Department Manager Plant & Microbial Biology; U

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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 makes 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.

The Department of Plant & Microbial Biology (PMB) at UC Berkeley consistently ranks among the top institutions worldwide for research and training in plant biology and microbiology. The Department is committed to the University of California's mission of dedicated research and providing a superior education in plant biology, microbiology, and related life sciences. We integrate fast‑changing technology and developments into our research and develop collaborative partnerships with other scientists and research institutions at UC Berkeley and around the world.

The Department Manager, Plant & Microbial Biology, manages, performs, or coordinates the administrative services of the Department of Plant & Microbial Biology (PMB). This position oversees activities in finance, human resources, IT, facilities, and graduate and undergraduate student services. The Department Manager provides general management by conducting long‑ and short‑range strategic planning to determine the mission and by directing all departmental activities through subordinate and centralized services staff.

• Manages, plans and administers or coordinates all administrative functions of the PMB, including department office operations, web & communications, facilities, student services, laboratories, scientific teaching facilities, space and safety, budgetary financial management, purchasing, and reimbursements.
• Coordinate PMB's interactions with affiliated centers and research units.
• Serve as PMB's chief liaison to Berkeley Regional Services and the RCNR Deans office staff.
• Manage departmental programs and needs, such as seminar series, hiring of lecturers, and hiring/start‑up for new faculty.
• Prepare departmental reports, e.g., TAS budget, campus space surveys, business continuity plans.
• Supervise PMB department administrative staff and the RCNR Teaching Laboratories and Living Micro‑organism Collection scientific staffs and space, serving both PMB and the Department of Metabolic Biology & Nutrition.
• Manage the hiring and onboarding of new staff.
• Work with the chairs to provide leadership and strategic planning, including budget and space allocation, staff structure and functions, anticipating and solving complex and sensitive issues, coordinating faculty committee assignments, and enacting the department's strategic plan.
• Develop short and long‑range planning for administrative services operations and process improvement.
• Establish and recommend changes to policies that affect the department.
• Develop and prepare complex budgets with multiple funding sources, including grants, general appropriations, and philanthropic funds, applying advanced concepts to analyze future resource allocations.
• Prepare budget reports.
• Develop and manage departmental outreach programs to community, emeriti, alumni, and potential donors in coordination with RCNR Development and College Relations.
• Develop/coordinate efforts to reach out to potential philanthropic foundations and industry.
• Coordinate faculty HR actions/issues in partnership with the RCNR Academic Personnel Analyst and the Chairs.
• Act as a conduit/sounding board for faculty and Chairs on HR issues.
• Support faculty and lecturer hiring processes.
• Plan and coordinate startup, lab setup, and new faculty/lecturer onboarding.
• Plan…