The position is responsible for the management and administration of GPS-STEM (Graduate Professional Success in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), a professional development program for graduate students and postdocs in various Schools at UC Irvine (Biological Sciences, Medicine, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences).

The Program Director position entails a multifaceted role focused on the planning, execution, and enhancement of existing and new professional/career development programing for STEM graduate students (PhDs) and postdocs. Responsibilities encompass the orchestration of diverse program activities, ranging from career development workshops in various STEM career pathways to mixers, industry site visits, training programs, and career seminar talks. The incumbent will serve as the primary role that organizes and manages such programming.

A crucial aspect of the role is the development of new program content that caters to the evolving needs of the graduate and postdoctoral STEM trainee community at UC Irvine. The incumbent is expected to build and nurture a network (i.e., with alumni, local or national professionals) for mentorship and event participation, both online and in-person. The Director will consult with students, Advisory Board Members, STEM workforce leaders, and academic director to identify and invite speakers for workshops, seminars, and mixers while also serving as the primary liaison with internship partners, local STEM-based industries, and external contractors. This also involves national-level engagement, attending meetings in the field of graduate and postdoctoral career and professional development.

Another component of the role involves creating and maintaining the digital presence of the program. In particular, the individual will be responsible for capturing program events through recording, compiling materials and crafting newsletters tailored for graduate students and postdocs professional development, and actively maintaining and updating the program’s website with details of new activities, events, and resources.

Lastly, in the domain of Grant Writing, the Director will collaborate with cross-campus partners, academic director, and Advisory Board Members to craft grant proposals for sustaining the overall program or specific programming. Throughout event planning, the Director will design and administer pre/post-event evaluation surveys to assess the effectiveness of programming.

In summary, this multifaceted role demands a dynamic individual capable of not only executing logistical/operational aspects of the program but also contributing to the strategic growth and evolution of the program.

Requirements include
Applicants must have 1-3 years previous experience in STEM career program management or an equivalent combination of education and experience / training as well as Master’s degree (PhD degree preferred) in a research discipline of science, technology, engineering, math or medicine or equivalent experience and understanding STEM related career trajectories and needs.

Knowledge of STEM PhD and Postdoctoral Career trajectory with demonstrated skills in leadership, extracurricular participation, and/or career planning and exploration leading to an interest in administrative leadership at an academic institution.

Demonstrated skill and success in both oral and written communications with a broad array of constituents in person, through e-mail, formal letters, and via telephone in a concise, accurate and professional manner.

Demonstrated skills in leadership, extracurricular participation, and/or career planning and exploration leading to an interest in administrative leadership at an academic institution.

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships, communicate effectively, identify problems, and develop solutions with supervisors, administrators, students, faculty, and the community.

Ability to work on multiple tasks concurrently while meeting deadlines.

Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.

Ability to perform a variety of duties and work assignments in an environment of changing priorities.

Competency in using business software applications including MS Office, document sharing programs & online communication platforms.

Adept at using multimedia tools for organizing online career development events, recording.

Experienced at social media platforms e.g. Twitter, LinkedIn for promoting program events, seminars, job announcements & YouTube.

Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and security of records and documents.

Review of applications will begin on January 19, 2024, and the recruitment will remain open until filled. Qualified candidates should apply to the following on-line recruitment URL: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF08797

A reasonable estimate for this position is $78,342-$152,604. See Academic Coordinator – Fiscal Year for the salary range for this position.

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 nondiscrimination policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.