MPS Program Coordinator (4973C) - MPS Dean's Office

University of California; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley, invites applications for a 100% FTE Program Coordinator in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Dean’s Office. The role oversees MPS Scholars and NSF S-STEM, providing comprehensive academic, financial, and mentoring support to undergraduate and graduate students.

The ideal candidate will coordinate mentors, manage partnerships, and drive program assessment and reporting to enhance student success across multiple departments and campus partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Knowledge of learning, counseling, human and career development theories and practices.
• Experience enhancing student achievement and advising; mentoring and advocacy.
• Experience researching, compiling data, and generating reports.
• Familiarity with program design, evaluation, and grant-funded initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate MPS Scholars and NSF S-STEM programs, providing holistic academic, financial, and developmental support to mathematical and physical sciences students.
• Lead graduate and peer mentors, student staff, and professional staff supporting MPS Scholars and other programs.
• Monitor program resources, expenditures, and align activities with grant requirements.
• Develop and implement program objectives, activities, and assessments to improve student outcomes.
• Coordinate communications, outreach, and partnerships with campus units and external stakeholders.

Skills

Student success

Mentoring

Program coordination

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

At the University of California, Berkeley , we are dedicated to fostering 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, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and providing space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

The MPS Dean’s Diversity Office initiates, implements, and evaluates efforts and conducts research on student, postdoc, and faculty success in the mathematical and physical science fields with an emphasis on ensuring fair access and equitable outcomes. The Assistant Dean and their staff organize new initiatives, develop new funding, and support departmental efforts to students, and receive all work duties directly from the Assistant Dean. Collaborates with professors, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, staff, and administrators from UCB and national partners.

Currently projects underway include MPS Scholars and the MPS Scholarship Program at the undergraduate level, a doctoral advancement program, and a postdoc study. This position is responsible for providing programmatic, administrative, and financial coordination for MPS Dean’s Office. Provides support to the Assistant Dean. The Assistant Dean advises the Deans and Department Chairs, manages and provides assistance to several student organizations, conducts research, develops new programs, and works to enhance equity among the faculty, staff, and students in the MPS departments.

The position requires in-depth understanding of campus policies and administrative practices. The position holder is a key point of contact for all MPS Dean's Office business and must be able to work with a high degree of independence with good judgement and follow through.

MPS Scholars is the official student success and mentorship program of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Dean's Office, offered collaboratively with the Departments of Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science, Mathematics, and Physics. Open to all intended and declared MPS majors, MPS Scholars provides opportunities to build community, explore academic and career pathways, and thrive throughout the Berkeley experience.

Since launching in Fall 2022, thousands of students have participated in MPS Scholars through mentorship, events, workshops, and academic and career resources.

MPS Scholars is a structured program, supported by funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. It provides activities and opportunities such as: A supportive mentoring network of advanced students, faculty, professional scientists, and alumni. Welcome and orientation programs for incoming students. Research and internship opportunities in academic and industry settings. Career development workshops, courses, networking events, and graduate school preparation. Academic resources designed to support success in MPS majors. Retreats, social events, and community-building activities that connect students with peers, graduate mentors, staff, alumni, and faculty across the MPS departments.

The Mathematical and Physical Sciences Scholarship Program (MPSSP) awards up to $15,000 per year in scholarship support to eligible students in Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science, Mathematics, and Physics. Funded by the National Science Foundation's S-STEM program, MPSSP scholars receive financial support while participating fully in the MPS Scholars community.

At the graduate level, a bridge grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation grant is focused on establishing a prototype for the establishment of a Sloan Center for Systemic Change (SCSC) at Berkeley by establishing a consortium of departments working together to advance their equity goals.

At the postdoctoral level, the Postdoc Study, supported by a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation, is designed to provide a clearer understanding of the experiences of postdoctoral scholars and causes of patterns of career selection among postdocs in the MPS fields at top-tier universities and national research facilities.

The MPS Program Coordinator coordinates and administers academic support and student success programs within the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Dean’s Office, including MPS Scholars and the NSF S-STEM Scholarship Program. The position supports the development and implementation of programs designed to enhance the academic, professional, and personal success of undergraduate and graduate students, with particular attention to students who may face barriers to academic success.

Working under the direction of the Assistant Dean and in collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and campus and external partners, the Program Coordinator provides programmatic support, coordinates mentoring and professional development activities, supports students in navigating academic and other challenges, and assists with program assessment and evaluation. The position also coordinates program communications and outreach, supervises student and peer staff, supports grant-funded initiatives, and provides financial and administrative coordination for MPS Dean’s Office programs.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: October 1, 2026 - Open Until Filled

Responsibilities

Program Implementation and Student Support — 50%

Under guidance from the Assistant Dean, implement and administer MPS student success programs, including MPS Scholars and the NSF S-STEM Scholarship Program.

• Coordinate MPS Scholars and NSF S-STEM programs, providing holistic academic, financial, and developmental support to mathematical and physical sciences students, with a special emphasis on supporting low-income, first-generation, transfer, and underrepresented students.
• Implement outreach strategies to reach eligible students; develop and implement program-specific application and selection processes; and coordinate student selection, welcome messaging, and orientation activities.
• Manage support for participating students, including housing, meals, field trips, group study sessions, community-building activities, and other enrichment programs; monitor and support student progress.
• Assist in the development and implementation of programming designed to enhance undergraduate and graduate student success, including recruitment and orientation activities, mentoring initiatives, professional development programming, research preparation pathways, graduate school preparation, and community building.
• Support students in addressing academic, financial, personal, and identity-related challenges that may affect their ability to remain enrolled and complete their degrees.
• Assist in the development of curriculum for innovative academic and professional development seminars/courses and other programs, activities, and events that support student achievement, professional development, and workforce placement.
• Coordinate the MPS Scholars mentoring network, including recruitment, pairing, orientation, and training of mentors and mentees; design and coordinate related events and professional development opportunities.
• Coordinate retreats, conferences, orientations, workshops, forums, and other activities in consultation with program leadership and in coordination with appropriate campus partners.
• Coordinate MPS 101 course activities, including guest speakers, course materials, and support for faculty instructors, GSIs, and students.
• Develop and distribute program communications and documents, including website updates, marketing materials, forms, policy statements, and other program materials.
• Work collaboratively with staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, students, departments, and partner institutions to generate innovative approaches to meeting the needs of undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
• Represent MPS programs to various constituencies and on campus committees and cross-departmental collaborations.
• Coordinate with participating colleges, departments, advisers, and partner institutions to resolve academic and career counseling concerns and advocate for MPS Scholars students.
• Develop strategic partnerships with faculty, administrators, alumni, and external stakeholders to expand research, funding, internship, career, and professional opportunities for students.

Lead — 20%

• Lead the work of graduate and peer mentors, student staff, and professional staff supporting MPS Scholars, NSF S-STEM, and other programs in the MPS assistant dean's office.
• Recruit, assist with, and support the training and orientation of mentors, peer staff, tutors, and other student program personnel.
• Provide ongoing direction and support to assigned student and program staff to ensure effective delivery of program activities and services.

Program Resource and Funding Coordination - 15%

• Collaborates with program leadership and finance offices to monitor program resources and ensure program activities and expenditures align with applicable grant requirements, funding restrictions, and program objectives.
• Contributes to external grant development, including drafts of program design narratives, evidence-based intervention strategies, and alignment of proposed initiatives with funding priorities.
• Works with guidance from program leaders to identify and pursue funding opportunities and revenue streams and supports engagement with alumni and donors.

Program Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting — 10%

• In coordination with the Assistant Dean and Research Associate, implement program evaluation frameworks and assessment instruments; collect quantitative and qualitative data and generate reports for federal sponsors, institutional leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Work with the Research Associate and program leadership to monitor program implementation, participation, outcomes, and overall program success.
• Analyze program information and recommend changes to program content, processes, and procedures to improve program effectiveness and student outcomes.
• Coordinate interim and annual program reporting, gather and compile data, draft narrative content, and contribute to reports and scholarly publications related to student success and program outcomes.
• Assist program leadership in establishing and implementing program objectives and short- and long-term strategies.

Professional, Collaborative and Special Projects — 5%

• Maintain professional knowledge related to student success, academic support, mentoring, and program administration and participate in relevant professional development activities.
• Provide guidance and program-related information to faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaboration among participating departments, colleges, campus units, and external partners.
• Support special projects and other MPS Dean's Office initiatives as assigned.
• Travel as needed, including occasional overnight and weekend travel.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the theories and practice of learning, counseling, human and career development.
• Knowledge in how to enhance students' intellectual and personal growth and development, including critical thinking, effective communication, self-appraisal, self-esteem, clarification of values, appropriate career choices, and leadership.
• Knowledge of the methodologies used to enhance student achievement, such as collaborative teaching / learning models, strategies for effective advising, counseling, faculty, near-peer, and peer mentoring, small group facilitation and training, coaching, mentoring, and advocacy.
• Knowledge and experience in analyzing complex situations and identifying solutions for problem-solving; skills and experience in developing and administering programs designed to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Knowledge and experience in researching, compiling and analyzing data, and generating reports.
• Knowledge of research methodologies and research designs.
• Knowledge of and experience in conflict management and intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements to provide for access, health, confidentiality, and safety; legal and ethical issues governing the delivery of counseling services.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,035 to $100,000 yearly ($5,836.25 to $8,333.33 monthly); the full salary range for this classification (ACAD ACHIEVEMENT CNSLR 3 SV) is $70,035 to $122,325 yearly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This 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.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct Disclosure

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

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.