Inside Higher Ed
Assistant Director, Graduate Student Services (4576C) - 80750
Inside Higher Ed, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Position Summary
The PhD program in Economics at UC Berkeley is one of the largest and most highly ranked programs globally. Under the general supervision of the Director of Student Services, the Assistant Director of Graduate Student Services plays a central role in supporting and directing the PhD program, overseeing a broad range of student services and administrative responsibilities critical to the program's success. Working autonomously and in close collaboration with faculty chairs and departmental committees, this position provides comprehensive support in academic advising, admissions, student aid, career placement, fellowships, and program planning.
Responsibilities
Academic Advising:
Applies advanced student services expertise to provide high-level academic advising and program support to Ph.D. students in Economics. Advises students and faculty on degree requirements, Graduate Division policies, enrollment, grading, advancement to candidacy, and academic petitions. Serves as the primary staff liaison to the Graduate Division and a key resource for interpreting and applying departmental, college, and university policies. Provides guidance on sensitive issues such as grade disputes, academic progress, and student crises, and ensures continuity through leadership transitions. Supports international students on visas, funding, and registration. Maintains accurate academic records and collaborates with faculty and committees to ensure policy consistency and effective program operations.
Admissions:
Leads the full admissions cycle for the Economics Ph.D. program, overseeing the evaluation of 800+ applications annually. Provides strategic guidance to department leadership on graduate outreach and serves as the primary contact for prospective students with complex inquiries. Collaborates with the Admissions Chair and committees to ensure consistent criteria and compliance with Graduate Division standards. Coordinates with College and Graduate Division to resolve issues with admissions systems and funding databases, and develops procedures to improve efficiency, transparency, and service quality. Assists in preparing competitive fellowship nominations and oversees final submission of admissions decisions. Represents the department on relevant committees and supports equitable admissions practices.
Funding & Financial Strategy:
Oversees administration and strategic management of all graduate student funding (fellowships, block grants, departmental awards, training grants) totaling approximately $1.5M annually. Ensures compliance with policies, helps students develop six-year funding plans, and coordinates with the Fellowships Office and Berkeley International Office for domestic and international students. Prepares documentation for awards and advises on funding allocations for incoming cohorts. Serves as a resource for complex financial matters and manages internal and external funding streams.
Placement and Industry Engagement:
Leads graduate career development and job placement efforts, advising on market standards and employment opportunities in academia, industry, and public sector. Guides placement service improvements, oversees preparation of placement materials, and ensures compliance with best practices. Manages job listings, employer outreach, campus visits, and recruitment activities. Develops industry engagement initiatives with external partners, alumni, and research-driven employers to expand internship and career opportunities and strengthen alumni relations.
Events:
Plans and executes graduate student events (recruitment activities, spring visit day, orientation, commencement) in coordination with relevant teams to deliver high-impact experiences.
Professional Development:
Participates in workshops and seminars to stay current on national trends in student advising and university policies. Serves on professional committees to contribute to policy development with broad influence. The Department provides $1,500/year toward professional development activities.
Required Qualifications
Strong interpersonal and analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, and sound judgment.
Exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail; ability to multi-task in a high-volume environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey complex information clearly and diplomatically.
Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques with experience fostering graduate student success.
Knowledge of and ability to learn University and departmental policies, risk assessment concepts, FERPA, student records.
Proven leadership, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities with capacity for original ideas and persuasive strategies.
Knowledge of PhD post-degree employment opportunities and job market practices.
Experience in program planning and administration, including industry engagement initiatives.
Ability to learn university computer application systems for Admissions and Advising, and university policies related to graduate education, curriculum, grading, and academic records.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience.
Salary & Benefits For information on UC Berkeley’s comprehensive benefits package, please visit the Compensation & Benefits website. The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $110,000 - $115,000. 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 Student Services Advising Professionals, represented by the UAW. It is not a visa opportunity and is eligible for up to 40% remote work, with arrangements determined with your supervisor.
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.
Important Notice To apply, visit the UC Berkeley Careers page with the provided Job Opening ID. This posting may be subject to change.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The PhD program in Economics at UC Berkeley is one of the largest and most highly ranked programs globally. Under the general supervision of the Director of Student Services, the Assistant Director of Graduate Student Services plays a central role in supporting and directing the PhD program, overseeing a broad range of student services and administrative responsibilities critical to the program's success. Working autonomously and in close collaboration with faculty chairs and departmental committees, this position provides comprehensive support in academic advising, admissions, student aid, career placement, fellowships, and program planning.
Responsibilities
Academic Advising:
Applies advanced student services expertise to provide high-level academic advising and program support to Ph.D. students in Economics. Advises students and faculty on degree requirements, Graduate Division policies, enrollment, grading, advancement to candidacy, and academic petitions. Serves as the primary staff liaison to the Graduate Division and a key resource for interpreting and applying departmental, college, and university policies. Provides guidance on sensitive issues such as grade disputes, academic progress, and student crises, and ensures continuity through leadership transitions. Supports international students on visas, funding, and registration. Maintains accurate academic records and collaborates with faculty and committees to ensure policy consistency and effective program operations.
Admissions:
Leads the full admissions cycle for the Economics Ph.D. program, overseeing the evaluation of 800+ applications annually. Provides strategic guidance to department leadership on graduate outreach and serves as the primary contact for prospective students with complex inquiries. Collaborates with the Admissions Chair and committees to ensure consistent criteria and compliance with Graduate Division standards. Coordinates with College and Graduate Division to resolve issues with admissions systems and funding databases, and develops procedures to improve efficiency, transparency, and service quality. Assists in preparing competitive fellowship nominations and oversees final submission of admissions decisions. Represents the department on relevant committees and supports equitable admissions practices.
Funding & Financial Strategy:
Oversees administration and strategic management of all graduate student funding (fellowships, block grants, departmental awards, training grants) totaling approximately $1.5M annually. Ensures compliance with policies, helps students develop six-year funding plans, and coordinates with the Fellowships Office and Berkeley International Office for domestic and international students. Prepares documentation for awards and advises on funding allocations for incoming cohorts. Serves as a resource for complex financial matters and manages internal and external funding streams.
Placement and Industry Engagement:
Leads graduate career development and job placement efforts, advising on market standards and employment opportunities in academia, industry, and public sector. Guides placement service improvements, oversees preparation of placement materials, and ensures compliance with best practices. Manages job listings, employer outreach, campus visits, and recruitment activities. Develops industry engagement initiatives with external partners, alumni, and research-driven employers to expand internship and career opportunities and strengthen alumni relations.
Events:
Plans and executes graduate student events (recruitment activities, spring visit day, orientation, commencement) in coordination with relevant teams to deliver high-impact experiences.
Professional Development:
Participates in workshops and seminars to stay current on national trends in student advising and university policies. Serves on professional committees to contribute to policy development with broad influence. The Department provides $1,500/year toward professional development activities.
Required Qualifications
Strong interpersonal and analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, and sound judgment.
Exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail; ability to multi-task in a high-volume environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey complex information clearly and diplomatically.
Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques with experience fostering graduate student success.
Knowledge of and ability to learn University and departmental policies, risk assessment concepts, FERPA, student records.
Proven leadership, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities with capacity for original ideas and persuasive strategies.
Knowledge of PhD post-degree employment opportunities and job market practices.
Experience in program planning and administration, including industry engagement initiatives.
Ability to learn university computer application systems for Admissions and Advising, and university policies related to graduate education, curriculum, grading, and academic records.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience.
Salary & Benefits For information on UC Berkeley’s comprehensive benefits package, please visit the Compensation & Benefits website. The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $110,000 - $115,000. 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 Student Services Advising Professionals, represented by the UAW. It is not a visa opportunity and is eligible for up to 40% remote work, with arrangements determined with your supervisor.
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.
Important Notice To apply, visit the UC Berkeley Careers page with the provided Job Opening ID. This posting may be subject to change.
#J-18808-Ljbffr