UC Merced will search nationally for candidates, with an emphasis on business and administration executives with proven effectiveness in an academic environment. The University may also consider candidates with relevant experience in other settings whose intellectual vitality, collegiality, institutional complexity, and proven effectiveness indicate a capacity to serve UC Merced well. While no one person will likely embody all of the professional qualifications, skills, experiences, and personal qualities desirable in this role, the successful candidate will bring many of the following:
- An advanced degree in business, public management, finance, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A minimum 10 years of progressive administrative management responsibility for a complex, multi-unit organization, reporting directly to senior/executive management, and preferably in a higher educational setting and in a union environment.
- Management experience, which must include several or more of the following areas: construction management, facilities management, financial services, human resources, material management, retail services, and transportation services.
- A demonstrated ability to align operating/support units (e.g., financial services, human resources) to optimally support delivery of an organization’s core mission.
- A background developing, coordinating, and managing policy and compliance in a complex, highly regulated environment.
- A record of conceiving and deploying effective business processes using a variety of service delivery paradigms (e.g., service centers, “cloud” based approaches, etc.).
- The ability to lead, either directly or through the application of persuasive influence.
- A record of accomplishment in advocating and incorporating the policy and program needs of a complex, multi-unit organization into the broader organization-wide/corporate-wide plans and programs.
- Demonstrated organizational, administrative, and project management skills, including the ability to diagnose critical areas for attention and translate strategies into action.
- The ability to work with a diverse group of constituencies on all levels within the organization and without, including city, county, state, and federal agencies as well as community groups.
- Demonstrated strengths in interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong oral, written, and communication skills.
- A track record of effective problem solving and decision-making.
- Demonstrated commitment to principles of affirmative action and diversity.
- A track record of cultivating excellence in customer service, and a commitment to continuous improvement throughout the organization.
- Management experience in an academic environment, ideally that of a research university, including exposure to and knowledge of relevant issues related to higher education.
- Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards; personal and professional integrity above reproach.
- A lively and incisive intellect married to a flexible and engaging demeanor.
