Executive Director of Business Administration & Personnel (ADMIN MGR 2)

Reporting to the Executive Assistant Dean/Chief of Staff of Graduate Studies, this position provides leadership, coordination, and direct management of administrative operations for Graduate Studies. The position is responsible for implementing division priorities and supporting programmatic, strategic, and operational objectives through hands-on administrative, human resources, financial, operational, and organizational management.

As a member of the Graduate Studies leadership team, the Executive Director manages core administrative functions for the division and is responsible for a budget of over $8 million across multiple restricted and non-restricted fund sources. The position has direct responsibility for human resources, academic personnel, finance, business operations, facilities coordination, and administrative infrastructure, while also providing project management and organizational development support for division-wide initiatives.

The Executive Director directly supervises and manages the work of a Budget Manager responsible for financial analysis and budget administration, a Center Manager responsible for Walker Hall operations, and a team of three HR/Academic Personnel staff responsible for staff human resources and academic personnel administration. In addition to supervising these functions, the Executive Director performs substantive work in each area and serves as a senior resource to managers and leadership on complex and sensitive matters.

This position provides high-level guidance and problem-solving support in areas including employee and labor relations, FML and other leave matters, disability accommodations, recruitment, performance management, academic personnel administration, organizational effectiveness, and operational planning. The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Executive Assistant Dean/Chief of Staff and the Vice Provost/Dean to support implementation of strategic priorities, assess organizational needs, develop process improvements, coordinate employee experience initiatives, and help foster an effective, inclusive, and responsive workplace.

Department Overview

Graduate Studies (GS) operates as the central campus office responsible for advocacy on behalf of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, supports the faculty and staff engaged in delivering graduate education, and administers academic and administrative policies affecting graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in ways that foster a culturally and intellectually diverse environment characterized by high academic standards. Graduate Studies at UC Davis includes more than 100 dynamic degree programs, and a diverse and interactive student body from around the world.

Apply By July 16, 2026, at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree and / or equivalent experience / training required
• Experience assessing problems and developing solutions based on research, analysis and interpretation of university policies, practices and procedures for academic personnel and their applications to all academic titles.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in higher education, academic administration, or a similarly complex organizational environment.
• Advanced knowledge of organizational and systemwide personnel policies, laws, and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of complex personnel, compensation, related policies and procedures, and employment law related to academic groups, such as academic student employees, academic senate, and academic federation appointees.
• Expert knowledge of and ability to apply systemwide and organization policies, union contracts, procedures, and practices that govern academic personnel administration.
• Comprehensive knowledge of organization and system, faculty, staff and students, and policies and procedures with respect to shared governance, UC Regental, and Academic Senate authority.
• Advanced knowledge of employee relations field and other subject areas of HR.
• Demonstrated knowledge of administering labor union contracts, dispute resolution, grievance procedures, and facilitation and mediation processes.
• Knowledgeable regarding labor / employment law and the principles and techniques of labor negotiations.
• Excellent critical and innovative thinking to address complex and nuanced issues and analyses, often with precedent-setting implications across a campus or the UC system.
• Advanced project management and organizational leadership skills.
• Advanced ability to make decisions regarding the hiring, evaluation, and development of subordinates.
• Advanced management skills, including collaboration, coaching, leadership, staff development, and relationship-building.
• Advanced understanding of unit goals and the ability to determine the best way to achieve them.
• Highly effective analytical, problem solving, critical thinking and organizational and advanced computer skill
• Excellent critical and innovative thinking to address complex and nuanced issues and analyses, often with precedent setting implications across a campus or the UC system.
• Demonstrated ability to handle extremely difficult or volatile situations / individuals effectively.
• Excellent skills to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations; skills in conflict management techniques.
• Advanced communication skills across diverse communication styles, with the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build and work successfully in teams and under the shared governance structure.
• Advanced knowledge of fiscal management policies and procedures.
• Advanced understanding of and commitment to institutional goals, priorities, and values regarding organizational excellence and diversity.
• Ability to work in a campus setting, including Health Science schools/colleges, or other university setting and various external venues
• Requirement to exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive and confidential information and to follow organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy.
• Knowledge of and skills to apply and ensure principles of performance, multiculturalism, and diversity in the work place; coaching skills to enhance staff contributions and morale.
• Strategic planning, analytical, and program evaluation skills to effectively provide sound unit recommendations and to continually examine and develop or revise systems to accommodate change and implement strategic plans.
• Skills to analyze complex information or problems in an objective manner and derive logical conclusions to provide a sound basis for establishing priorities, selecting appropriate courses of action for pursuit or recommendations to others, and to resolve conflicts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or related field of study.
• Experience managing external funding sources.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in higher education, academic administration, or a similarly complex organizational environment.
• Skills to implement academic personnel policies related to BX, BR PX, employment contracts.
• Experience working in a high-executive-level administrative position within a university or similar environment.
• Skills to direct and accomplish many tasks simultaneously.
• Experience with UC Davis and UC-wide business systems (AggieEnterprise; UCPath).
• Advanced knowledge of specific functions in a university's HR management information systems.
• Advanced knowledge of the organization's Academic Personnel-related software programs and systems.
• Expert knowledge related systemwide enterprise data management systems.
• Knowledge of University and campus policies and procedures in areas of organization, resource management, academic personnel, student affairs, staff personnel, budgeting and accounting, purchasing, equipment inventory, and collective bargaining.
• Knowledge or ability to learn and use campus software programs (KFS, Decision Support, PPMS, AggieBudget, AggieBuy, Aggie Expense, Aggie Enterprise, TRS, Job Builder, EPAR, MIV, RECRUIT, and Facilities Link.
• Skilled accomplishing goals with measurable results and empowers others to do the same; creates a vision of achievement; has an orientation for finding better and faster ways of doing things; embrace technology to help meet goals; and measure performance and encourage discussion of expectations and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Human Resources and Personnel Management
• 25% - Leadership/Operational Management/Organizational Effectiveness
• 20% - Financial Management
• 5% - Other Duties

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $122300.00 - $259900.00 (Budgeted up to $191,100)
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 27
• UC Job Title: ADMIN MGR 2
• UC Job Code: 000548
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8:00am-5:00pm
• Location: Walker (WALKER)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: 1
• This position is hybrid (minimum 3 days on-site per week, with up to 5 days required based on business needs)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work an occasional flexible schedule.Work occasional overtime including evenings, nights and weekends.May be required to work in an open and/or shared office environment with multiple interruptions.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks