Assistant Director of Undergraduate Student Services (4579U) - #83719

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 make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Economics at UC Berkeley is one of the largest teaching and research departments, consistently ranked among the top five worldwide. It employs 16 staff members and approximately 45 ladder-rank faculty, with a total academic membership of around 70, including joint appointments, lecturers, visiting faculty, and emeriti. The department's student services operation is one of the largest at Berkeley, serving 1,500 undergraduate majors, awarding 700 degrees annually, and supporting 140 PhD students. Each year, the department receives 800 PhD applications, employs 200 academic student-workers, offers 150 courses with 40,000 student credit hours, hosts 100 visiting concurrent enrollment students, and manages over $8M in teaching and fellowship funds.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Student Services, the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Student Services (Student Services Supervisor 2) supports the Department of Economics by providing strategic leadership and coordination for its undergraduate advising program-one of the largest majors on campus. Key responsibilities include supervising and training advising staff (including peer advisors), leading undergraduate recruitment and admissions, coordinating program development and policy, and organizing events and workshops. This role also involves proactive advising initiatives, cross-campus collaboration, and strategic planning to enhance student success and the overall effectiveness of the advising center.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 01/29/2026.

Responsibilities

Supervision and Leadership:

• Supervises and leads a team of four full-time advisors serving a major of 1,500 students, as well as 6-8 undergraduate peer advisors.
• Provides guidance on complex and sensitive advising cases and ensures high-quality, high-engagement advising services through regular performance monitoring, coaching, evaluations, and, when necessary, recommendations for hiring, promotion, or corrective action.
• Manages the Undergraduate Advising Center in Evans Hall with set business hours designed to meet student demand for major advising appointments.
• Provides training in both in-person and remote advising practices.
• Collaborates closely with the advising team, Undergraduate Chair, Director of Student Services, and department leadership on advising administration.
• Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with campus units such as L&S Advising, the Central Evaluation Unit, Career Center, and Study Abroad Office to enhance the undergraduate advising experience.
• Advises and supports undergraduate student organizations.

Academic Advising:

• Oversees and provides academic advising on policies, program requirements, and administrative procedures for admission and completion of the Economics major.
• Maintains a deep understanding of the curriculum and creates responsive advising services to meet evolving student needs.
• Implements a hybrid advising model, including in-person, phone, email, Zoom, and group workshops/orientations.
• Advises students on academic planning, major selection, degree progress, and personal and career goals.
• Applies holistic, engaged advising approaches to support students in general and in distress or academic difficulty, working with college and campus partners to coordinate care and resources.
• Identifies and addresses the unique needs of incoming cohorts, including transfers, freshmen, and underrepresented students.
• Oversees degree checks and certifies completion of degree and honors requirements. Reviews student records and refers complex issues (e.g., discrimination, grade disputes, personal crises) for resolution.
• Writes and updates advising resources, including online digital content, presentations, and print materials for student use.

Recruitment and Admissions:

• Advises prospective students on academic preparation and program alignment. Coordinates undergraduate admissions, including transfer and international students, and manages confidential application materials.
• Leads the Course Equivalency Review process and maintains the UCEAP course database in collaboration with the Undergraduate Chair.
• Advises on outreach and recruitment strategies, including identifying partner institutions and evaluating transferability of external coursework.
• Provides guidance on admissions policies and selection criteria, addresses appeals and exceptions, and supports strategic decisions in consultation with the Undergraduate Chair, Director of Student Services, and departmental leadership.

Program Coordination, Policy, and Assessment:

• Develops a vision for the undergraduate program and advising center, engaging stakeholders (students, faculty, staff) to align services with departmental goals.
• Serves as program coordinator for the Economics Undergraduate Program and sets operational standards for the Advising Center.
• Promotes co-curricular involvement, connecting students to growth opportunities such as internships, research, study abroad, leadership programs, and career preparation.
• Acts as subject matter expert on undergraduate program policy and procedures.
• Advises department committees on policy interpretation and development.
• Recommends policy changes and exceptions, ensuring consistency and clarity in communication to students and faculty.
• Represents the department on campus committees and contributes to policy development at the campus level.
• Leads planning, implementation, and ongoing assessment of student services.
• Analyzes exit survey data and other metrics to inform program improvements and new initiatives.
• Prepares reports and presents findings to faculty, leadership, and campus partners.

Event and Workshop Planning:

• Plans and coordinates student events including orientations, workshops, info-sessions, and receptions.
• Manages all aspects of major events such as Cal Day and the Economics Commencement Ceremony.
• Prepares and delivers workshops and materials for Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) and Golden Bear Advising (GBA) webinars, covering key university, college, and departmental information for new students.

Professional Development:

• Engages in ongoing professional development through training, conferences, and active participation in campus and professional organizations.
• Applies knowledge gained to enhance advising practices and support the professional growth of advising staff.
• The Department of Economics allocates $1,500 annually to support these activities.

Required Qualifications

• Advising & Counseling Expertise: In-depth knowledge of academic advising and counseling techniques, with proven experience supporting diverse student populations.
• Supervisory Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise professional and student staff, including performance management, training, and team development.
• Student Services Administration: Strong background in overseeing undergraduate student services and navigating university policies, procedures, and systems.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Skilled in problem identification, reasoning, and the development of creative, strategic solutions.
• Project & Program Management: Experienced in planning, implementing, and assessing student-focused programs and initiatives.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent oral and written communication abilities; socially perceptive and able to build effective relationships across all levels of the university.
• Institutional Knowledge: Familiarity with the structure, operations, and culture of a large research university.
• Strategic Planning & Assessment: Skilled in planning, prioritizing, and using data to assess programs and inform decision-making.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient with university-specific systems and tools; understands principles of risk assessment and management.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a respectful, supportive environment for students, staff, and faculty.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Student services experience within the UC system and/or within similar institutions.

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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $115,000.00 - $125,000.00.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 40% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

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

SB 791 and AB 810 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.

"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

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.