Job Opening: Academic Program Management Officer
UC Berkeley job ID #25214

For complete job description and to apply, see Job Listings at jobs.berkeley.edu and search for job #25214

Blum Center for Developing Economies

The Blum Center for Developing Economies at UC Berkeley leverages the talent, enthusiasm, and energy of the UC Berkeley community to address problems in low-resource areas. Our interdisciplinary problem solving approach draws on students and faculty dedicated to facing this challenge through innovative initiatives, education, and research. The Blum Center houses an undergraduate minor in Global Poverty & Practice, one of the most popular minors on the Berkeley campus; a graduate PhD minor (a designated emphasis) in Development Engineering, the first in the nation; and the Big Ideas Contest, the University of California’s premier social entrepreneurship ecosystem serving thousands of students across ten campuses.

UC Berkeley’s Graduate Group in Development Engineering oversees a Master of Development Engineering (MDevEng) Self-Supporting Graduate Professional Degree Program (SSGPDP), managed administratively by the Blum Center. This is a new interdisciplinary field to address the challenges posed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The field integrates engineering, economics, business, natural resource development, and social sciences to develop, implement, and evaluate new technological interventions that address the needs of low-income communities around the world. This position will administer the Master, which welcomed its first cohort in Fall 2021.

First Review Date 

The First Review Date for this job is: 10/26/21

Responsibilities

55%  With the Education Director, co-directs and administers the Development Engineering Master Program and Development Engineering PhD Designated Emphasis with complete responsibility for marketing, admissions, administrative and programmatic activities, including all academic, training and research programs, and placement.
Directs and administers the MDevEng program in the following ways:

Academic Administration and Curriculum Planning

• With guidance from the Faculty Committee, engages curriculum planning and scheduling for all required courses.
•  Works with Faculty to fill teaching positions, through recruiting faculty and supporting the hiring of  lecturers and GSIs.
• Is responsible for overall student experience, and works to ensure a positive culture for each cohort of students, and to achieve high program satisfaction amongst current MDevEng students.

Program Marketing, Outreach, and Student Recruitment

• Develops recruitment programs, events, materials, and outreach services to engage potential students. Makes use of a range of media/methods (in-person, print, electronic) and scales (one-on-one, large events) to achieve recruitment goals. Provides tailored content to support marketing efforts.
• Coordinates with academic departments, alumni, and industry and organization partners to identify and leverage potential student recruitment sources.
• Serves as primary point person for prospective students with questions regarding the MDevEng through a variety of communication channels.
• Evaluates effectiveness of recruitment programs and makes recommendations to enhance yields.

Admissions

• With faculty leadership, manages and evaluates the MDevEng admissions program.
• Compiles and analyzes admissions metrics and statistics.

10%  Identifies and works with Faculty Director and Blum Center Director to pursue funding opportunities and revenue streams for fellowships, including federal and private options.  This includes outreach to the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee to pursue philanthropy, seeking opportunities in government solicitations to support capacity-building, and coordinating outreach to industry that  might be interested in connecting with the students.

10%  Develops and implements outreach strategies related to Development Engineering, coordinating expert guest speakers for DevEng events, and ensuring timely and accurate public relations aimed at highlighting the work for faculty and students associated with the program.

10%  Assesses program’s effectiveness annually, surveying faculty and students, and recommends changes to program’s content, policies and procedures accordingly.

10%  Serves as staff liaison to the Graduate Group on Development Engineering, represents the program to campus administrative bodies, and works with colleagues at the Blum Center to coordinate other Blum Center programs with the needs of the Development Engineering program to ensure interdisciplinary collaboration.

5%   Facilitates the efforts of colleagues at the Blum Center to coordinate other Blum Center programs with the needs of the Development Engineering program, to ensure interdisciplinary collaboration.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Academic background and experience with development engineering (international aid, development economics, technologies for development are some of the included disciplines).
• Advanced knowledge of academic and administrative practices in higher education. Experience with Professional master programs is desirable.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers.
• Solid fundraising experience.
• In-depth working knowledge of the priorities of the Native American community innovation at the intersection of food, water and energy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a related area (PhD, JD, MD, etc.) preferred.
• Experience with Professional master programs is desirable.

Salary & Benefits

Starting salary commensurate with experience.
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit:
https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

For complete job description and to apply, see Job Listings at jobs.berkeley.edu and search for job #25214