Project Lead for External Relations - (Hybrid)

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Job ID

73733

Location

Merced

Full / Part Time

Full Time

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Hiring Range

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 full salary range for this position is $70,200 - $127,400. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,000 - $85,700.

Job Closing Date

This position is approved for a "hybrid" work modality. Incumbent will have some remote opportunities although business needs will require flexibility in this fast-paced environment.

This is a career appointment.

The initial applicant review will take place on November 12, 2024. Posting may close any time after that.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century.

With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development.

With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California.

The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence.

UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world.

In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

About the Job

About the Job :

As the Project Lead and Special Assistant, this role utilizes knowledge of University policies to manage, analyze and implement projects related to division policies, initiatives, and procedures.

Key responsibilities include analyzing issues, gathering data, evaluating options, and offering well-informed recommendations.

The position works closely with the Vice Chancellor and key leaders to support initiatives, policies, and strategic partnerships within the campus and external community.

The role demands strong technical expertise, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. The Project Lead and Special Assistant interacts with donors, peers, community leaders, and other campus divisions and schools.

The ideal candidate should have experience in office management, business processes and be proficient with computer programs, including Microsoft and web-based applications.

Essential skills include strong organizational and communication abilities, task prioritization, and expertise in drafting, editing, and proofreading correspondence and reports.

Responsibilities also include arranging travel plans, coordinating meeting logistics, tracking donor activity, maintaining records, updating division website and responding to inquiries as needed.

Key Responsibilities :

Research and Data : Utilizes professional knowledge to analyze information and systems related to complex projects, policies, initiatives, or processes, such as managing the vice chancellor's contacts related to UC Merced Foundation trustees, donors, prospective donors in CRM, including entries in Raiser's Edge and other business platforms.

Collects and compiles analytical and factual data on assigned issues to create reports or analyses, summarizing the findings and highlighting key points regarding internal or external stakeholders.

Communication and Outreach : Manages special projects and handles sensitive matters, working directly with the vice chancellor in a sometimes-stressful environment.

Prepares, drafts, edits, and revises various documents, including confidential briefings, reports, letters, presentations, and proposals for the Vice Chancellor and senior campus leadership.

Leverages subject matter expertise to gather and organize information for meetings and discussions with internal and external stakeholders.

Maintains strong relationships with campus departments to streamline processes and facilitate effective communication with staff and the broader community.

Often requires work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.

Project & Event Management : Manages the planning and execution of the UC Merced Foundation meetings and events, coordinates meetings and events with senior campus leadership including both internal and external activities, in collaboration with campus partners.

Conducts analytical studies on policies, initiatives, programs, and issues as required for specific projects, and provides analytical support for various functions, initiatives, and organizational units.

Engages in strategic planning and development of administrative policies and program projects. Provides recommendations and guidelines on programs and initiatives, such as interview procedures, staff onboarding, administrative support, and staff training.

Handles confidential information to assist with triage and ensure its appropriate use. Coordinates departmental initiatives and meetings, such as all staff meetings and retreats.

Functions as the gatekeeper, understanding the requirements of the Vice Chancellor to prioritize issues according to urgency and to allocate time for scheduled events, travel, and meetings.

Responsible for handling Vice Chancellor's travel and entertainment budget and all reimbursements.

• Other duties as assigned.
• LI-RM1

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area from an accredited institution; and
• 3 years equivalent related experience / training; or
• 7 years equivalent related experience / training (required).
• Valid CA Driver's License (required).
• Working knowledge of common campus-specific and other computer application programs. Ability to utilize computerized applications for word processing and spreadsheets, as well as web-based applications.
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, both verbally and in writing.
• Solid organizational skills and ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes. Ability to manage workload, both independently and as part of a team and the ability to meet deadlines and deal with stressful situations.
• Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated experience with office management and excellent customer service skills.
• Demonstrated excellent analytical skills. Ability to analyze complex issues and prepare concise reports and the ability to use internet and other resources for information gathering.
• Strong leadership skills including facilitation and presentation skills and excellent oral written communication skills.
• Experience in a University / higher ed setting.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills.

Background Check

Background check required.

Policy Statement

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 [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity :

The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy .

UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above.

We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community.

When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy :

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy .

All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and / or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline.

For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

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 /

Employee Referral Program

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows :

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.