Job Description

Filing Deadline: Wed 3/5/2025

This is a two (2) year 100% contract position. This appointment may be extended or converted to career status based on the needs and funding of the department.

DESCRIPTION

The Senior Associate Director for Strategy and Operations is a recognized expert responsible for shaping the strategic direction, policies, and operations of the Arts at UC San Diego. Reporting to the Executive Director of CPEO and supporting the Chief Campus Curator, operates in a highly visible and politically sensitive environment, requiring advanced professional judgment to drive critical initiatives. Incumbent leads the growth of key arts programs, aligning them with institutional and system-wide priorities while addressing complex policy and operational challenges that impact both on-campus and external venues. Ensures alignment with best practices in arts management, sustainability, and innovation.

With significant influence over organizational policy and program development, the Senior Associate Director provides strategic leadership in planning, resource allocation, and risk mitigation. Oversee business development, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability, leveraging institutional assets to enhance engagement and long-term viability. Through high-level collaboration with senior executives, stakeholders, and external partners, develop and implement policies that transform campus arts initiatives, optimize space usage, and ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements. Requires a deep understanding of change management, organizational development, and financial oversight to advance UC San Diego’s arts and cultural objectives.

Carries substantial responsibility for human capital and financial management, overseeing substantial budgets and directing teams to support strategic priorities. As a key strategist, incumbent fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration while leading high-impact change efforts that shape the university’s broader arts ecosystem. Directly influences campus-wide policies, institutional risk management, and student engagement, reinforcing the role’s significance in advancing UC San Diego’s vision for arts leadership.

Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and educational opportunities in a diverse, stimulating workforce. This position is also eligible for full:

1) Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

2) Vacation/Holidays

3) Life Insurance

4) UC Retirement Plan.

Benefits: http://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/benefits/work-life/health.html

QUALIFICATIONS

• Thorough knowledge and skills regarding the performing arts business, with emphasis on program's specialization.

• Strong knowledge of technical production for theater, dance, and / or other live performance and special event operation, including producing, production management / stage management, and operations.

• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management concepts and techniques.

• Expert knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques.

• Highly skilled in all levels of project management.

• Expert analytical / problem-solving skills.

• Expert knowledge of common organizational- or research-specific and other computer application programs.

• Highly skilled communication and interpersonal skills to communicate with and influence others, both verbally and in writing.

• Expert knowledge of the organization's processes, protocols and procedures and external regulatory requirements in policy domain.

• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.

• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must pass a background check.

Mandated Reporter: This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter pursuant to the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and requires immediate reporting of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect of anyone under the age of 18. It is the responsibility of the Mandated Reporter to ensure that they obtain proper training in order to fulfill their reporting responsibilities as required by the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and University policy, and to complete and submit the required reports to the UC San Diego Police Department without delay.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $94,400 - $176,800 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $45.21 - $84.67

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

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. "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:

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