Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. 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, 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 salary or hourly range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $66,800- $83,500.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around February 5th, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is a Hybrid role with a percentage of the time remote and on-site along with a flexible work arrangement, which includes a non-standard work schedule.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research & Economic Development (VCR-ORED) provides executive administrative support to the VCR-ORED and AVC Chief of Staff. Manages the calendars using independent judgment about priorities; coordinates complex travel arrangements; and processes travel reimbursements, check requests, and other transactions. Writes, edits, and proofreads correspondence and reports. Analyzes correspondence/emails and ensures that follow-up actions are completed. Works under minimal supervision and acts as the VCR- ORED liaison and primary communications contact. Maintains complete discretion, confidentiality, sensitivity, and professional judgment are maintained at all times; maintains access to confidential information that contributes significantly to the development of management's positions in bargaining or grievances. This position is part of the core team and responds to public requests for general information about the division of research on the telephone and in person. The position involves interaction with UC Merced senior staff, faculty, and other administrators, including those at the campuses and at the Office of the President.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates daily and long-range activities for the VCR- ORED and AVC Chief of Staff. Maintains calendar of appointments, conferences, and travel, coordinating all details. Exercises judgment on written and oral requests for the Vice Chancellor's time/consultation. Prepares relevant background materials and ensures that necessary and appropriate briefing and background materials are provided in advance. Coordinates meetings/conferences/retreats. Handles travel and lodging arrangements. Initiates and processes travel and entertainment for reimbursement, following established University policy and procedure.
• Manages information, projects, and communications to ensure accurate and timely responses. Briefs the VCR in a timely fashion, with regard to priorities and deadlines. Reviews all incoming mail and most email, routes and responds as appropriate. Analyzes information from incoming documents and various other sources to ascertain importance to the department. Coordinates assignment of action items. Responds to constantly changing priorities and/or conflicting deadlines, which may affect accomplishment of items, ensuring timely completion or deadline extension, as appropriate. Ensures that appropriate staff has been copied for possible comment and/or discussion with the VCR. May access to confidential information which contributes significantly to the development of management's positions in bargaining or grievances.
• Functions as the gatekeeper, understanding the requirements of the executive, in order to prioritize issues according to urgency and to allocate time accordingly. Responds to a wide variety of questions and issues from faculty, staff, students, and the public on behalf of the executive, including those highly sensitive in nature. Investigate issues and problems; draft and prepare responses to urgent requests.
• Acts on behalf of the department to convey information representing the VCR. Communicates and provides assistance to senior officers within UC Merced, the Office of the President, faculty, staff, and the community. Responsible for troubleshooting assignments on behalf of the VCR and doing the necessary background work and research to craft a response as needed. Prepares responses to urgent divisional requests on behalf of the executive.
• Responsible for updating and maintaining web content for all business units under ORED along with the publishing of the weekly research newsletter. Organizes and coordinates the annual events such as Research Week and new faculty orientation workshop.
• Coordinates scheduling of meetings, retreats, and events involving campus-wide and UC-wide staff, including Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, faculty, and senior UC administrators. Coordinates agenda materials, compiling items and background material where necessary and ensuring timely distribution to appropriate individuals. Coordinates facility arrangements, including lodging, meals, and meeting rooms. Researches, compiles, and summarizes issues, policies, and topics; provides background information, talking points, and briefing materials for the executive, including but not limited to conducting research and developing talking points that pertain to bargaining or grievances. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in related area or equivalent experience/training. (Required)
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in an executive support role, or 7 years of equivalent experience / training. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Familiarity with the organization's processes, protocols and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal regulations such as FERPA. (Preferred)
• Thorough knowledge of common organization-specific and other computer application programs.
• Solid analytical / problem-solving skills.
• Political acumen and sensitivities to the differing perspectives and political circumstances within all levels of the organization as well as the Office of the President and external constituencies.
• Strong service orientation.
• Strong skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, faculty, alumni / donors, students and external constituencies, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Ability to use high-level discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Solid skills in problem identification.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.