Department Manager - School of Engineering (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 full salary range for this position is $67,800- $122,800.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $68,600 - $85,700.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around April 24th, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position will be hybrid with a majority onsite presence of around 2 – 3 days per week.

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.

Reports to the School of Engineering (SoE) Director of Administration and Operational Services and indirectly to the Sr. Executive Assistant Dean & Chief of Staff. Department support includes all or some of the following functions: department and chair support, administrative services, personnel processes, academic recruitment, budgetary and financial management, etc.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Administration, Operations, and Supervision: 

• Manages all business and administrative support functions under the general direction of the director of administration and operational services with full department administrative and financial authority; interprets and applies UC, campus-wide, and school policies and procedures relating to fiscal and budgetary matters, academic recruitment and personnel matters, academic program matters, procurement, staffing and personnel issues, and inventory management. Advises director, EAD/CoS, chair, faculty, and staff at various levels on standard operating procedures affecting departments. Identifies and anticipates potential problems and provides effective solutions to resolve them. Keeps all stakeholders apprised of problems, concerns, and resolutions as required and appropriate. Works closely with director and department chair on special projects as assigned. Working with the director and school financial staff, ensures that departmental accounts are properly monitored, fiscal controls are administered, and timely reporting occurs. Attends and takes minutes at department faculty meetings as requested. Responds to requests from SoE Dean's Office, Financial and Accounting Services, Internal Audit, and other campus offices. Supervises, provides support, logistics, and guidance to administrative staff in the daily operation of department business. Develops and maintains detailed policies and procedures for all department administrative and financial areas and ensures that staff are fully trained in their respective areas of responsibility. Recruits, trains, and supervises all administrative staff personnel and performs annual employee performance evaluations. Provides recommendations for job development, corrective action, reclassification, recognition awards, and merit increases. Ensures school diversity goals are attained through the division of EJIE and adherence to the process established by the SoE Dean's Office in the academic recruitment process. Develops procedures to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of all academic programmatic matters. As liaison for the chair, ensures technical activities for the department function competently and effectively. 
• Manages, plans, and administers administrative operations of 2 academic departments and the school. Manages daily activities of department administrative staff, and allocates administrative support to projects and academic programs. Manages and evaluates the performance of staff. 
• Administrative services typically include all or most of the following functions: IT, facilities, student services, instructional laboratories, budgetary, financial management, recharge administration, event support, and/or personnel processes.
• Coordinates School/Department events and administrative/logistical coordination with Chair and faculty of engineering accreditation (ABET). 

Budget and Financial Administration: 

• Provides fund management support for departmental and program operating funds (e.g., state, summer session revenue, indirect cost recovery, graduate group operation funds, etc.). Advises the department chairs concerning all matters pertaining to sound fiscal management. Completes Smart View ad-hoc monthly financial reports, projections/forecasts, new project requests, cost transfers, direct retro/payroll transfers, budget requests/transfer of funds, interlocation transfer of funds, reconciliation, and fiscal close for school and department funds. 

Personnel Administration: 

• Oversees management of senate and non-senate recruitment via AP Recruit system. Administers academic recruitment logistics for candidate interviews and on-site visits. Supports faculty search committees: Oversees the academic recruitment process and assists search committees with search plan, posts recruitments to AP recruit, obtains funding approvals, and places internal and external advertisements. Works with the central Academic Personnel office to ensure posting adheres to UC policies. Coordinates campus visits through a selection of final candidates. Collects data and information from multiple sources and prepare complex reports as needed. Participates in the development and revision of standard operating procedures and guidelines. Collaborates with faculty equity advisor on compliance of search plan and shortlist approvals. Oversees management for all non-academic undergraduate student recruitment, funding approvals, hiring, extensions, and separations for all 2 academic departments and the school. Collaborates with payroll and student employment services to post recruitments for non-academic student appointments, and submit paperwork for hiring, separation, reclassifications, and fund changes. Coordinates funding requests with contracts and grants, SoE Financials, and other fund managers. Works with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to obtain allowed federal work-study appointments and tracks FWS balance and appointments.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a related area, or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Three (3) years of administrative, financial, or personnel work experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. An advanced degree is preferred but may not substitute for the required years of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, active listening, critical thinking, multi-task, and time management skills. 
• Ability to apply knowledge of University policies. 
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality. 
• Capable of working in various environments on a constantly revolving basis. 
• Thorough knowledge in administrative procedures and processes including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. (Preferred)

Background check will be 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 [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/

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    (on the application)               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.