Program Director (5214C) - #83695

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Departmental Overview

Founded in 1969, the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) embodies the intellectual rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, public mission, and social commitment characteristic of UC Berkeley. As a professional school of public policy grounded in scholarly practice, GSPP mobilizes the rich academic resources of the campus to provide a transformational academic and cultural experience that instills standards of excellence and a deep sense of pride in one's work, community, and academic home. GSPP consistently ranks among the top policy schools in the country, currently ranked #1 in policy analysis and #2 in social policy according to U.S. News and World Report. GSPP helped define the art and science of modern public policy and pioneered the data-driven, evidence-based approach that remains our hallmark.

GSPP offers three graduate degree programs (with approximately 330 students), a doctoral program, an undergraduate minor, and several concurrent degrees. GSPP's 40+ faculty represent the top researchers in their respective fields-including economics, political science, law, social psychology, and engineering-and their expertise ranges from education policy to racial profiling to clean energy. Fundamental to GSPP's success is our culture, shaped by individuals from across the globe whose diverse perspectives and life experiences enrich our community. GSPP students, faculty, and staff are distinguished by exceptional talent, broad experience, and a shared commitment to GSPP's public mission. Come join GSPP, and discover How a Better Future is Made.

Position Summary

The Berkeley Risk and Security Lab is seeking a program director and research scholar to manage and oversee the Next Frontier Seminar at BRSL as well as contribute to core Lab research. Next Frontier Seminar would join other existing educational offerings at the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab, a medium-sized academic research organization within the Goldman School for Public Policy. The Program Director/Research Scholar will work alongside other lab staff to grow NFS while supporting other adjacent BRSL programs. The person in this role will serve as a liaison to the NFS network, as well as the broader BRSL network, including relevant stakeholders in academia, civil society, government, and the private sector.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 01/28/2026.

Responsibilities

Next Frontier Seminar Program Administration

• Oversees all the programmatic, operation, and administration functions of the Next Frontier Seminar, in consultation with BRSL leadership.
• Works with program coordinators to develop and improve program management process, protocol, and tracking.
• Maintains records of key metrics achieved across all programs (publications, number of attendees, dates of key activities) with an eye towards documentation and grant writing.
• Ensures on-time and high-quality delivery of all NFS deliverables, through every stage of a project.
• Oversees the recruiting, application process, selection, and onboarding of NFS fellows.
• Oversees NFS budget and expenditures, ensuring appropriate fiscal stewardship. Monitors budget trends, reducing areas of over-expenditure as they arise.
• Plans, oversees and reconciles budget targets.
• Communicates NFS financial standing and planning to lab leadership.
• Continuously assess program effectiveness, and recommend changes to program's content, policies, and procedures accordingly.
• Strategically manages and ensures coordination of activities and conscious calendaring. Integrative thinking to best scaffold communication at various levels throughout the organization (advisors, leadership, staff, campus).

Maintains own original research portfolio, focuses on national security and technology issues, including: research design; authoring and co-authoring BRSL reports, op-eds, and peer-reviewed publications; compiling literature reviews; and conducting data collection and analysis

Conduct policy outreach and fundraise for the Next Frontier Seminar.

• Identifies and pursues funding opportunities and revenue streams from multiple external sources.
• Develops and executes strategic plans for financing program activities and ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the Next Frontier Seminar.
• Communication with and coordination of major donors and foundations.
• Communication and coordination with senior external advisors.
• Documentation of insights/decisions/ actions and follow-up to ensure completion in support/conjunction with Lab leadership.
• Liaises with grant and development entities across campus, including the sponsored projects office, EFA, research contracts, business contracts, and grants.

Performs additional duties as assigned.

• Recommends and participates in conferences, workshops, trainings, and other professional development activities.
• Incumbent is required to undertake and complete mandated training for UC employees, including specialized training for managers.
• Other duties as assigned; may involve evening and weekend work, depending on project needs, deadlines, and external constituent demands.

Required Qualifications

• Expert ability to communicate and interact effectively with a broad constituency, including faculty, researchers, program/center managers, staff, students, funding agencies, community members, non-profit and government agencies, individual donors, and media in a dynamic multicultural setting.
• Capable of leading a variety of stakeholder groups towards a common vision, and of navigating complex internal and external relationships, politics, and constraints.
• Knowledge of US national security policies, public policy development, and implementation; demonstrated expertise in economic, national security, social, and cultural impacts of the political system and its stratified engagement politically across class and geographic spaces.
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and diplomatically with all levels of staff, both verbally and in writing.
• Solid organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and exercise initiative to effectively execute multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Ability to use sound judgement in responding to issues and concerns.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, as well as team members, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to problem solve.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information.
• Proven experience successfully managing a complex initiative and external partnerships with multiple stakeholders across disciplines and sectors.
• Advanced knowledge and experience working with faculty and campus leaders and fostering effective, results-oriented collaborations between academic and non-academic groups.
• Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

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 $91,500.00 - $149,550.00.

• 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 position will be governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research and Public Service Professionals, represented by the UAW.
• 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 50% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

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.