Director of Academic Affairs; U - Jacobs Institute

Director of Academic Affairs (4576U) – Jacobs Institute Application Review Date

First Review Date:
July 1, 2026 – Open until filled.

• Admissions:
  Serve as the administrative lead on the MDes Program’s annual admissions process: respond to admissions inquiries; deliver in-person admissions marketing & outreach; provide 1:1 admissions advising; process admissions data; manage all responsibilities related to the admissions application (Slate) including data processing; manage recruitment and onboarding of the admissions committee; liaise with human resources to create appointments for alumni serving on the admissions committee;
  
  manage admissions review materials; deliver online admissions outreach; track admissions event engagement; coordinate admissions review process; communicate with admitted students on admissions materials; track yield data; analyze admissions data; respond to incoming student questions; liaise with the Berkeley International Office on visa issues; plan outreach and recruitment logistics; liaise with the UC Berkeley Graduate Division to ensure admissions program compliance with university policy;
  
  and advise leadership on university policies affecting decision-making.
• Recruitment and Admissions:
  Advise leadership and external affairs colleagues on outreach strategies. Directly contribute to admissions marketing and communications. Meet with prospective students and conduct information sessions.
• Program Management:
  Provide and make recommendations on MDes policies; identify policy areas needing clarification; identify solutions; analyze consequences of policies; recommend new or changed policies. Benchmark with other colleges on the Berkeley campus as well as across the UC system and with competitor campuses nationwide to identify best practices and trends to improve program management.
• Content Management:
  Responsible for the content of resources such as the MDes Academic Handbook and the DES INV Instructor Guide and for communicating the content to users – students and instructors. Collaborate with marketing colleagues and Jacobs Institute staff to create and maintain related websites, printed materials, videos, webinars and other media. Stay abreast of emerging technologies and identify ways to enhance programs and services.
• Academic Milestone Events:
  Develop, manage, and implement academic milestone events (orientation, end-of-semester final presentations, capstone showcase, and commencement). Advise student leadership groups, including MDSA, on best practices and university policies. Ensure policies are followed and clearly communicated to students. Keep detailed statistics about the MDes program and utilize data to develop reports.
• Academic Advising & Development:
  Apply advanced academic advising concepts, experience, and knowledge of widely recognized advising theories and philosophies to identify and resolve intricate student issues. Determine proper referrals for students whose academics may be adversely affected by mental health, financial aid, personal or family problems, and disabilities.
• Faculty Advisor Program:
  Coordinate the faculty advisor program which pairs MDes students with faculty advisors; mentor faculty on advising strategies and campus resources; serve as staff liaison to faculty; support faculty review process and coordination of faculty meetings, committees and communications.
• Staff Management:
  Supervise staff including full‑time employees and student employees. Recruit, hire and supervise students. Develop operating procedures and provide training and coaching. Finance:
  Recommend resolution of sensitive, specialized or complex financial aid issues; supervise staff who allocate financial aid to students.
• Funding & Aid Advice:
  Advise MDes management on available funds for incoming students based on return‑to‑aid and fellowship opportunities. Coordinate with leadership to obtain the annual return‑to‑aid amount.
• Career Counseling:
  Advise MDes leadership regarding enhancement of the program’s strategic plan for career counseling and placement services. Collaborate with and supervise staff who provide career counseling.

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