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 for the Statistics and Data Science master's program. The role oversees operations, advising, and career development within a full-time professional degree path.

Responsibilities include coordinating with faculty and partners, guiding curriculum planning, and managing events, with a focus on enrollment growth, student success, and long-term sustainability.

Qualifications

• Required qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Leads program operations across multiple stakeholders including faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Oversees planning, timelines, communications, and execution of program activities.
• Develops strategic goals and assesses program performance to support enrollment growth and student success.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and recommends improvements based on data and feedback.
• Directs planning of events and student engagement activities such as orientation and workshops.
• Manages budget planning and financial oversight for the Master’s program.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Advising skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related area

Equivalent experience or training

Job description

Job Overview

Position: Master’s Program Director, Master’s in Statistics and Data Science. The program is a full‑time professional degree preparing students for industry careers.

Department

The Department of Statistics at UC Berkeley is a leading center for probability and statistics, with extensive partnerships across campus and industry.

Responsibilities

Program Oversight

• Leads program operations across multiple stakeholders, including faculty, lecturers, staff, student employees, and external partners.
• Works closely with the Master’s Chair to oversee planning, timelines, communications, and execution of program activities.
• Develops strategic goals, assesses program performance through qualitative and quantitative data, and recommends initiatives that support enrollment growth, student success, operational effectiveness, and long‑term program sustainability.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and recommends improvements based on assessment data, student feedback, operational needs, and evolving program priorities.
• Directs planning and implementation of program events and student engagement activities, including orientation, Summer Prep, Visit Day, professional development workshops, commencement, and community‑building initiatives.
• Supports budget planning, resource allocation, and financial oversight for the Master’s program in collaboration with the Master’s Program Chair and Director of Administration.
• Oversees the Peer Ambassador Program, including program development, recruitment, training, supervision, and assessment.
• Develops and manages the program’s digital communications strategy, overseeing website content, electronic communications, and other outreach materials.
• Coordinates preparation, review, and submission of program proposals, reports, and other documentation required by the University of California Office of the President and campus academic review processes.
• Identifies operational challenges and developing solutions and process improvements, recommending policy or procedural changes that enhance program effectiveness and student success.

Advanced Student Services & Academic Advising

• Provides comprehensive academic advising for Master’s students from admission through degree completion.
• Serves as the primary academic advisor, guiding on degree requirements, curriculum planning, academic progress, capstone completion, and graduation requirements.
• Monitors student progress toward degree completion, maintains student records, and implements proactive interventions to support success and retention.
• Advises faculty, staff, and students on departmental, college, Graduate Division, and university policies and academic regulations.
• Identifies, evaluates, and resolves complex student issues involving academic performance, conduct concerns, grievances, discrimination‑related matters, and other sensitive situations, recommending solutions with campus partners.
• Guides students on academic petitions, exceptions to policy, grade appeals, accommodations, and other complex matters requiring coordination across multiple campus offices.
• Designs, implements, and facilitates workshops, informational sessions, and advising programs that support students’ academic, professional, and personal development.
• Analyzes student outcomes and emerging trends, identifies systemic barriers to student success, and recommends improvements to advising practices, student support services, and program policies.

Financial Aid Administration and Career Development

• Manages annual distribution of student financial support, including Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST) return‑to‑aid allocations, departmental scholarships, and Graduate Division fellowships, ensuring compliance with university policies.
• Designs and administers the financial aid review process as part of the admissions cycle, evaluating applicants based on financial need, academic merit, and program priorities to support equitable access.
• Applies established evaluation methodologies to assess applicants and recommend full and partial tuition support awards, balancing available resources, student needs, and enrollment objectives.
• Integrates financial aid decisions into admissions and yield strategies to enhance recruitment, improve enrollment outcomes, and support student retention.
• Reviews and resolves complex or exceptional financial aid cases, coordinating with campus partners to ensure appropriate and equitable outcomes.
• Collaborates with departmental finance staff and Graduate Division partners to ensure accurate award processing, fund management, reporting, and compliance.
• Develops and implements career development programming, including workshops, employer engagement activities, alumni networking opportunities, and professional development resources.
• Advise department/college/school management regarding enhancement of the organization’s strategic plan for career counseling and placement services.
• Advise students on career planning, internship and employment opportunities, job search strategies, and professional skill development, connecting students with relevant campus and external resources.
• Cultivates relationships with employers, alumni, and industry partners to expand career opportunities and strengthen workforce connections.

Professional Development and Special Projects

• Maintains current knowledge of trends, best practices, and regulatory developments in graduate education, student affairs, enrollment management, financial aid, and career services through participation in professional development activities and professional organizations.
• Leads and participates in special projects, strategic initiatives, and cross‑functional efforts that advance departmental, college, and campus priorities.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, and campus partners to develop and implement new programs, policies, services, and process improvements that enhance program effectiveness and student success.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience or training.
• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem‑identification, reasoning, persuasion, and leadership abilities.
• Skills in monitoring and assessing people, processes or services to drive improvements.
• Project management skills and social perceptiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of complex visa and immigration policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements for international students and scholars.
• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of university‑specific computer application programs such as Campus Solutions, Slate, etc.
• Knowledge of the field of statistics and post‑degree employment opportunities.
• Basic knowledge of UC Berkeley and the department/school/college.

Salary & Benefits

The budgeted salary range for this position is $76,230 to $105,840 yearly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. The position is FLSA exempt and paid monthly.

Other Information

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for SV.

Mandated Reporter: This position is identified as a mandated reporter. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging reporting responsibilities.

Conviction History Background: This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check. Berkeley may hire people with conviction histories and will review information in the context of the job responsibilities.

Misconduct Disclosure: A candidate who accepts an offer must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years, any allegations, or ongoing proceedings. The University may condition employment on this disclosure.
“Misconduct” means any violation of policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, discrimination, dishonesty, or other unethical conduct.

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.