Program Director, UC Berkeley Extension (4169U) 87411 About Berkeley
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 .
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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 UC Berkeley's research and scholarship 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 to engage in campus activities. The department provides more than 2,000 summer courses, fall freshmen programs, study abroad experiences, global internships, and year-round programs or courses, lectures, special events, and interest circles for older adults.
Position Summary
The Program Director is responsible for implementing and managing the Science, Mathematics, and Biotechnology programs. This position supervises a team of Program Coordinators, Program Specialists, and Student Advisors to ensure academic quality and student success. In collaboration with Lead Instructors and Recruitment specialists, the Program Director manages instructor recruitment, onboarding, and relations.
This position manages program and course planning and scheduling, assessment processes, student conduct procedures, academic advising, budgeting, analysis, reporting, and inter and intra-department communications. The Program Director also collaborates with Admissions Services, Student Services, and Career Services to provide excellent student support.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is July 27, 2026. For full consideration, please apply by the first review date.
Responsibilities
Establishes evaluation criteria for measuring desired results and impact.
Manages academic quality assurance and improvement processes as defined by academic leadership, including implementing standards for course preparation, assessment, and evaluation. Under the direction of the Department Director, manages regular meetings with advisory committees and program instructors to discuss ongoing quality improvement.
Manages resolution process for academic issues with instructors, students, and partners. Manages student conduct processes in collaboration with colleagues from academic and administrative departments. Provides regular reports on results to the Department Director.
Uses considerable discretion to determine methods and procedures for current and new course offerings and topics.
Under the guidance of the Assistant Dean for Public Programs, collaborates closely with program directors and program managers in the department to ensure standardization of quality and administration processes across programs
Plans and develops programs and curriculum, and adjusts existing courses and curriculum in an accredited and/or certified public education environment.
Works with the Department Director, Assistant Dean, and Instructors to plan and develop programs and curriculum, and updates or adjusts existing courses and curriculum as needed.
Collaborates with Marketing to communicate programmatic changes.
Recruits, selects, orients, evaluates, and supervises qualified accredited and/or certificate instructors.
Recruits, and onboards qualified instructors. Under the guidance of the Department Director, evaluates and supervises instructors, and works closely with the Assistant Dean and Academic Advisory Boards to ensure excellence in all areas of instruction across programs
Collaborate with Admissions Services, Student Services, Marketing, and Career Services to provide excellent student support through advising and optimization of student communication and information sharing.
Develops, prepares, and reconciles budget for program(s).
Provides regular reports and projections to senior leadership in the department
Evaluates and adjusts course curriculum through student evaluations and levels of interest shown.
In collaboration with the Department Director, evaluates and adjusts the course curriculum based on student course and outcome evaluations and levels of interest shown. Conducts and/or attends regular student and instructor meetings, and information sessions, and solicits feedback to resolve problems and improve curricula and delivery of courses.
Manage the program team of Program Specialists and Academic Advisors to provide timely resolution of student and instructor inquiries, concerns, and grievances. Works with the Department Director for continuous quality process improvement.
Required Qualifications
Skill in using business software systems in the completion of work assignments (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
Advanced analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the organization's policies and procedures and/or the ability to learn; advanced knowledge of the functional area, and understands how work impacts other areas of public educational programs.
Advanced knowledge of accredited and/or certificate program instruction and delivery methodologies, the organization, market, and business strategies.
Experience managing academic programs.
Experience assessing the quality of academic programs and managing process improvement efforts.
Experience managing a portfolio of academic or professional training courses.
Experience in planning and managing events.
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and cross-cultural communications skills sufficient to represent the university in meetings with leaders and senior-level representatives of other organizations.
Experience in asynchronous course development, re-development, and maintenance.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in higher or continuing education.
Five or more years of experience (or comparable skills/knowledge) working in higher education administration or academic program management, progressively taking on greater responsibilities.
Education / Training
Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training
Continuing education in a related field
Master's or Doctoral degree in a science-related field and/or equivalent experience (preferred)
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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $86,000-$95,000.
This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) career position eligible for UC benefits.
