The Director of the University Honors Program (UHP) provides strategic leadership, operational management, and vision for UC Davis's campus-wide honors program serving high-achieving and high-potential undergraduate students. The position is responsible for advancing an academically rigorous and intellectually engaging four-year honors experience that integrates interdisciplinary coursework, faculty mentorship, undergraduate research, community engagement, leadership development, and Signature Work capstone experiences. The Director ensures program excellence through effective administration, assessment, collaboration, and stewardship of program resources while fostering a student-centered culture that promotes academic achievement, civic engagement, personal growth, and equitable student success.
Apply By Date September 11, 2026 at 11:59pm, PST
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
-
Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience leading academic, educational, or student success programs.
-
Progressive leadership experience directing complex academic, educational, honors, undergraduate, or experiential learning programs, including strategic planning, program development, implementation, and assessment.
-
Experience supervising professional and/or student staff, including recruitment, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
-
Experience developing and utilizing assessment measures, student success metrics, and program evaluation data to inform decision-making, strategic planning, and continuous program improvement.
-
Experience building collaborative partnerships and working effectively with faculty, academic leadership, students, alumni, and campus stakeholders to advance programmatic goals and initiatives.
-
Knowledge of program administration, budget management, resource allocation, and operational planning within a higher education or similarly complex organizational environment.
-
Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and represent programs at multiple organizational levels.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Experience leading or administering an honors program, undergraduate research program, scholars program, experiential learning initiative, or other high-achieving student program within a research university environment.
-
Knowledge of policies, practices, and governance structures related to undergraduate education within a large public research university.
-
Experience securing, managing, or supporting grant-funded, donor-funded, or philanthropic initiatives, including proposal development and stewardship activities.
-
Demonstrated experience developing programs and practices that foster student engagement, academic excellence, belonging, and success among students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Key Responsibilities
-
60% - Program Management & Supervision
-
25% - Internal Relationship Building
-
10% - Financial & Office Management
-
5% - Grant Management & Supervision, Development and Philanthropy
Department Overview
Undergraduate Education provides campus-wide leadership for the delivery of undergraduate education and the enhancement of educational effectiveness and academic success. We act as liaison on academic issues pertinent to undergraduate education with each of the colleges and other campus entities, including the Academic Senate, as well as to external units and agencies including the UC Office of the President, other universities, and relevant accreditation agencies.
This position is part of 10 diverse operational/academic units in UE which are responsible for leadership in sustaining and improving the quality of undergraduate education and line responsibility for operation of 10 operational/campus wide academic units, namely the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education, Center for Educational Effectiveness, Quarter at Aggie Square, Summer Session, The Writing Center, UC Davis Washington Center, UC First-Year Seminars, UE Academic Advising, Undergraduate Research Center, University Honors Program.
POSITION INFORMATION
-
Salary or Pay Range: $105,300/annually - $208,500/annually
-
Salary Frequency: Annually
-
UC Job Title: ACAD PRG MGT SUPV 2
-
-
Appointment Type: Staff: Career
-
Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
-
Shift (Work Schedule): Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm
-
Location: Davis, CA.
-
Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
-
Benefits Eligible: Yes
-
This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
-
High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
-
UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
-
Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
-
Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
-
Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
-
Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
-
Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
-
On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
-
Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
-
Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
-
Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
-
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
-
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
-
Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
-
Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
-
Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
-
Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
-
Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
-
Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
-
Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
-
Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
-
Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
-
Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
-
Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
-
Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
-
Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
-
Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
-
Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
-
Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
-
Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
-
Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
-
Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
-
Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
-
Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
-
Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
-
Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
-
Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
-
Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
-
Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
-
Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
-
Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
-
Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
-
Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Manage and complete projects in an open workspace environment with multiple deadlines, frequent interruptions, background distractions, traffic and noise from competing activities. Vacations restricted during peak periods. Work flexible schedule and occasional evenings and weekends as needed, using on short notice to meet operational needs. Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
-
This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
-
This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
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.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
