Public Education Specialist

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education is seeking a program coordinator to manage international and access programs, aligning with client needs and institutional goals. This role focuses on program development, logistics, student services, and cross‑functional collaboration to ensure high satisfaction and successful outcomes.

The position emphasizes robust communication, data management, and priority setting in a hybrid on-site/off-site environment at the International Center.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or equivalent experience or training.
• Experience planning and implementing programs or projects with complex logistics in a professional or educational environment.
• Experience collecting, compiling, and tracking student/client data or application materials; maintaining accurate and organized records; and coordinating ongoing communication to ensure timely submission of required information.
• Experience working independently and as part of a team to analyze, organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple complex and detailed projects, adapt to changing work priorities, and perform interrelated tasks.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, databases, and/or business tracking systems.
• Demonstrated experience or proven ability to effectively engage with students or similar client populations in a customer service-oriented setting, fostering positive interactions and ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
• Experience working with partner organizations or business clients.
• Demonstrated oral and written communications skills and professional poise to write informative and persuasive communications, and interact with a diverse group of colleagues, faculty, staff, students, the public and other outside agencies using a variety of methods (phone, email, in-person).
• Analytical and interpersonal skills to handle customer service requests and resolve complex issues professionally, expediently, with minimum direction.
• Planning and problem-solving skills to independently define a problem, assess needs, analyze data, develop/recommend solutions, and make alternative suggestions.

Responsibilities

• 50% - Program Development & Needs Assessment
• 40% - Program management
• 10% - Student Case Management and Advising Support

Skills

MS Office Suite

Customer service

Data collection & tracking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Independent work

Cross-cultural communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Canvas

AirTable

CPE Business Systems

Job description

Under general supervision, provide primary coordination, delivery and management of programs within CPE International and Access Programs; this includes (but not limited to) programs designed for international students and scholars, domestic youth, and international researchers. Responsible for group application and admission processes for the assigned programs. Coordinate courses, site visits, speakers, and other various program components. Develop professional relationships with clients to ensure successful assessment, development, and implementation of programs. Maintain client satisfaction to foster retention and expansion of agreements. Assure international student success and satisfaction and guide them with an array of academic and other complex or sensitive needs involving a variety of cultural challenges. Review program evaluation feedback and make recommendations to the management team for improvements.

Apply By Date 8/19/26

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or equivalent experience or training.
• Experience planning and implementing programs or projects with complex logistics in a professional or educational environment.
• Experience collecting, compiling, and tracking student/client data or application materials; maintaining accurate and organized records; and coordinating ongoing communication to ensure timely submission of required information.
• Experience working independently and as part of a team to analyze, organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple complex and detailed projects, adapt to changing work priorities, and perform interrelated tasks.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, databases, and/or business tracking systems.
• Demonstrated experience or proven ability to effectively engage with students or similar client populations in a customer service-oriented setting, fostering positive interactions and ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
• Experience working with partner organizations or business clients.
• Demonstrated oral and written communications skills and professional poise to write informative and persuasive communications, and interact with a diverse group of colleagues, faculty, staff, students, the public and other outside agencies using a variety of methods (phone, email, in-person).
• Analytical and interpersonal skills to handle customer service requests and resolve complex issues professionally, expediently, with minimum direction.
• Planning and problem-solving skills to independently define a problem, assess needs, analyze data, develop/recommend solutions, and make alternative suggestions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a cross-cultural environment and/or international education and communicating with international students from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, speaking different languages with varying levels of English ability.
• Experience working with international partners or clients.
• Experience utilizing CPE Business Systems.
• Experience with Canvas and AirTable.
• Experience with student services, enrollment processes, student records and student support in a higher education environment.
• Experience as Designated School Official (DSO) for SEVIS.
• US citizen or permanent resident alien qualified to be certified as Designated School Official (DSO) for SEVIS.
• Experience studying or living outside of the United States and working in an area where English is spoken as a second language.
• Proficiency with a second major language such as Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, or Korean.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Program Development & Needs Assessment
• 40% - MProgram management
• 10% - Student Case Management and Advising Support

Department Overview

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on the campus, with programs spanning pre-college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international academic and cultural exchange, and training services for corporate and agency partners. As a global leader in continuing education, CPE serves learners regionally, nationally and globally, and posts more than 55K enrollments annually making it the third largest UC Extension by enrollment. Beyond its community-facing role, CPE serves as the internal hub for online education in support of other academic units on the campus. CPE employs approximately 180 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 1,700 instructors.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $55000.00 - $94800.00
• Salary Frequency:
• Salary Grade: Grade 18
• UC Job Title: PUBL EDUC SPEC 2
• UC Job Code: 004167
• Number of Positions: 1
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): Standard; M-F 8:00am-5:00pm
• Location: International Center (INTLCTR)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible:
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment. To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.