Director, Admissions & Operations (4510U), Berkeley Law - #84420

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The University of California, Berkeley, School of Law (UC Berkeley Law) is one of the nation's great centers for legal education, ever exploring and pushing new intellectual boundaries while tackling urgent, real-world issues. UC Berkeley Law is also known for its vibrant and engaged community of students and scholars who are committed to providing leadership and making a difference on problems of local, national, and global import.

Position Summary

The Director of Admissions and Operations is essential for the operations of key functions in the Admissions Office of Berkeley Law. This position develops and implements processes and systems to ensure a seamless, efficient, accurate, and positive experience for prospective students, applicants, admitted students, and committed students across the LL.M., J.D., and J.S.D. programs. They create and support sustainable programs for admissions operations with particular emphasis on ensuring we maximize the number of applications (and the quality and diversity of those applications), yield of admitted students, and the cross-departmental collaborations necessary to achieve those goals. They evaluate applicants, including the most complex admissions cases, and make recommendations for policy changes or improvements. Additionally, they represent the law school to appropriate constituents and communities, educating the public about admissions requirements, policies, and processes. Using exceptional technical skills, this position analyzes data from a variety of sources to anticipate the needs of the office, to respond to issues as they arise, and to provide information about admissions programs to the broader campus community through reporting and other mechanisms. They plan, develop, and lead our communications strategy and community relations programs intended to enhance the profile of the law school.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Director of Admissions and Operations serves as a technical leader and has the authority to make independent decisions regarding management of daily operations in the unit such as timely application completion and assignment for review, support of decision auditing functions performed by the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, and sophisticated data management to ensure accuracy and identify process issues before they become serious. Key areas of responsibility are in communication and marketing (print, web, electronic, etc.), management of the application process and candidates' interfacing with our office from start-to-finish. Additionally, they represent office interests to law school leadership and other departments. This position has supervisory responsibilities over professional staff.

The Director of Admissions and Operations collaborates with the Development and Alumni and Development Relations team, Career Development Office, Student Academic Advising and Support Services, Centers and Institutes, and others to manage a wide range of related programs including an alumni mentorship program. This position also coordinates closely with the Directors of Admissions to ensure good alignment between the systems within the Admissions Office and the overall outreach and yield goals, as well as to design targeted initiatives to reach specific audiences. They will also participate in outreach and recruitment activities as representative of the office, sharing complex and nuanced information about the application process and admissions systems overall.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 03/05/2026.

Responsibilities

Operations & Systems Management:

• Leads in the design and implementation of admissions operations and systems across the LL.M., J.D., and J.S.D. programs.
• Plans, manages and implements policies and practices to ensure seamless operation of the application process across all programs.
• Develops systems to collect information that can inform an assessment of candidate experience with the unit and to strategically develop a more positive experience for candidates interfacing with the office.
• Documents and communicates all requirements, steps, and processes for the application process across multiple and distinct programs (J.D. early decision binding program, LL.M. executive track, etc.) and oversees their implementation.
• Makes final determination of application completion statuses and related processing standards, and oversees communication with prospective applicants, admitted students, committed students, and file readers.
• Oversees communication of admissions decisions to all applicants, requiring exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Uses strong database expertise and other tools to assure maintenance of data and process integrity and to effectively and persuasively share information about the annual admissions process for all law programs with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manages forms, policy, and application updates, and makes associated recommendations for revision(s) or improvements based on needs that they identify or their research of best practices.
• Leads coordination across and interface between our admission systems and other systems.
• Coordinates with the Law School Admissions Council to resolve issues that may arise in the application process and systems used to manage it (Unite, Salesforce, etc.), and identifies where those issues are isolated and where they require additional research or action to resolve.
• Acts independently to find solutions, identifying where additional resources may be required.
• Manages coordination with other campus entities to ensure timely and accurate data exchange, revising internal practices and training subordinates and other team members as needed.
• Manages the Travel Stipend Program for candidates admitted to the J.D. program, including policy development, determinations of financial hardship, reviewing appeals and granting exceptions and other related functions.
• Assists with other Outreach and Recruitment functions as needed.

Strategic Marketing & Communications:

• In consultation with the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, designs, develops and implements an overall marketing strategy for the Admissions and Financial Aid Office.
• Develops tailored communications for targeted audiences (e.g. J.D. or LL.M. prospective applicants, international or domestic applicants) in addition to more general ones.
• Formulates plans for marketing and communication programs, including creating and deploying a multi-pronged communications strategy involving both print, web-based, and electronic communications in order to enhance the profile of the school and attract the strongest and most diverse candidates and students.
• Collaborates with the Director of Admissions for the J.D. program and the Director of Admissions for the LL.M. and J.S.D. programs, working in partnership with the Communications department to design and deploy effective marketing campaigns, to refine communications about admissions decisions, to share timely and relevant information about the school with prospective and admitted applicants.
• Identifies potential partners and works with outside vendors as needed, including deploying new CRM software.
• Updates materials and leads periodic redesigns.
• Partners with alumni and others to create and refine sustainable systems for engagement with admissions projects across the LL.M., J.D., and J.S.D. programs, including initiatives such as diversity alumni outreach.

Supervision:

• Responsible for the employment, selection, training, development, performance management and evaluation, counseling, and discipline of assigned staff employees:
• Supervises a team of Admissions professionals.
• Develops metrics for assessing successful execution of job responsibilities and holds direct reports accountable for achieving goals.
• Conducts regular check-in meetings/conversations with direct reports and delivers performance reviews in accordance with campus policies
• Develops and implements performance improvement plans, including execution of disciplinary actions, as needed.
• Trains, mentors and develops direct reports.
• Provides direction and guidance on complex issues, policies, and procedures.
• Serves as technical leader of the admissions process for the LL.M., J.D. and J.S.D. programs.

Outreach, Recruitment, & External Engagement

• Represents the department to campus and external audiences, effectively communicating complex information about our admissions and financial aid policies in a way that is accessible and persuasive.
• Represents Berkeley Law, specifically the Admissions and Financial Aid Office, at events in the continental U.S. and internationally, as assigned in consultation with the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid.
• Represents the school at highly visible and high-stakes events.
• Engages in recruitment and outreach efforts to increase yield and maximize the number of applications (and the quality and diversity of those applications).
• Represents the law school to appropriate constituents and communities, educating the public about admissions requirements, policies, and processes.
• Speaks publicly about the school and the unique opportunities available for our LL.M., J.D., and J.S.D. students and graduates, integrating information from across a wide range of law school departments, centers, and initiatives.
• Participates in programs that relate to specific areas of expertise (e.g., LL.M. executive track and traditional track admissions, targeted communication to Native American and other underrepresented communities and related engagement strategies) and provides guidance to other specialists in those area of expertise.
• Coordinates closely with the Director of Admissions for the J.D. program and the Director of Admissions for the LL.M. and J.S.D. programs to ensure the unit is meeting operational and enrollment goals (e.g., develops content to send out using the Candidate Referral Service to encourage applications across all programs, or criteria for determining who should receive an application fee waiver across all law programs).

Application Review:

• Screens applicants and uses professional judgement when reviewing a large volume of applications for admission to the LL.M., J.D. and J.S.D. programs.
• Assesses the most difficult and complex admissions cases, provides guidance and assistance to other experienced admissions specialists.

Gift Aid Strategy and Administration:

• Assists with the design, planning and implementation of the application review and selection process for need-based gift aid and initial (non-reconsideration) merit- based aid.
• Recommends policy or process changes to achieve the overall goals of the unit.
• Evaluates the Supplemental Gift Aid application annually.
• Communicates plans and policies with other team members and the broader community. Collaborates with team members to review appeals or unusual circumstances in consultation with others leaders in the unit.
• Assists with developing timelines and criteria for reviewing applicants for initial aid eligibility.
• May assist with the notification and tracking processes for gift aid awards (in coordination with the Database Systems Analyst) with emphasis on expeditious and timely notification, and accurate tracking of acceptance of awards.
• Recommends policy and/or operational changes to improve notification and tracking systems.
• Assists admitted students with specific policy concerns related to initial gift aid eligibility (e.g., Veterans, undocumented applicants, etc.).

Professional Development & Other Duties Assigned

• Engages in professional development and training opportunities as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of project management including program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Advanced and comprehensive knowledge of academic programs, including curricula, admissions requirements, and financial aid programs, at colleges/universities and/or can quickly learn those at UC Berkeley.
• Ability to interpret institutional and federal policies and procedures to prospective students and the public.
• Advanced knowledge of tertiary level foreign credentials, secondary school records, study abroad programs and policies, and the knowledge of major educational systems of the world.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively with a variety of students, and on-campus and off-campus professionals in a higher education setting.
• Advanced ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with schools, universities, community organizations, and other institutions.
• Advanced ability to develop admissions aid programs, and design effective materials.
• Advanced knowledge of admissions requirements for campus/school/college, including mitigating circumstances/bases for exceptions.
• Excellent organizational skills with a strong ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge of data management and reporting including CRM systems, Tableau, Salesforce and/or similar data monitoring/visualization software.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with the ability to learn new systems.
• Experience designing, implementing, and/or administering admissions programs, including use of complex databases and CRMs.
• Must be able to travel up to 25% during Fall outreach season (September-December). Some night and weekend work may be required, including both domestic and international travel.
• Ability to reliably travel to and from the primary work location and other designated sites as required to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively with individuals and groups from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Experience with reviewing and assessing admissions applications
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with and understand individuals from varied academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and familiarity with financial aid policy and program design.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes collaboration and mutual respect among all members of the UC Berkeley community and its stakeholders.
• Supervising responsibility.
• J.D degree and/or equivalent experience/trainings.
• Experience working in admissions for a law school.

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 $100,000.00 - $118,000.00.

• 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 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 20% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

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.