Master's Program Director (5157C) - Department of Statistics

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 76,230 - 105,840; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Master's Program Director (5157C) in the Department of Statistics to oversee master’s program operations, advising, admissions and financial aid administration. The role coordinates events, curriculum planning, and policy guidance, ensuring student success and program sustainability.

The position requires strong advising techniques, strategic planning, and collaboration with faculty and campus partners.

Qualifications

• Advanced advising techniques.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Problem identification, reasoning, and original idea development; persuasion and leadership.
• Project management skills and social perceptiveness.

Responsibilities

• Lead program operations across multiple stakeholders to support academic and co-curricular initiatives.
• Oversee planning, timelines, communications, and execution of program activities and initiatives.
• Develop strategic goals and assess program performance with data-driven insights.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on assessment data.
• Direct planning and implementation of program events and student engagement activities.
• Support budget planning and financial oversight for the program.
• Oversee the Peer Ambassador Program including development, recruitment, training, supervision, and assessment.
• Develop and manage the program’s digital communications strategy and outreach materials.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of program proposals and reports.
• Identify operational challenges and develop solutions to enhance effectiveness and student success.
• Serve as the primary academic advisor for master’s students; guide degree requirements and graduation.
• Monitor progress toward degree completion and implement proactive interventions.
• Advise on policies across the department and university.
• Address complex student issues including academic performance and sensitive matters.
• Provide guidance on petitions, grade appeals, accommodations, and campus cross‑functional coordination.
• Design and facilitate advising workshops and programs.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Master's Program Director (5157C) - Department of Statistics

Departmental Overview

The Statistics Department, part of the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society, was established in 1938 and is a global center for probability and statistics. It collaborates with the University of California’s research laboratories, industry partners, and other academic departments to drive innovation and maintain its reputation as one of the world’s leading statistical programs.

Responsibilities

Program Oversight:

• Lead program operations across multiple stakeholders, including faculty, lecturers, staff, student employees, and external partners, to support the successful implementation of academic and co‑curricular initiatives.
• Oversee planning, timelines, communications, and execution of program activities and initiatives, ensuring efficient operations and a high‑quality student experience.
• Develop strategic goals, assess program performance through qualitative and quantitative data, and recommend initiatives that support enrollment growth, student success, operational effectiveness, and long‑term sustainability.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on assessment data, student feedback, operational needs, and evolving priorities.
• Direct the planning and implementation of program events and student engagement activities, including orientation, Summer Prep, Visit Day, professional development workshops, commencement, and community‑building initiatives.
• In collaboration with the program chair and director of administration, support budget planning, resource allocation, and financial oversight for the program.
• Oversee the Peer Ambassador Program, including development, recruitment, training, supervision, and assessment.
• Develop and manage the program’s digital communications strategy, overseeing website content, electronic communications, and outreach materials to support recruitment, engagement, and visibility.
• Coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of program proposals, reports, and other documentation required by university processes.
• Identify operational challenges and emerging needs, develop solutions and process improvements, and recommend policy or procedural changes to enhance effectiveness and student success.

Advanced Student Services & Academic Advising:

• Serve as the primary academic advisor for master’s students, guiding degree requirements, curriculum planning, progress, capstone completion, and graduation.
• Monitor student progress toward degree completion, maintain records, and implement proactive interventions to support success and retention.
• Advise faculty, staff, and students on policies, procedures, and regulations across the department, college, and university.
• Identify, evaluate, and resolve complex student issues, including academic performance, conduct concerns, grievances, discrimination, and other sensitive situations.
• Provide guidance on academic petitions, policy exceptions, grade appeals, accommodations, and other complex matters requiring coordination across campus offices.
• Design, implement, and facilitate workshops and advising programs that support academic, professional, and personal development.
• Analyze student outcomes and emerging trends, identify systemic barriers, and recommend improvements to advising practices and program policies.

Admissions & Recruitment:

• Provide comprehensive academic advising and student support throughout admission and enrollment.
• Guide prospective and admitted students on program requirements, curriculum planning, academic progress, capstone completion, and graduation criteria.
• Monitor applicant progress and implement proactive interventions to promote recruitment and yield.
• Advise on institutional policies, procedures, and academic regulations relevant to the recruitment process.
• Identify and resolve complex issues involving academic performance, conduct concerns, grievances, discrimination, and other sensitive matters.
• Provide guidance on academic petitions, policy exceptions, grade appeals, and accommodations, coordinating with campus partners as needed.
• Design and facilitate workshops and informational sessions that support applicant development.
• Analyze applicant outcomes and emerging trends to recommend improvements to recruiting practices and program policies.

Financial Aid Administration and Career Development:

• Manage annual distribution of student financial support, including supplemental tuition, scholarships, and fellowships, ensuring compliance with policies and funding requirements.
• Design and administer the financial aid review process, evaluating applicants based on need, merit, and program priorities.
• Apply evaluation methodologies to recommend tuition support awards, balancing resources, student needs, and enrollment objectives.
• Integrate financial aid decisions into admissions and yield strategies, enhancing recruitment and retention.
• Review and resolve complex financial aid cases, coordinating with campus partners for equitable outcomes.
• Collaborate with finance staff and graduate division partners for accurate award processing and compliance.
• Develop and implement career development programming, including workshops, employer engagement, alumni networking, and professional resources.
• Advise on career planning, internships, employment opportunities, job search strategies, and skill development.
• Build relationships with employers, alumni, and industry partners to expand career opportunities and support student outcomes.

Professional Development and Special Projects:

• Maintain current knowledge of graduate education trends, best practices, and regulatory developments through professional development activities and participation in committees.
• Represent the department in campus and external professional networks and contribute to advancing best practices in graduate student services.
• Lead and participate in special projects, strategic initiatives, and cross‑functional efforts to advance departmental, college, and campus priorities.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and partners to develop and implement new programs, policies, services, and process improvements that enhance effectiveness and student success.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience and training.
• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Problem‑identification, reasoning, and original idea development; persuasion and leadership.
• Skills in monitoring, assessing people, processes, or services to drive improvements.
• Project‑management skills and social perceptiveness to understand others’ reactions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of complex visa and immigration policies for international students and scholars.
• Multicultural competencies and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of campus application systems such as Campus Solutions and Slate.
• Knowledge of statistics field and post‑degree employment opportunities.
• Basic knowledge of UC Berkeley, the department, school, and college.

Salary & Benefits

The budgeted salary range for this position is $76,230 to $105,840 annually ($6,352.50 to $8,820.00 monthly). The full salary range for the title is $76,230 to $135,450 annually. This 100% FTE career position is eligible for full benefits, is exempt from FLSA, and is paid monthly.

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.