UCSB PaCE Academic Coordinator II - Degree Plus Coordinator

The Department Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) invites applications for the position of Academic Coordinator. The core goals of Professional and Continuing Education are to provide continuing education courses to students and professionals in our community.

UCSB Extension, now known as Professional and Continuing Education, is an agile, self-supported UCSB Department offering professional courses and certificate programs to over 3000 students per year. We provide coursework on essential skills and expertise to compete in today's job market to all local and non-local students and professionals, corporate training and executive education. Our Open University program provides a gateway to the wealth of UCSB courses to all community members. Our International Programs enable visiting scholars and professionals from all over the world to experience the outstanding research and instruction at our top-rated University.

The Academic Coordinator will play a central role in managing and advancing the Degree Plus initiative at UC Santa Barbara, an innovative pilot program designed to enhance undergraduate career readiness through interdisciplinary certificate programs, integrated internships, and industry-aligned training. Reporting to the PaCE Associate Dean and working closely with academic departments, Institutional Research, Planning & Assessment, and key campus partners, the Academic Coordinator will oversee the academic, logistical, and administrative operations of the program. This position will lead the development and implementation of new certificate offerings, ensuring alignment with UCSB's academic standards, market needs, student interests, and the grant proposal. The Academic Coordinator will drive data-informed decision-making, coordinate stakeholder collaboration, and champion student success by connecting UCSB undergraduate students to high-demand workforce skills.

• Lead and manage the academic, logistical, and administrative operations of the Degree Plus pilot program, ensuring alignment with UCSB's mission to enhance student career readiness and employability.
• Collaborate extensively with internal and external stakeholders, including PaCE's Registrar, Customer Service and Outreach, Marketing, and Program Support, academic departments, Career Services, Institutional Research, Planning & Assessment, the Executive Vice Chancellor's Office, and industry partners.
• Design, coordinate, and implement new certificate programs aligned to Degree Plus that integrate practical training, internships, and flexible delivery formats.
  Develop and manage data collection systems in collaboration with UCSB Institutional Research, Planning & Assessment, UCOP, and other partners to track student demographics, program progress, and outcomes (including but not limited to post-graduation employment); ensure alignment with systemwide reporting requirements.
• Support curricular planning across multiple departments and ensure compliance with academic policies, addressing course sequencing, prerequisites, and scheduling to maximize student access and minimize time-to-degree impacts.
• Coordinate career-integrated learning opportunities, including internships (minimum 120 hours over 3-12 weeks) and digital badging initiatives, to provide students with verified, industry-relevant skills.
• Lead outreach, recruitment, and engagement efforts, including on-campus and online information sessions, orientations, graduation events, and marketing campaigns, in partnership with the PaCE marketing team.
• Oversee administrative functions, in collaboration with PaCE Operations team, including managing program websites, databases, Zendesk Help Center, application review processes, and compliance with FERPA, Clery, Title IX, and related regulations.
• Evaluate program success and generate data-informed recommendations for continuous improvement, expansion, and scaling of certificate programs, ensuring responsiveness to evolving market needs and student interests.
• Serve as a key liaison and advisor to the PaCE Associate Dean, Degree Plus Career Service Specialist/Coach, and program advisory boards, integrating feedback from faculty, subject matter experts, and employers.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Department: https://professional.ucsb.edu/

More Info: https://professional.ucsb.edu/

• Master's degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 3-5 years of experience managing self-supporting academic programs, professional and continuing education initiatives, or interdisciplinary training efforts within a university or comparable setting.

• Demonstrated success in designing, launching, or coordinating certificate programs, internships, or workforce development initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop clear reports, program materials, web content, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across academic departments, administrative units, and external partners, including faculty, employers, and institutional leaders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, learning management systems, student information systems, and CRM or data management platforms.
• Familiarity with the University of California system or other large public research universities.
• At least 5+ years of experience in education and/or nonprofit administration
• Experience managing academic programs or programmatic budgets
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to juggle complex, multi-stakeholder projects, meet deadlines, and adjust to shifting priorities.
• Experience in collecting, analyzing, and reporting institutional or programmatic data, and using insights to inform program improvement and meet compliance/reporting standards.
• Understanding of workforce trends, career readiness frameworks, and the role of professional credentials (e.g., certificates, digital badges) in enhancing employability.
• Experience working with diverse student populations

• 2-4 required (contact information only)

The department will conduct a reference check for the finalist before extending an offer.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "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 or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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.