Description

Department Marketing Statement: 

Through international academic experiences, the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) inspires students to explore and transform their lives, UC, and the world. Since 1962, UCEAP has served as the UC systemwide study abroad program. In support of this mission, it has served over 100,000 students across all ten UC campuses and over 30,000 international exchange students. UCEAP is committed to promoting excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Recognizing that diversity is integral to the University’s achievement of academic excellence, UCEAP upholds the principle of equal opportunity for all, adheres to the University of California Diversity statement, and strives to create an environment that is welcoming for all. UCEAP typically has over 6,000 student participants annually, is active in over 40 countries worldwide, and welcomes about 1,500 Reciprocity students annually to the University of California. Sustained by strong academic excellence, spirited faculty collaboration, and an interrelated support system, UCEAP produces future global citizens and thought leaders.uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu.

The Lead Program Specialist is a technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues/problems without precedent and/or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy. Applies advanced, specialized student services expertise, advises on complex student issues. Identifies systemic problems and issues and proposes solutions to management. Reporting to the Managing Supervisor (Manager) the Lead Program Specialist provides leadership to the Program Specialist team and serves as the primary operating liaison between the University of California Education Abroad Program, Systemwide Office (UCEAP) and (a) UC Study Center staff worldwide; (b) Study Abroad offices on the UC campuses; and (c) UC students participating in UCEAP. Directly responsible for supervision of Study Abroad Advisors and all operational and logistical activities pertaining to an assigned portfolio within the approximately 6,000 UCEAP program participants each year, in over 40 countries worldwide. Collaborates with all program teams to develop and integrate best practices and provide back-up support. Works to ensure these processes are as advanced and efficient as possible. Maintains primary responsibility for communicating policies pertaining to all operational aspects of students' programs within their assigned portfolio (applications, visa requirements, housing, on site logistics, non-academic health accommodations and disability issues, host institution acceptance) to the staff abroad, campus offices, UCEAP staff, and students on UCEAP. Within assigned portfolio, assembles and maintains program information, manages student information, and files, and generates reports. Collaborates with IT and Marketing units on operational web and database issues and developments. Serves as a liaison, providing coordination and leadership on behalf of all Program Specialists across the global programs team, for special projects and committee/work group representation.  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. 
• Six or more years of relevant experience, including two or more years of administrative experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Sound judgment, with decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning. 
• Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate within a complex organization. 
• Interpersonal skills, multicultural competencies, and ability to work with diverse populations. 
• Previous project management experience
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including MS Teams and SharePoint or equivalent. 
• Previous experience with enrollment management systems, productivity, and database management software. 
• Knowledge of web and social media tools. 
• Experience interpreting and applying government or other organizational policies, requirements, or regulations. 
• Knowledge of web and social media tools. 
• Experience interpreting and applying government or other organizational policies, requirements, or regulations.
• Ability to identify measures of system performance and actions to improve performance. 
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning. 
• Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of UC policies and procedures. 
• Experience in implementing international education programs.
• Familiarity with international institutions of higher education.  
• Experience with social media platforms and services. 

Special Conditions of Employment:

The UCEAP Systemwide Office is located in Goleta, CA (near the UCSB campus). Type of work arrangement eligibility: Hybrid. On-site presence will be required for leadership and staff meetings, delegation visits, training sessions, and for periodic meetings with direct report staff members, etc. The University is unable to pay or reimburse expenses prohibited by University policy, including travel expenses associated with commuting to the designated office 
Satisfactory conviction history background check 
UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment 
Position requires occasional travel to UC campuses, conferences, and/or program sites abroad.