Graduate Program Manager
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
The UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) is an interdisciplinary, discovery-driven graduate school focusing on international affairs and public policy. We offer an original and rigorous approach to policy, as our goal is to create global policy solutions that matter. At GPS, students learn from world-class professors while surrounded by a diverse body of students from all over the world. And our San Diego location gives us the freedom to seek progress untethered from tradition and lean into the power of the Pacific Coast as a hub of innovation, diversity and proactive problem-solving. GPS instructs a diverse student body of domestic and international students in the MPP, MCEPA, MIA, and MAS-IA degree programs, a joint Ph.D. with the Department of Political Science and executive education programs. GPS also administers the International Studies Program, offering a rigorous curriculum for students interested in international affairs with nine B.A. degree options, three combined BA/MIA and BA/MPP programs, and a minor program. GPS is also the parent organization to major research centers: 21st Century China Center, 21st Century India Center, Big Pixel Initiative, Center for Commerce and Diplomacy, Cowhey Center on Global Transformation, Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies, Fudan-UC Center on Contemporary China, Japan Forum for Innovation and Technology, Korea-Pacific Program, Policy Design and Evaluation Lab, SDG Policy Initiative, Wavemaker Lab, and the campus-wide Deep Decarbonization Initiative and the UC Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation. Using skills as a seasoned, experienced Student Services professional, provides the full range of student services within an organization such as an academic department, school, or college. Independently advises students and resolves student services-related issues on the full range of academic issues inherent within the organization. Advises faculty and management on a variety of student issues. Works with the department's / school's / college's management to recommend changes to policies, practices, and procedures. Guidance on issues requiring in-depth knowledge of specialized programs is provided by offices specializing in those fields, e.g., GEPA, Student Financial Solutions or Registrar's Office, OR by the chair / dean and faculty of the department / school / college. May administer funds for student programs. The Graduate Program Manager embodies a diverse range of responsibilities dedicated to enhancing the academic achievements and holistic well-being of GPS graduate students. Collaborates, consults and reports to the Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Affairs and supports the management of GPS Student Affairs operations and personnel. Provides independent guidance and support to GPS graduate students, ensuring academic progression and success, facilitating timely completion of requirements and milestones, and evaluating petitions for exceptions to policies. Oversees the student experience, including implementation of academic and administrative programs and making recommendations for refinement of support services and programming. Collaborates with Associate and Assistant Deans on the interpretation and implementation of policy and process updates, and support planning for the graduate program. Serve as direct supervisor for GPS Student Affairs staff, including overseeing day-to-day duties, hiring, training, evaluating, and directing special projects as needed. The incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the GPS Student Affairs unit and may represent the unit on committees and workgroups at divisional and campus levels. This position serves in an advisory role on all matters pertaining to the graduate program in consultation with the Dean, Associate Dean, and Assistant Dean. This position will be a part of the UAW union moving forward. Occasional overtime may be required, including evenings and/or weekends, as workload demands.
Qualifications
Working knowledge of academic advising and counseling techniques. Ability to listen to and advise diverse populations using independent judgment. Demonstrated skill in applying these techniques to navigate difficult or crisis situations with composure, maintaining sensitivity to student and staff needs while ensuring adherence to University protocols. Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of activities and programs designed identify needs and concerns of students and facilitate personal, professional and educational development of graduate students and other target populations. Knowledge of higher education administration, including complex academic affairs, student employment, and curriculum policies. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply diverse institutional and federal regulations to provide strategic counsel to faculty and leadership, ensuring 100% compliance in graduate degree certifications and financial award allocations. Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences. Demonstrated proficiency in University-specific student information systems and database management tools to track student progress and maintain records. Proven ability to apply University and departmental principles to perform risk assessments, evaluating the likelihood and consequences of student issues (e.g., visa status, academic standing, or crisis situations). Solid skill in using spreadsheet and analytical software to monitor trends and ensure operational compliance with institutional procedures. Solid verbal and written communication skills. Ability to write concisely, persuasively, and in summary form. Demonstrated skill to compose, edit, and proofread narrative sections of printed information. Ability to express verbally one’s position, plan of action, evaluation or inte Interpersonal skills. Strong ability to communicate effectively with faculty, students and staff using tact, diplomacy and discretion. Ability to articulate complex program requirements to a variety of individuals with broad educational, cultural, and language backgrounds. Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations. Knowledge of complex U.S. visa and immigration procedures, compliance issues, and employment eligibility / authorization for international students and scholars. Ability in problem identification and reasoning; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems. Ability to develop original ideas and innovative approaches to solve complex problems. Skilled at dealing with exceptions and devising alternatives to provide more efficient and responsive services. Strong critical thinking skills to extract, compile, and analyze complex data, rules, and regulations to develop clear and concise reports or recommendations. Demonstrated expertise to articulate, present, and resolve conflicts and recommend actions for attainable goals. Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance. Proven organizational and analytic skills to handle multiple tasks and confidential information with discretion. Demonstrated ability to work independently to meet deadlines in a high-volume environment, with a strong attention to detail and the capacity to evaluate operational workflows for increased efficiency. Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Job Location
Hybrid