Assistant Dean for Resource Management and Chief of Staff (hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. 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, 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 salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $121,300 - $155.000.

Initial applicant review will take place on or around September 21, 2026. Posting may close any time after that.

This position is approved for a hybrid work modality; current expectation is 3 - 4 days in-office (on-campus) weekly.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

The Assistant Dean for Resource Management and Chief of Staff, serves as the senior administrative leader responsible for financial, operational, human resource, academic support, and facilities management functions within the School of Engineering.

Working in close partnership with the Dean, faculty leadership, and campus administrative units, the incumbent provides strategic oversight, long-range planning, and operational management to ensure the School's resources are aligned with its academic, research, and student success priorities. This position has broad authority to develop and implement policies, manage human and financial resources, and direct key operational units, supporting the School's mission and growth objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership and Resource Planning

• Serve as a principal advisor to the Dean on financial, operational, and infrastructure strategy.

• Lead development and execution of short- and long-term strategic plans related to resource management and organizational effectiveness.
• Establish performance metrics and operational goals aligned with School priorities.

• Identify and mitigate risks to organizational resources (financial, human, and physical)

Financial Management and Budget Oversight

• Provide overall leadership for the School's financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

• Oversee allocation and management of funds across academic programs, research support, and operations.
• Ensure compliance with UC policies and external funding requirements.

• Direct financial strategy to support growth in enrollment, research, and program development.

Organizational and Staff Leadership

• Provide direct supervision and leadership for:

  • Director of Finance
  • Director of Academic Operation Services
  • Director of Research Facilities and Space Planning
  • Instructional Lab Manager
  • Machine Shop Manager
  • Director of Academic Personnel and HR
  • Director of Graduate Programs
  • Director of Undergraduate Student Affairs
• Establish organizational structure and optimize staffing to meet School needs.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing administrative environment and ensure accountability.

Academic and Administrative Operations

• Oversee operational support for:

  • Academic personnel processes (AP reviews, recruitments, merits, promotions)
  • Graduate and undergraduate program administration
  • Student advising services
• Ensure coordination across units to support efficient curriculum delivery and student services.

• Implement operational improvements to enhance service quality and efficiency.

Facilities, Space, and Infrastructure Management

• Direct planning and management of research and instructional space, facilities, and infrastructure.

• Oversee lab planning, renovations, and space allocation in coordination with campus units.
• Ensure facilities meet teaching, research, safety, and compliance requirements.

• Develop strategies for growth, optimization, and utilization of space resources.

Campus and External Engagement

• Represent the School of Engineering on campus-wide committees related to space, infrastructure, finance, and operations.

• Collaborate with central units including Finance, HR, Facilities, and IT.

• Engage with external stakeholders as needed in support of School initiatives.

Policy, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Develop and enforce policies and procedures governing administrative operations.

• Ensure compliance with UC policies, regulatory requirements, and audit standards.

• Oversee risk management strategies related to personnel, financial, and facilities operations.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or related area, or equivalent experience / training (required); and/or
• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or PhD), in a related area (preferred); and
• Five years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in administrative operations, management, strategy, public administration, organizational development, or a combination of education, training, and experience (required)
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex organizations or multi-functional teams.
• Experience in a research university environment, preferably engineering or STEM.
• Experience with academic personnel processes and shared governance structures.
• Advanced knowledge of financial management, organizational operations, and resource planning.
• Strong leadership and ability to direct multiple units and develop organizational strategy development.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to manage complex issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, personnel, facilities, and infrastructure simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of discretion, integrity, and confidentiality.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

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.

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/