Director of External Relations Programs and Operations (6300) Job #86364 - Electrical Engineering an

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Director of External Relations Programs and Operations to lead strategic partnerships and engagement initiatives. This role will enhance relationships with alumni, industry partners, and the local community to advance the department's mission.

Ideal candidates will have strong project management skills, proven relationship-building abilities, and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. The position offers an estimated salary range of $110,000–$140,000, plus comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of university mission and higher education issues.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management abilities, including event planning.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement strategic plans to strengthen engagement.
• Oversee complex external relations programs and manage communications.
• Analyze program data and recommend enhancements.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Director of External Relations Programs and Operations (6300)

Job 86364 – Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley we foster a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to equity and social justice and invite applicants who align with our guiding values, principles, and strategic plan.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) in both the College of Engineering and the College of Computing Data Science and Society is the largest department on campus, comprising over 1 300 faculty and adjuncts, 3 600+ undergraduates, 800+ graduate students, and 60+ staff members. EECS programs are consistently ranked in the top three nationally and globally.

Role Overview

This position serves as the Director of the External Relations Programs and Operations, providing leadership and strategic planning in all matters related to external relations. The role focuses on promoting positive relationships with industry partners, alumni, parents, local community, government, and other constituencies to advance the department’s academic mission.

Responsibilities

35% Design, develop, and implement short- and long-term strategic plans, programs, events, and activities that strengthen engagement with alumni, industry partners, parents, and students.

25% Oversee all aspects of complex external relations programs, including coordinating special events, producing audio/visual or written materials, and managing communication on the EECS website.

20% Analyze, summarize, and report program data, produce findings, and recommend enhancements and potential funding opportunities.

10% Respond to unforeseen events that could impact relationships, keeping senior management informed.

10% Manage and supervise the External Relations team (2 FTE), provide leadership, develop staffing plans, and foster a high-trust collaborative environment.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of the university, its mission, goals, and higher education issues.
• Deep understanding of the campus scientific community and external constituencies.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with alumni, industry, and internal stakeholders.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Active listening, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Strong problem‑solving skills for constituent concerns.
• Advanced project management abilities, including event planning.
• Experience building diverse teams, setting goals, and fostering collaboration.
• Skill in distilling complex data and sharing it strategically with stakeholders.
• Understanding of university/industry relations programs and marketing to industry communities.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience or training.

Salary & Benefits

Estimated salary range: $110,000–$140,000. Comprehensive benefits information can be found on the University of California’s Compensation & Benefits website.

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.

To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=86364&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant