Program Director

Position is hybrid, and incumbent is required to work a minimum of 3-days per week on site. This position will be working from UCLA Downtown in Downtown LA (433 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013). Department Summary Excelling in quality, innovation, and impact, UCLA Extension (UCLAx) is one of the top providers of continuing and professional education in the United States, offering programs and classes to more than 50,000 students per year through approximately 4,500 classes and certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of traditional, nontraditional, domestic, international, professional, and continuing education students throughout and beyond Los Angeles. Position Summary Shape the future of lifelong learning and workforce development at UCLA Extension. UCLA Extension seeks a strategic and innovative Program Director for Humanities & Social Sciences to lead a diverse portfolio spanning Humanities, Social Sciences, Journalism, Creative & Professional Writing, Editing & Publishing, and General Education. This leadership role will drive portfolio growth, academic excellence, and market relevance by developing programs that connect humanities and social sciences disciplines to emerging workforce needs. The Director will expand pathways in areas such as communication, storytelling, ethical leadership, intercultural competence, civic engagement, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving through certificates, microcredentials, and professional education programs. The successful candidate will advance global learning, foster community and civic engagement, build strategic partnerships, and ensure programs remain competitive and impactful for domestic and international learners. This is a unique opportunity to shape innovative educational experiences that support career success, lifelong learning, and meaningful participation in an increasingly interconnected world. Key Highlights Lead strategy, growth, and academic quality for UCLA Extension's Humanities & Social Sciences portfolio. Develop workforce-aligned programs that translate liberal arts skills into in-demand professional competencies. Advance global learning, intercultural communication, and workforce readiness. Drive enrollment, revenue growth, and portfolio sustainability. Champion civic engagement, public dialogue, and community resilience. Build partnerships across UCLA, industry, nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations. Lead and mentor a high-performing team. Expand access for diverse, underserved, and international learners. Salary & Compensation *UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits. Qualifications 7 - 10 years Progressively responsible experience in academic program management or continuing education with demonstrated success leading strategic initiatives and business growth. (Required) Experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation of continuing education and professional development programs. (Required) Advanced analytical, problem solving, interpersonal, communication and presentation skills; Excellent oral, written communication and interpersonal skills. (Required) Experience with outreach to, and programming supports for, underserved communities and students. (Required) Ability to develop creative continuing education programs within an entrepreneurial framework in response to changing needs and trends; Advanced knowledge of accredited and / or certificate program instruction and delivery methodologies, the organization, market and business strategies. (Required) Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills with an ability to relate as peer to faculty, professional associations, community leadership groups, local district, county, and state personnel. Specific strengths in building partnerships. (Required) Experience in an academic environment; Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the organization's policies and procedures; advanced knowledge of functional area and understands how work impacts UNEX and programs. (Required) Knowledge and facility with computers, leading word-processing and financial management software within an electronic network office environment. (Required) Experience or understanding of distance learning methods and techniques for adult education using online learning formats. (Required) Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage budgets and projects, and deliver measurable outcomes aligned with institutional goals, including revenue, enrollment, student success, and equity targets. (Required) Experience managing a budget, fiscal controls, and expenditures. (Required) Ability to set portfolio level standards for instructional quality and approve instructor pools executed by Program Managers. (Required) Experience in report writing, proposal and grant writing. (Preferred) Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations Bachelor's Degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training (Required) And Master's Degree degree in relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience. (Preferred) Special Conditions for Employment Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation. Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment. Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired. Position is hybrid, and incumbent is required to work a minimum of 3-days per week on site. (Required) Schedule 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PST Union/Policy Covered 99-Policy Covered Complete Position Description #J-18808-Ljbffr