Director of Student Services (0322U) - Mechanical Engineering

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The Department of Mechanical Engineering is an academic department within the College of Engineering. Academic positions include around 38 tenure track faculty, 4 adjunct professors, 4 professors of the Graduate School, 7 Joint Professors and approximately 4 temporary instructors and, 100+ visiting scholars and post-doctoral fellows.

The department serves approximately 200 PhD students, 35 MS students, 1860 Master of Engineering students, 900 Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students, and 200 Aerospace Engineering undergraduate students. The Aerospace Engineering program is a college-wide initiative currently housed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, sharing administrative services (including student services) with the Department.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is actively engaged in teaching and research in the disciplines of Biomechanical Engineering, Controls, Design, Dynamics, Energy Science and Technology, Fluids, Manufacturing Materials, Mechanics, MEMS and Nano, Ocean Engineering, Robotics, and Aerospace Engineering with research and instructional laboratories in Etcheverry Hall, Hesse Hall, and the Richmond Field Station.

The Department's mission is to provide high-quality instruction at all levels, prepare undergraduate and graduate students for leadership in the profession, perform high-impact research, and serve the campus, the State and the nation.

The Student Services Director is accountable for the Student Services Unit, which includes but it is not limited to both undergraduate and graduate programs. Responsibilities include management and professional development of staff; strategic planning and assessment for the department's student services functions; development and implementation of student services related policy and procedure; curriculum planning and placement of Academic Student Employees (ASEs); and the financial management of departmental fellowships, scholarships, awards, and block grant funds. The incumbent is the primary departmental resource in all student services related areas and works collaboratively with the Chair, Vice Chair of Instruction and Vice Chair of Graduate Studies, Director of Administration, and faculty committees to achieve the department's academic objectives. The incumbent is an essential part of the department's administrative management team and works with the Director of Administration and with other department managers to ensure the success of the department as a whole.

The First Review Date for this job is: April 16, 2026 - Open Until Filled

30% Program Planning and Management: Holds full functional accountability for department's graduate and undergraduate student services programs. Independently manages the administration and operation of department's Student Services Unit and has broad authority and oversight responsibility in related matters, including but not limited to academic advising, career counseling, recruitment, admissions financial aid, the evaluation and awarding of fellowships and block grant funds, student orientations and events (e.g., Commencement, Golden Bear Orientation, CalDay, Graduate Preview Day, Graduate Orientation, Alumni Day, etc.), curriculum planning and scheduling, enrollment management, instructional support (GSI, Readers & Tutors), alumni relations, and other related programs, and other related programs. Leads analysis, forecasting, and strategic efforts as they relate to student services, and builds and maintains the administrative and organizational capacity of the department's Student Services Unit. Evaluates the effectiveness of the student services function and makes changes to the program to provide better service to organizational management, faculty, and students. Responsible for conceptualizing, developing, implementing, assessing and managing student support service models that promote students' academic success. Analyzes, develops, and modifies programs, methods of advising and procedures in student services to integrate University and department directives within Student Services. Develops, interprets, and administers student services programs. Researches and facilitates implementation of technologies, including database and web-based systems to enhance the delivery of programs and services. Participates in Department, College, and campus taskforces and committees and serves as the primary department administrative representative on all matters related to student services. Incumbent assists those requesting tutorial help in finding and receiving financial assistance. Manages the registration process, including SIS, Cal Central add/drop processes and pre-registration advising. Ensures that students are informed of deadlines and details of registration, course changes, and international exchange opportunities; assists exchange students in adjusting to life within the department. Advises the campus Director of the Berkeley International Office (BIO) on financial issues regarding the ME international students. Advises the Faculty and Staff Directors of Campus Shared Services, the Engineering Research Support Organization (ERSO) on Graduate Division and Departmental policies affecting ME students employed on faculty research grants. Develops, interprets, and administers student services programs. Evaluates the effectiveness of the student services function and makes changes to the program to provide better service to organizational management, faculty, and students. Represents the student services unit to the campus community and relevant external constituencies. Oversees all professional staff services, practices, and procedures relating to students' progress in ME BS, MS, 5th Year MS, PhD, and Professional MEng Degree programs, along with the Aerospace Engineering BS, from admission through graduation. Incumbent has full responsibility for implementing and coordinating programs at all levels of study, including drafting policy statements, establishing of administrative procedures, and negotiating with the Berkeley Graduate Division or the Office of Admissions & Records and Registrar to ensure consistency with University and System-wide policy. Assesses administrative problems that may arise affecting staff or students, investigates alternatives, devises and implements solutions. Interfaces with campus offices to determine approaches to resolving problematic student issues. Applies high-level knowledge of student services administration and innovative problem-solving skills. In accordance with Departmental, College, and University policies, and in compliance with the ADA, implements student advising for ME Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degree programs, along with the Aerospace Engineering BS, by acting on behalf of the Vice-Chairs and as well as for a variety of ME Departmental committees. Responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and implementing student support service models that promote students' academic success. Assesses overall student services needs, plans appropriate responses. Creates models and grows the new programs, ultimately institutionalizing and delegating their ongoing operation as appropriate. Establishes programmatic goals for ME undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Provides direction to professional Student Services Advisors, Department Chair, Vice-Chairs, Equity Advisor, Faculty, and Director of Administration on the more complex issues encountered.

25% Supervision and Staff Management: Directs and supervises career student services staff. Actively promotes professionalism and career development and facilitates a collaborative, team approach within the Student Services Unit. Provides direction to professional student services staff on the more complex issues encountered and ensures Advisors are upholding college, university and department policies and following appropriate procedures. Sets priorities for the unit; directs and monitors work flow and evaluates performance. Evaluates and develops new procedures for greater accuracy and efficiency in pursuit of Student Services Unit priorities. Ensures effective cross-training and reallocates responsibilities and tasks as needed. Communicates regularly with staff to ensure implementation of team initiatives and projects. Trains staff on new and established policies and procedures. Collaborates with the Director of Administration to meet the permanent and temporary staffing and functions with autonomy. Represents the unit at campus meetings or committees. Manages the accountability and stewardship of campus resources (operational, financial, and human resources) in compliance with departmental and campus wide goals and objectives. Ensures subordinate professionals adhere to defined internal controls. Manages systems and procedures to protect departmental assets. Develops staff job descriptions, and recruits, hires, trains, and develops them. Makes decisions on performance, recommends salary actions, and performs other human resources related issues of managed staff. Completes performance evaluations and is responsible for resolution of personnel issues or actions, in compliance with applicable campus human resource policies and procedures. Recognizes issues that have campus impact or future implications and advises the managed employees accordingly. Provides guidance and mentoring to Student Services Advisors. Decides which resources will be committed to goals and objectives and how they will be allocated. Ensures uninterrupted department operations by serving as the primary backup for the Director of Administration.

15% Program Policy Development & Enforcement: Interprets and maintains expertise in complex and changing university, campus and college student services requirements and policies and analyzes impact of changes on department. Advises the Chair, Vice-Chairs and Director of Operations on the formulation of related department level policies and procedures. Directs and oversees the implementation of all policies within Student Services. Ensures department compliance with federal, state, college and university laws/regulations as they apply to all aspects of undergraduate majors and graduate students. Ensures compliance checks are conducted on a periodic basis and takes proactive corrective actions as needed. Serves as primary advisor to faculty members and other staff on department and college policies, rules, and regulations, as well as all relevant procedural matters related to student services. Coordinates orientation and training regarding student services policies and practices for new department faculty. Effectively balances dual roles of student advocate and department representative, promoting student success while enforcing policies and protecting the integrity of the Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering degrees. Grants exceptions to departmental student services policies related to admissions and transfer credit when judged appropriate. Maintains a strict code of confidentiality demonstrating an appreciation of ethics of the student services profession and a solid understanding of the regulations and limitations of the Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) as set by the university Registrar and ensures compliance within Student Services. In collaboration with programmatic advisors in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, writes and edits hard copy and web based materials, including undergraduate and graduate handbooks, brochures, informational handouts, and guidelines, relating to ME and Aerospace Engineering student programs.

15% Financial Oversight/Administration: Plans, develops, and administers the student services budget for the organization. Manages and administers a combined budget of approximately $1 million of block grant and ME Endowment funds. Informs students of awards and tracks award histories. Ensures all awards meet the funding terms. Assumes primary responsibility for the ME department Temporary Academic Support (TAS) budget, which totals over $2.6 million per year. Provides analysis of these funding resources for maximum efficiency of utilization. Makes frequent and timely reports to department leadership. Tracks award histories and monitors all student-services-related funds throughout the year. Responsible for all aspects of graduate fellowships (internal and external). Coordinates financial support to graduate students meeting departmental commitments. Oversees the administration and coordination of internal and external undergraduate scholarship competitions. Responsible for compiling information for various surveys, i.e., Big10+ and Miscellaneous special projects. Responsible for staff overseeing the Department's allocation and utilization of ASE appointments.

10% Curriculum Planning and Scheduling: Serves as an active member of the Department's Undergraduate Studies Committee. In consultation with the Vice-Chairs, applies in-depth knowledge of department requirements and enrollment trends to recommend courses to be taught by the department in support of the undergraduate and graduate degrees each semester. Oversees all administrative aspects associated with class scheduling, enrollment management, and student evaluations of faculty, lecturers, and Graduate Student Instructors on behalf of the department and coordinates this information as needed with other department units. Ensures planned schedule for any given year is within the TAS allocation provided by the College of Engineering and implemented by the Director of Administration and Vice Chair of Instruction, which involves ongoing tracking and in depth analysis of costs associated with ASE's. Oversees the coordination of submission of course approval forms to the Committee on Courses of Instruction (COCI) of the Academic Senate when the department proposes additions, changes, or withdrawals of courses. Utilizing extensive knowledge of course content, facilitates new course approval and curriculum revisions as needed and ensures course catalog is updated accordingly

5% Academic Advising: Serves as the primary advising resource for department faculty and staff in relation to complex problems involving graduate and undergraduate students. Advises students directly on a limited, as-necessary basis and uses in-depth knowledge and expertise in student affairs to devise solutions that meet individual needs as well as University policies and regulations. Acts as liaison among students, faculty, other departments and college and campus administrations in both daily operations and highly sensitive advising situations. Provides direction and guidance to faculty on issues of academic misconduct and grievances. Leads the planning and delivery of departmental student services workshops and presentations. Interpret Graduate Division policy on all matters of matriculation and compose memos for exceptions. Formulates responses to non-standard inquiries regarding Departmental admissions requirements at graduate and undergraduate levels, applicable policies, regulations, rules and procedures, with the authority to make decisions regarding policies and regulations when appropriate. Refers individuals to campus resources as necessary. Serves as a primary departmental liaison on Graduate Division and Campus-wide committees, while providing strategic representation for the Student Services Office and Vice-Chairs. Represents the ME Department at high stakes admissions-related functions involving prospective or newly admitted graduate students.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques and demonstrated successful experience advising faculty on complex student affairs policies, both at the graduate and undergraduate level.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with department, college and campus degree requirements as well as policies and procedures related to student services such as code of conduct, HEERA, FERPA, Graduate Division and Engineering policies and procedures. Ability to interpret and implement new and established policies to ensure department compliance.
• Knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs such as CalCentral, Campus Solutions or similar, and knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences. Excellent computer skills in MS Office, Excel and relational databases as well as an in-depth understanding of student information systems.
• Skills in monitoring/assessing people, processes or services, to make improvements.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervision experience within a complex Student Services Unit. Proven managerial, administrative, and promotional experience with graduate and undergraduate student services.
• Skills in project management.
• Social perceptiveness to be aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with individuals in the department as well as throughout campus effectively. Must have multicultural competencies and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Effective budget and financial management skills. Working skills of the university accounting system and procedures and campus Financial Aid Office policies.
• General knowledge of the field of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering especially as it relates to post-degree employment opportunities and practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in report writing and analysis.
• Political acumen and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in undergraduate and/or graduate student services.
• Proven managerial, leadership, administrative, and promotional experience with staff.

• Masters degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel Administration or related area preferred.
• FERPA Certified

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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $91,500 to $135,000 yearly ($7,625 to $11,250 monthly); the full salary range for this payroll title (STDT SVC MGR 1) is $91,500 to $168,900 yearly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.

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.

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

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.