Job opp: Admissions director at UC Berkeley

This comes to us from Mary Flaherty, oncall copyeditor. Tx, Mary:

Dear alumni: I'm writing to let you know about a job opportunity at the Journalism School. We seek a new director of admissions, whose charge also includes student affairs. I alert you to this because we have an expressed preference for someone with journalistic understanding and sensibility.

As you know, this is a vital position at the school, one carrying considerable input in shaping the profession's future. Details about the job are below. You can also find the posting under "jobs" on the Berkeley web site at http://www.berkeley.edu

Main Campus-Berkeley
Salary: $47,844 - $67,836 annual full-time rate
The Graduate School of Journalism's Director of Admissions and Student Affairs is responsible for admissions and outreach programs, student advising and support, student employment procedures, financial support allocation and alumni affairs. The Director is also responsible for strategic planning on behalf of the School of Journalism. The Director supervises a staff of 3 student affairs officers. The unit also includes several student assistants.

Responsibilities:

--Outreach/Admissions/Recruitment (40%). Reviews all applications for admission; coordinates and supervises faculty admissions committee; oversees all contact with potential students. Works with faculty, staff and dean in developing strategies for increasing enrollment of under-represented groups. Designs and supervises outreach programs, materials, open houses, and special events. Responsible for recruitment/yield activities. Most efforts are carried out in conjunction with the Admissions and Academic Affairs Coordinator.

--Student Affairs (40%). Serves as head graduate advisor for the School. Responsible for all student affairs matters. Supervises resolution of student problems and grievances, including academic difficulties, allegations of discrimination, and personal crises. Advises students on academic, personal and financial matters that impact their J-School experience. Allocates departmental student funding, including fellowships and merit grant awards; and oversees disbursement of funds, management of account budgets and reports to donors. In conjunction with Funding and Student Affairs Coordinator, the Director advises students on federal aid, scholarship and grant options. Oversees GSR hiring process and policies. Recommends hiring assignments based on student strengths and weaknesses and instructor needs. Manages budget of Student Affairs office (includes school wide student assistant budget).

--Alumni Affairs (10%). In conjunction with the Alumni Affairs Coordinator works to support the Alumni Board's efforts on behalf of the J-School. Provides support as needed to the coordinator and information, guidance and support to the board as needed.

--Long-range planning and fundraising (10%). Serves as a resource and leader for the J-School community on issues relevant to the student experience includes strategic planning recommendations, advice on curriculum, support programs, issues of concern, etc.). Works with faculty, staff and dean in drafting grant proposals and strategies for increasing student scholarships and awards. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:

--B.A. or equivalent knowledge and experience - Experience managing student activities and academic affairs, and advising and counseling individual students
--Ability to work independently, manages staff, handles a variety of projects and establish priorities effectively
--Demonstrated effective organizational, problem solving, communication, and analytical skills
--Demonstrated ability to make consistent, sound recommendations, exercise clear judgment in ethical application of policies
--Experience in working with relational databases related to registration or student databases (includes writing queries and importing/exporting data)
--Experience working with and managing budgets and funding resources
--Experience designing and delivering workshops/programs
--Excellent oral/written communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with diverse groups
--Strong interest in journalism
--Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends during certain busy periods of academic year

Preferred:

At least four years experience in graduate level admissions and/or student advising. We especially welcome applicants who have worked in news organizations or in schools of journalism. First review of applications will be 7/2/07