Lead Program Specialist, Global Programs

Company:  University of California, Santa Barbara
Location: Santa Barbara
Closing Date: 23/10/2024
Salary: £125 - £150 Per Annum
Hours: Full Time
Type: Permanent
Job Requirements / Description

Job Posting Details

Payroll Title: Student Services Advisor 4
Job Code: 004576
Job Open Date: 9/13/24
Application Review Begins: 9/30/24; open until filled
Department Code (Name): EAPQ (Education Abroad Program Loc Q)
Percentage of Time: 100%
Union Code (Name): 99 (Non-Represented)
Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff (Career)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Grade: Grade 21
Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $69,500 to $83,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $69,500 to $123,500/year.
Work Location: UCEAP
Working Days and Hours: M-F, 8:00am - 5:00pm Pacific time or similar schedule
Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits
Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations). On-site presence will be required for leadership and staff meetings, delegation visits, training sessions, and for periodic meetings with direct report staff members, etc.

Special Instructions: For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement: Through international academic experiences, the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) inspires students to explore and transform their lives, UC, and the world. Since 1962, UCEAP has served as the UC systemwide study abroad program. In support of this mission, it has served over 100,000 students across all ten UC campuses and over 30,000 international exchange students. UCEAP is committed to promoting excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Recognizing that diversity is integral to the University’s achievement of academic excellence, UCEAP upholds the principle of equal opportunity for all, adheres to the University of California Diversity statement, and strives to create an environment that is welcoming for all.

Brief Summary of Job Duties: The Lead Program Specialist is a technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues/problems without precedent and/or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy. Applies advanced, specialized student services expertise, advises on complex student issues. Identifies systemic problems and issues and proposes solutions to management. Reporting to the Managing Supervisor (Manager) the Lead Program Specialist provides leadership to the Program Specialist team and serves as the primary operating liaison between the University of California Education Abroad Program, Systemwide Office (UCEAP) and (a) UC Study Center staff worldwide; (b) Study Abroad offices on the UC campuses; and (c) UC students participating in UCEAP. Directly responsible for supervision of Study Abroad Advisors and all operational and logistical activities pertaining to an assigned portfolio within the approximately 6,000 UCEAP program participants each year, in over 40 countries worldwide. Collaborates with all program teams to develop and integrate best practices and provide back-up support. Works to ensure these processes are as advanced and efficient as possible. Maintains primary responsibility for communicating policies pertaining to all operational aspects of students' programs within their assigned portfolio (applications, visa requirements, housing, on site logistics, non-academic health accommodations and disability issues, host institution acceptance) to the staff abroad, campus offices, UCEAP staff, and students on UCEAP. Within assigned portfolio, assembles and maintains program information, manages student information, and files, and generates reports. Collaborates with IT and Marketing units on operational web and database issues and developments. Serves as a liaison, providing coordination and leadership on behalf of all Program Specialists across the global programs team, for special projects and committee/work group representation.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
  • Six or more years of relevant experience, including two or more years of administrative experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Sound judgment, with decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
  • Ability in problem identification and reasoning.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate within a complex organization.
  • Interpersonal skills, multicultural competencies, and ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Previous project management experience.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, including MS Teams and SharePoint or equivalent.
  • Previous experience with enrollment management systems, productivity, and database management software.
  • Knowledge of web and social media tools.
  • Experience interpreting and applying government or other organizational policies, requirements, or regulations.
  • Ability to identify measures of system performance and actions to improve performance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of UC policies and procedures.
  • Experience in implementing international education programs.
  • Familiarity with international institutions of higher education.
  • Experience with social media platforms and services.

Special Conditions of Employment:

  • The UCEAP Systemwide Office is located in Goleta, CA (near the UCSB campus). Type of work arrangement eligibility: Hybrid. On-site presence will be required for leadership and staff meetings, delegation visits, training sessions, and for periodic meetings with direct report staff members, etc.
  • Satisfactory conviction history background check.
  • UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.
  • Position requires occasional travel to UC campuses, conferences, and/or program sites abroad.

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

  • 20% Leadership of Program Specialists and Supervision of Support Staff.
  • 15% Student Advising and Orientation.
  • 15% Student Placement and Selection.
  • 25% Student Pre-departure Preparation.
  • 5% Logistical Program Coordination and Development.
  • 15% Partner Institution Communication and Emergency Support.
  • 5% Joint Tasks and Responsibilities.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy: As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs. For more information, please visit:

  • UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information -
  • University of California Policy on Vaccinations – With Interim Revisions -

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement: UC Santa Barbara 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:

Reasonable Accommodations: The University of California endeavors to make accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email

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