Executive Director, Marketing, Program Development and Operations

Our campus is located in Santa Clara, CA, the Heart of Silicon Valley. We like to say that it's here where the next generation of innovation is born. Be a member of the executive team during a pivotal and exciting phase of growth.

Do you have...
* Experience developing, executing and evaluating strategic initiatives?
* Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to inspire and influence stakeholders?
* Exceptional leadership, team-building, collaborative and change management skills?
* Demonstrated success in growing programs, products, or businesses?
* Expertise in branding, marketing strategy and execution, and analytics?

If you answer "yes" to the above, check out our job posting and consider applying for this hybrid Executive Director position!

Benefits to working at UC Santa Cruz SILICON VALLEY include:
* Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance Plans
* UC Retirement Plans
* Life Insurance / Legal Insurance / Discounted Pet Insurance
* 14 Paid Holidays Plus Accrued Vacation & Sick Leave
* Employee Discount Programs and much more...

Location: UCSC SILICON VALLEY CAMPUS, 3175 BOWERS AVE. SANTA CLARA, CA, 95054.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 07-24-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UCSC's Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) department offers professional education that combines the excellence of the University of California brand with the practical, hands-on approach of Silicon Valley. Educational programs are designed in consultation with industry leaders and academic experts to meet the needs of learners in fields such as engineering, business, education, bioscience and medical school preparation. This education is provided by senior professionals and executives in Silicon Valley. The current revenue of the department is approximately $4 million per year and expected to grow rapidly. PCE currently employs 36 staff and serves approximately 3,000 adult learners each year.

The PCE Department resides within the greater University Extension (UNEX) Division of the University of California, Santa Cruz. The Division oversees other education programs with a combined operating budget of $40M-$45M, employing over 130 staff and 250 contracted instructors.

Learn more at https://www.ucsc-extension.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Acting in the role of an Executive Director, the Associate Dean is a senior leader reporting to the Dean, and is responsible for driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across the PCE portfolio. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented leader with a proven track record of building and scaling programs or businesses, especially in dynamic, evolving environments. This position will oversee the development and marketing of educational offerings, including online and in-person courses, as well as certificate programs. The Executive Director sets strategies and objectives, develops policies, directs programs, and collaborates with senior leadership.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $132,600 - $164,400/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed
• Shift Includes: Day, Evenings, Weekend

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Silicon Valley (Santa Clara, CA)

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 000548 (ADMIN MGR 2) - Grade 27

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

45% - Strategic Leadership & Program Growth

• Lead the identification of new market opportunities and drive business growth, focusing on expanding existing programs and growing new initiatives including the PreMed PostBacc program.
• Set and execute departmental strategy, using data to monitor student performance, enrollment trends, program outcomes, and drive decisions and continuous improvement.
• Build and nurture a high-performing, collaborative culture; mentor and empower managers and teams.
• Advise the Dean on growth opportunities, change management, and operational priorities.
• Nurture business excellence by identifying market needs, opportunities for improvement and refinement, quality assurance, and the recruitment, compensation, and support of instructors.
• Identify and implement measures to maintain a professional, positive, and collaborative culture.

30% - Marketing & Business Development

• Oversee all marketing, outreach, and communications-crafting and executing strategies to drive enrollment and revenue.
• Build partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand reach and impact.
• Represent PCE at key events and with external stakeholders.
• Interface with the Academic Senate and its committees on new program and course proposals.

25% - Operations & Change Management

• Oversee department operations, including budget, staffing, facilities, and vendor management.
• Drive process improvements, manage risk, and ensure compliance with policies and standards.
• Lead change initiatives to modernize and optimize the organization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Substantial experience providing progressive leadership in business, nonprofit, or education.
• Experience providing services to a wide variety of stakeholders in a highly collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, executing and evaluating strategic initiatives.
• Experience managing budgets and cross-functional teams in complex organizations.
• Expertise in branding, marketing strategy and execution, and analytics.
• Strong business acumen and operational management experience.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of innovation and adaptability.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; able to inspire and influence stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in growing programs, products, or businesses.
• Goal-oriented and results-driven, focusing on continuous improvement.
• Exceptional leadership, team-building, collaborative and change management skills.
• Ability to pivot in unplanned and planned situations and handle ambiguous environments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated passion for education.
• Fundraising experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.

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.

a. "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:

- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.