Master's Program Director (5157C) - Department of Statistics

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The Statistics Department, in the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS), was originally established in 1938 as the first center in the country for statistical research. Since its inception, graduates and faculty of Berkeley have shaped the foundations of statistics. The department continues to be recognized as one of the preeminent centers for Probability and Statistics in the world.

The department places a strong emphasis on research through partnerships working with institutions and industry partners that include: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL), the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute (HWNI), the Sloan Institute, the Simons Institute, the Berkeley Institute for Data Science (BIDS), and private-sector industry leaders in tech, finance, and healthcare. We collaborate closely with departments and centers such as: Astronomy, Bioengineering, Biostatistics, Berkeley AI Research (BAIR), the Center for Computational Biology (CCB), Computational Precision Health (CPH), Demography, Economics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS), the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP), Integrative Biology (IB), Mathematics, Molecular & Cell Biology (MCB), Neuroscience, Berkeley AI Research (BAIR), Computational Precision Health (CPH), Physics, and Sociology.

The Statistics Department has roughly 50 active faculty and emeritus faculty, 5 lecturers, 15 researchers, 150 graduate students, 500 undergraduate students, and 14 career staff positions. The faculty have a dizzying array of honors and awards, including the National Medal of Science, the COPSS award (the Statistics "Nobel"), and seven members of the National Academy of Sciences. The department is highly attractive to Visiting Faculty, Visiting Scholars, Postdoctoral Scholars, and students from around the world and currently enrolls 7,000 students in its courses annually.

The Master's in Statistics and Data Science is a full-time professional degree program completed over two to three semesters and designed to prepare students for careers in industry. The program enrolls approximately 100 students annually.

The Master's Program Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Master's in Statistics and Data Science program and plays a central role in advancing the program's academic, administrative, and student success objectives. Working closely with the Department Chair, Director of Administration, Director of Student Services, he Master's Program Faculty Committee and faculty leadership, the Director contributes to long-range planning, policy development, program operations, student engagement, and continuous program improvement.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Student Services, the Director independently manages the administration and daily operations of the program, applying advanced expertise in graduate student services, academic advising, admissions and enrollment management, financial aid administration, career development, program planning, and student engagement. The Director develops and implements initiatives that enhance the student experience, strengthen recruitment and yield outcomes, support student success, and promote operational excellence.

The Director oversees complex administrative and operational functions essential to the continued growth and success of the program and serves as a key liaison among students, faculty, staff, alumni, employers, and external partners.

The First Review Date for this job is: July 22, 2026 - Open Until Filled

Program Oversight: With a high degree of autonomy, oversees the operational, administrative, and strategic functions of the Master's Program. Develops and implements initiatives to support program growth, enhance the student experience, improve operational effectiveness, and ensure alignment with departmental and institutional goals.

• Leads program operations across multiple stakeholders, including faculty, lecturers, staff, student employees, and external partners, to support the successful implementation of academic and co-curricular initiatives.
• Working closely with the Master's Chair, oversees planning, timelines, communications, and execution of program activities and initiatives, ensuring efficient operations and a high-quality student experience.
• Develops strategic goals, assesses program performance through qualitative and quantitative data, and recommends initiatives that support enrollment growth, student success, operational effectiveness, and long-term program sustainability.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and recommends improvements based on assessment data, student feedback, operational needs, and evolving program priorities.
• Directs the planning and implementation of program events and student engagement activities, including orientation, Summer Prep, Visit Day, professional development workshops, commencement and community-building initiatives.
• In collaboration with the Master's Program Chair and Director of Administration, supports budget planning, resource allocation, and financial oversight for the Master's program.
• Oversees the Peer Ambassador Program, including program development, recruitment, training, supervision, and assessment.
• Develops and manages the program's digital communications strategy, including oversight of website content, electronic communications, and other outreach materials to support recruitment, engagement, and program visibility.
• Working closely with the Master's Program Chair, coordinates the preparation, review, and submission of program proposals, reports, and other documentation required by the University of California Office of the President and campus academic review processes.
• Identifies operational challenges and emerging needs, develops solutions and process improvements, and recommends policy or procedural changes that enhance program effectiveness and student success.

Advanced Student Services & Academic Advising: Provides comprehensive academic advising and student support to Master's in Statistics and Data Science students from admission through degree completion. Applies advanced student services expertise to address complex academic, personal, and professional development needs while promoting student success, retention, and timely degree completion.

• Serves as the primary academic advisor for Master's students, providing guidance on degree requirements, curriculum planning, academic progress, capstone completion, and graduation requirements.
• Monitors student progress toward degree completion, maintains student records, and implements proactive interventions to support student success and retention.
• Advises faculty, staff, and students on departmental, college, Graduate Division, and university policies, procedures, and academic regulations.
• Identifies, evaluates, and resolves complex student issues involving academic performance, conduct concerns, grievances, discrimination-related matters, and other sensitive situations; recommends and implements appropriate solutions in consultation with campus partners as needed.
• Provides guidance regarding academic petitions, exceptions to policy, grade appeals, accommodations, and other complex student matters requiring coordination across multiple campus offices.
• Designs, implements, and facilitates workshops, informational sessions, and advising programs that support students' academic, professional, and personal development.
• Analyzes student outcomes and emerging trends, identifies systemic barriers to student success, and recommends improvements to advising practices, student support services, and program policies.

Admissions & Recruitment: Provides comprehensive academic advising and student support to Master's in Statistics and Data Science students from admission through degree completion. Applies advanced student services expertise to address complex academic, personal, and professional development needs while promoting student success, retention, and timely degree completion.

• Serves as the primary academic advisor for Master's students, providing guidance on degree requirements, curriculum planning, academic progress, capstone completion, and graduation requirements.
• Monitors student progress toward degree completion, maintains student records, and implements proactive interventions to support student success and retention.
• Advises faculty, staff, and students on departmental, college, Graduate Division, and university policies, procedures, and academic regulations.
• Identifies, evaluates, and resolves complex student issues involving academic performance, conduct concerns, grievances, discrimination-related matters, and other sensitive situations; recommends and implements appropriate solutions in consultation with the Director of Student Services, Master's Program Chair and campus partners as needed.
• Provides guidance regarding academic petitions, exceptions to policy, grade appeals, accommodations, and other complex student matters requiring coordination across multiple campus offices.
• Designs, implements, and facilitates workshops, informational sessions, and advising programs that support students' academic, professional, and personal development.
• Analyzes student outcomes and emerging trends, identifies systemic barriers to student success, and recommends improvements to advising practices, student support services, and program policies.

Financial Aid Administration and Career Development: Leads the development, administration, and assessment of financial aid and career development initiatives that support student access, success, and career outcomes. Oversees the allocation and stewardship of significant financial aid resources while developing programs that enhance students' professional readiness and career outcomes.

• Manages annual distribution of student financial support for the Master's program, including Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST) return-to-aid allocations, departmental scholarships, and Graduate Division fellowships, ensuring compliance with university policies and funding requirements.
• Designs and administers the financial aid review process as part of the admissions cycle, evaluating applicants based on financial need, academic merit, and program priorities to support equitable access and enrollment goals.
• Applies established evaluation methodologies to assess applicants and recommend full and partial tuition support awards, balancing available resources, student needs, and enrollment objectives.
• Integrates financial aid decisions into admissions and yield strategies, leveraging financial support resources to enhance recruitment efforts, improve enrollment outcomes, and support student retention.
• Reviews and resolves complex or exceptional financial aid cases, providing guidance to students and coordinating with campus partners to ensure appropriate and equitable outcomes.
• Collaborates with departmental finance staff and Graduate Division partners to ensure accurate award processing, fund management, reporting, and compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Develops and implements career development programming, including workshops, employer engagement activities, alumni networking opportunities, and professional development resources that prepare students for careers in industry.
• Advises department / college / school management regarding enhancement of the organization's strategic plan for career counseling and placement services.
• Advises students on career planning, internship and employment opportunities, job search strategies, and professional skill development, connecting students with relevant campus and external resources.
• Cultivates relationships with employers, alumni, and industry partners to expand career opportunities, strengthen workforce connections, and support successful student career outcomes.

Professional Development and Special Projects:

• Maintains current knowledge of trends, best practices, and regulatory developments in graduate education, student affairs, enrollment management, financial aid, and career services through participation in professional development activities, conferences, campus committees, and professional organizations. Represents the department in campus and external professional networks and contributes to the advancement of best practices in graduate student services.
• Leads and participates in special projects, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional efforts that advance departmental, college, and campus priorities. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and campus partners to develop and implement new programs, policies, services, and process improvements that enhance program effectiveness and student success.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems, persuasion, leadership.
• Skills in monitoring / assessing people, processes or services, to make improvements.
• Skills in project management, social perceptiveness to be aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Advanced knowledge of complex visa and immigration policies, procedures and regulatory requirements for international students and scholars.
• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs such as Campus Solutions, Slate, etc.
• Knowledge of the field of Statistics and post-degree employment opportunities
• Basic knowledge of UC Berkeley and the department/school/college.

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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $76,230 to $105,840 yearly ($6,352.50 to $8,820.00 monthly); the full salary range for this title (STDT SVC ADVISOR 4 SV) is $76,230 to $135,450 yearly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for SV.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

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.

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

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

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.