSB requirements. Plans and participates in Faculty Executive Committee (FEC) meetings and faculty meetings and retreats. Represents the dean's interests in FEC, faculty, and committee meetings when a dean is unable to attend. Works closely with Bren FEC chair to build agendas and prepare materials for FEC and faculty meetings. Collaborates with dean and faculty to prioritize and implement strategic tactics for advancing the Bren School's goals. Assists faculty with the coordination of ongoing and future collaborative environmental research initiatives and other priorities. With the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), guides the Bren School toward greater awareness and appreciation of diversity, and building and supporting a more diverse faculty, staff and student body. Contributes ideas and content to the Bren School's strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusion, and implements and updates the strategic plan. Serves as an active member of the Diversity Committee. Identifies strategies and shapes new policies to recruit and support diverse master's and PhD students. Provides leadership to recruit, support, and retain diverse faculty and staff. Innovates ways to support an inclusive Bren School community. Interacts with higher administrative campus offices on issues relating to academic and student affairs, policy and personnel. Works with the Bren FEC chair and members to review and respond to policy issues from the Academic Senate. Develops annual report and presentation for the dean to deliver to the Council on Planning and Budget. Meets regularly with the Executive Vice Chancellor's (EVC's) staff and other UCSB assistant deans (Academic Management Group) to develop strategies to address emerging issues. Manages Academic Program Review Process (approximately every 7-10 years) on behalf of the dean and faculty. Engages with relevant higher education organizations to further opportunities for Bren faculty and students. Represents the dean at relevant meetings and events. Sets agendas and leads biweekly meetings with the deans and senior managers (Director of Development, Career Development Director, Business Officer, IT Director). Identifies priorities and presents concerns and solutions related to strategic planning, faculty, students, staff, donor development, career development, and operations. Identifies programmatic, policy and personnel issues and, as appropriate, independently resolves the issues or provides recommendations to the deans, faculty, and senior staff.

20% Admissions/Student Affairs Management - Supervises the Admissions and Student Affairs unit engaged in recruitment, admissions, support, advising, and retention activities. Works in close collaboration with the Director of Admissions and Student Affairs and two Admissions and Student Affairs Coordinators to develop and maintain a supportive educational environment for students. Creates and implements systems, policies, and procedures for monitoring and evaluating student performance, maintaining student records and databases, resolving student grievances and conflicts, handling disciplinary actions, and disseminating academic counseling. Works independently or collaboratively with faculty to resolve student petitions. Serves as the Graduate Advisor for the Bren School. Analyzes student satisfaction based on end-of-year surveys and other outreach, identifies needs and problems, and independently resolves issues or makes recommendations to faculty and staff for strategies to resolve student concerns. Works with Admissions and Student Affairs staff to develop strategies for increasing the number of high-quality applicants to the Bren School's academic programs and for admitting, enrolling, and retaining high quality students. Participates in on- and off-campus prospective student recruitment activities. Provides guidance to prospective students. Counsels current students on resolving more complex issues related to program requirements, academic and personal challenges, and provides final review of all petitions and other academic actions taken by students to ensure quality and consistency.

10% Financial Management - In collaboration with the Business Officer, plans and manages annual budgets for the Bren School and associated academic and professional programs. Works strategically with the Finance Team on accounting processes to support financial infrastructure of the school and associated programs. Creates annual budget projections and identifies appropriate fund sources (state, professional fee, gifts, etc.) for school and program priorities. Guides prioritization of expenditures in constrained fiscal environment. Collaborates with Business Officer to develop and deliver annual financial reports for dean and faculty. Holds the responsibility of Delegation of Authority to Approve Transactions - Academic Affairs. Reviews and approves travel and entertainment advances and reimbursements. Reviews and approves Gift Acceptance Reports and Forms. Develops and executes strategic plan for financing program activities and ensuring ongoing sustainability of program. Identifies and pursues funding opportunities and revenue streams.

10% Supervision - Provides direct supervision to Director of Academic Programs, Director of Admissions and Student Affairs, Academic Personnel Manager, Senior Events Manager, Director of Communications and Marketing, Coordinator for Student Initiatives and Community Partnerships, and several Academic Coordinator IIs who manage special academic programs. Maintains a motivated staff by communicating goals, providing a working environment which fosters personal and professional growth and enthusiasm for meeting the School's objectives by proper training in job duties, open communication, resolution of conflict, and clarity of information regarding expectations for staff performance. Meets weekly with direct reports and staff in each unit to set goals, guide priorities, and solve problems. Provides regular feedback and evaluation to direct reports and offers support for their ongoing professional development. Serves as a back-up manager, and hires and trains new managers in Academic Programs, Admissions and Student Affairs, Academic Personnel, Events, Student Initiatives and Community Partnerships, and Communications and Marketing. Sets agendas for and leads monthly meetings of the Bren School staff. Conducts annual evaluations of staff performance.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information:

UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information

* University of California Policy on Vaccinations

* Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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