Executive Director, Online Programs

The School of Information seeks an executive director to oversee its online master’s programs.

The Executive Director, Online Programs, is responsible for leading all aspects of the I School's Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) and Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) programs, our self-supporting graduate professional degree programs (SSGPDP), promoting academic excellence in the programs and fostering a collaborative environment among faculty and staff. Working through subordinate staff, the executive director oversees curriculum development, instructor hiring and staffing decisions, and program evaluation. The executive director also represents the MIDS and MICS programs externally to third parties and the public when relevant and serves as a liaison with UC Berkeley campus leadership.

Key Responsibilities

35% — Designs and develops major MIDS and MICS program components and oversees execution of the programs. Working through subordinate staff, oversees curriculum development and instructor hiring and staffing decisions. Reviews complex academic personnel situations and provides senior-level mentorship and guidance for instructors.

35% — Develops curriculum. Generates ideas and options for the MIDS and MICS programs for faculty review and decision, and develops and implements instructional programs that reflect faculty interests.

10% — Assesses effectiveness of the MIDS and MICS programs, and recommends changes to content, policies and strategic goals accordingly.

10% — Coordinates varied and competing requirements associated with managing an innovative online master's program in data science in a university environment.

5% — As needed and at the direction of the Dean, may represent the online programs to governing boards, outside agencies, and the public. Develops and maintains liaisons with external stakeholders when relevant.

5% — Develops, implements and adheres to policies regarding intellectual property in addition to negotiating and managing IP agreements and contracts.

    Required Qualifications

    • Ph.D. in computer science or data science and subject matter expertise in a data science field, preferably including Machine Learning and Data Engineering; experience with applications of data science preferred.

    • Academic background and recognized subject matter expertise in data science.

    • Demonstrated expertise with program building within a leading academic institution for handling administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices.

    • Expertise in curriculum development and assessment

    • Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

    • Expert ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.

    • Expert interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.

    • Expert ability to work collaboratively with dynamic and diverse group of faculty, staff and students.

    • Leadership experience in academic and / or government agencies or industry research labs.

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Expert negotiation skills.

    • Demonstrated expertise building collaborations between academia, industrial and / or governmental agencies.

    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.

    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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $117,000 to $198,750 annually, not to exceed $226,000. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits.


    How to Apply

    You may also go to https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu and search for Job ID #59090.

    First review date for this job is September 27, 2023. The position will remain open until filled

    Diversity Statement

    Please include, as part of your application a brief (1–2 paragraph) statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in your professional experience.

    Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our UC Berkeley Principles of Community, which states that “every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring, and humane environment in which these values can thrive."


    About Berkeley

    At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

    The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world’s leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

    We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

    At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and 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 staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

    About the School of Information

    The School of Information (I School) advances knowledge and practice everywhere humans interact with digital technologies. Through interdisciplinary research and teaching we are committed to expanding access to information and to improving its usability, reliability, and credibility while preserving security and privacy. Our faculty conduct research in human-computer interaction (HCI), security and privacy, applied data science, and technology in developing regions.

    We currently offer three professional master's degrees and an academic doctoral degree. Our Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) program trains students for careers as information professionals and emphasizes project-based learning. Our Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program is an online degree designed for working professionals with career goals in the emerging field of data science. The newly launched Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS), also offered online, offers a holistic approach to cybersecurity and prepares students for professional careers in cybersecurity. Our Ph.D. program equips scholars to develop solutions and shape policies that influence how people seek, use, and share information.

    Equal Employment Opportunity

    The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

    For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.

    Last updated:

    September 14, 2023