Assistant Director of Research and Writing - 138432

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego GPS is seeking an experienced administrator to oversee the 21st Century China Center's research and writing portfolio, supporting the China Data Lab, workshops, and policy reports.

You will work with center leadership to initiate new research, develop program policies, and advance strategic goals through cross‑center partnerships, travel, and events. A advanced degree and knowledge of China/U.S.-China relations are essential.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in related area such as Public Policy, Social Sciences or International Relations with typically four years of experience in related field (e.g. research operations or administrative analyses) and / or equivalent experience / training.
• In depth knowledge of China, U.S.-China relations, and Chinese society, as well as familiarity with leading experts on China in academic, intellectual, business, and policy settings.
• Academic background and experience in selected area of research preferred. Ability to work effectively with PhD-level faculty and researchers across diverse disciplines and cultures, and to identify and promote research excellence.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results. Ability to communicate and interact effectively and professionally with senior officials, business executives, scholars, and other opinion leaders.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, including experience with presentations and public speaking.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers. High level of professionalism, diplomacy, judgment, and integrity when working in culturally diverse and sensitive environments.
• Strategic, creative, and tactical thinking skills, with the ability to translate ideas into clear plans for an academic and policy research center.
• Strong ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills. Strong organizational abilities, including problem-solving, negotiation, decision-making, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the 21st Century China Center's research and writing portfolio, including supporting the China Data Lab, research workshops and conferences, policy reports, and other scholarly and policy-relevant publications.
• Collaborate with center leadership to initiate new research projects, develop program policies, and advance the center's strategic goals.
• Work with 21CCC staff on development, outreach, events, and related initiatives, along with other duties consistent with the scope of the position.

Skills

Policy knowledge

China relations

Communication

Collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

Advanced degree in Public Policy or related field

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 2/20/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) is an interdisciplinary, discovery-driven graduate school focusing on international affairs and public policy. We offer an original and rigorous approach to policy, as our goal is to create global policy solutions that matter. At GPS, students learn from world-class professors while surrounded by a diverse body of students from all over the world. And our San Diego location gives us the freedom to seek progress untethered from tradition and lean into the power of the Pacific Coast as a hub of innovation, diversity and proactive problem-solving.

GPS instructs a diverse student body of domestic and international students in the MPP, MCEPA, MIA, and MAS-IA degree programs, a joint Ph.D. with the Department of Political Science and executive education programs. GPS also administers the International Studies Program, offering a rigorous curriculum for students interested in international affairs with nine B.A. degree options, three combined BA/MIA and BA/MPP programs, and a minor program. GPS is also the parent organization to major research centers: 21st Century China Center, 21st Century India Center, Big Pixel Initiative, Center for Commerce and Diplomacy, Cowhey Center on Global Transformation, Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies, Fudan-UC Center on Contemporary China, Japan Forum for Innovation and Technology, Korea-Pacific Program, Policy Design and Evaluation Lab, SDG Policy Initiative, Wavemaker Lab, and the campus-wide Deep Decarbonization Initiative and the UC Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation.

Incumbent oversees the 21st Century China Center's (21CCC) research and writing portfolio, including supporting the work at the center's China Data Lab, research workshops and conferences, policy reports, and other scholarly and policy-relevant publications. Works closely with the center leadership to initiate new research projects, develop program policies, and advance the center's strategic goals through active involvement in research and writing projects. Collaborates across 21CCC staff on development, outreach, events, and related initiatives, along with other duties consistent with the scope of the position.

• This position requires a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays. Domestic and international travel will be required.
• Submission of a cover letter along with a resume is required for consideration.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in related area such as Public Policy, Social Sciences or International Relations with typically four years of experience in related field (e.g. research operations or administrative analyses) and / or equivalent experience / training.
• In depth knowledge of China, U.S.-China relations, and Chinese society, as well as familiarity with leading experts on China in academic, intellectual, business, and policy settings.
• Academic background and experience in selected area of research preferred. Ability to work effectively with PhD-level faculty and researchers across diverse disciplines and cultures, and to identify and promote research excellence.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results. Ability to communicate and interact effectively and professionally with senior officials, business executives, scholars, and other opinion leaders.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, including experience with presentations and public speaking.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers. High level of professionalism, diplomacy, judgment, and integrity when working in culturally diverse and sensitive environments.
• Strategic, creative, and tactical thinking skills, with the ability to translate ideas into clear plans for an academic and policy research center.
• Strong ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills. Strong organizational abilities, including problem-solving, negotiation, decision-making, and analytical skills.

PREFERRED:

• Native or near-native fluency in written and spoken Chinese and English.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $90,600 - $166,400 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $43.39 - $79.69

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).