External Affairs Manager, Capstone Programs

University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Los Angeles is seeking an External Affairs Manager to oversee external-facing functions for the Capstone Programs Office. You will coordinate corporate partnerships, recruit and engage mentors, and manage communications across BCC, AIR, and capstone tracks.

The role requires strong relationship management, attention to detail, and the ability to handle complex logistics with external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Effective communication of complex instructions.
• Ability to prioritize and deliver results independently.
• Willingness to analyze processes and suggest improvements.
• Collaboration with stakeholders at all levels.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel/Access/Word/Outlook).
• Ability to multi-task with shifting priorities.
• Ability to work varied schedules, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends.
• Knowledge of experiential learning program models and student experience design.
• Three years of experience working with students in higher education.
• Working knowledge of University policy and procedures.

Skills

Communication

Independent work

Process analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Technology proficiency

Multitasking

Flexible scheduling

Evenings/weekends availability

Higher ed experience

Policy knowledge

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Director of External Affairs, the External Affairs Manager serves as the primary operational support for all external-facing functions of the UCLA Anderson Capstone Programs Office. This role manages the day-to-day coordination of corporate partner relationships, mentor recruitment and engagement, and external stakeholder communications across the Business Creation Capstone (BCC), Applied Integrated Research (AIR), and Advanced Topics in Management Capstone and Management Practicum (MP). The External Affairs Manager works closely with the Director of External Affairs to support faculty engagement with external partners and to ensure that corporate clients, mentors, and sponsors receive consistent, professional, and timely communications throughout the academic year. The role requires strong relationship management skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate complex logistics across a large and diverse external stakeholder network. While primarily aligned to the external affairs function, the External Affairs Manager provides light operational backup to Program Managers on the academic programs team as needed, ensuring continuity of student-facing program support during peak periods or staff transitions. The Program Manager works with approximately 1,000 students per academic year across all four tracks and serves as the operational contact for students and MBA program units. The role requires a high degree of independent judgment, the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, and demonstrated proficiency with technology platforms used to administer program workflows and student communications.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• Effective communication skills with the ability to convey complicated instructions in a clear and concise manner. (Required)
• Ability to work independently, prioritize projects and tasks, and deliver results in a timely manner. (Required)
• Willingness to analyze processes, and recommend improvements based on experience. (Required)
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. (Required)
• Willingness and enthusiasm to learn new technologies and processes on an ongoing basis. (Required)
• Experienced with Microsoft Office software, including Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, or other similar software. (Required)
• Ability to multi-task with shifting priorities. (Required)
• Ability to work changing schedules (other than 8-5 M-F), changing work weeks (i.e., Mon-Fri and/or Tues-Sat), including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends, occasionally. (Required)
• Ability to work evenings and weekends. (Required)
• Knowledge of experiential learning program models - including applied research, field study, or capstone-style programming - and best practices in student experience design and program assessment (Required)
• Three years' experience working with students in a higher education environment. (Required)
• Working knowledge of University policy and procedures. (Required)

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

Schedule

Standard hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Union/Policy Covered

CX-Clerical & Allied Services

Complete Position Description