Assistant Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff to VC Administration #87434

About Berkeley

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 make 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.

Departmental Overview

The Administration Division advances Berkeley’s mission by keeping the university operating safely, sustainably, and efficiently. We serve as the backbone of campus—delivering the essential systems, services, and expertise that make Berkeley’s teaching, research, and public service possible. Please visit: https://vca.berkeley.edu/home

Position Summary

The Assistant Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff serves as key strategist and, with the Vice Chancellor and members of the VCA Executive Leadership Team, develops and executes the strategic direction, long- and short-range plans, and innovation initiatives of the Administrative Division. This position has high level authority to represent the Vice Chancellor's views and interests across the Administrative Division and with senior campus leaders and other constituents. Works with the Administrative Division Executive Leadership Team and professional staff in the Immediate Office handling diverse administrative functions such as human resources, resource allocation, operational effectiveness, budget planning and communications. Uses advanced concepts and organizational objectives to resolve complex issues and problems which require analysis of unique issues and/or problems without precedent. Exercises mature judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria, to measure progress and results. Represents the Vice Chancellor on campus committees, temporary task forces, and working groups as they emerge. Provides direction and support to the Division Chief Financial Officer to ensure the Vice Chancellor is fully informed of the financial profile and performance of the division and its constituent departments. Directs and manages the communications and immediate office functions of the Administrative Division and aligns division communications with Strategic Communications. Collaborates with VCA leadership team on various functional and divisional priorities and problem solving; and collaborates with other campus leaders such as other Chiefs of Staff on various campus-wide matters.

Application Review Date

Application review will begin in late July & early August. The position will be open until filled. For full consideration, those interested should submit a cover letter and resume via jobs.berkeley.edu by August 7, 2026.

The search is supported by Berkeley Executive Search (BES), a UC-internal executive recruitment team.

Responsibilities

Divisional and Campus Leadership & Executive Advising

Immediate Office & Division Leadership

Communications

Special Projects

To view the full job posting and the full responsibilities, please visit jobs.berkeley.edu.

Required Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of complex organizations and their processes, protocols, procedures, structures, and policies.
• Possess excellent organizational and political acumen to navigate complexity and move things forward and to effectively engage internal and high-level external stakeholders, such as local government, community partners, and/or system-wide leadership, etc.
• Demonstrates advanced strategic thinking and consulting skills in guiding the organization toward workable strategies and solutions.
• Possess organizational discipline to execute on strategies and solutions.
• Knowledge of the organizational environment of higher education and large research universities to understand client priorities, issues, motivations and constraints.
• Advanced consulting, relationship building, and strategic thinking skills.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, project planning and implementation skills.
• Skills to effectively lead highly significant engagements from inception to conclusion.
• Highly-skilled in navigating complex organizations.
• Advanced written, verbal, and presentation skills for influencing and facilitating sustained change, foster collaboration across decentralized units, and support a cohesive organizational culture.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence and active listening skills; proven ability to navigate difficult conversations and build authentic trust with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Impeccable managerial and interpersonal skills to set goals and manage accountability.
• Possess strong financial and budget acumen.
• Proven track record of effectively interacting with senior management and at least a few years of supervisory experience to effectively coach/mentor staff.
• Effective, versatile and goal/action-oriented.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to mitigate conflict and reach conflict resolution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of the University of California, or similarly complex, organizational processes, protocols and procedures.
• Working knowledge of the University of California, or similarly complex, organization and system-wide organizational reporting structure, as well as an understanding of the interactive roles of management throughout the organization.
• UC Berkeley and/or UC System experience preferred.

Education / Training

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. (Required)
• Advanced degree. (Preferred)

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. 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, analysis of internal equity, 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 budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $250,000 - $310,000. The full annual pay scale for this classification is $176,100 - $335,900.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

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.

“Misconduct” Means Any Violation Of The Policies Or Laws Governing Conduct At The Applicant’s Previous Place Of Employment, Including, But Not Limited To, Violations Of Policies Or Laws Prohibiting Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Or Other Forms Of Harassment, Discrimination, Dishonesty, Or Unethical Conduct, As Defined By The Employer. For Reference, Below Are UC’s Policies Addressing Some Forms Of Misconduct

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.