Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Learning Innovation

Special Instructions to Applicants

UC Only
Priority consideration will be given to active UC employees from any UC location or UCLA preferential
rehires. External applicants may be considered if the applicant pool is not sufficient.

This position is not remote. On-site presence will be required at a minimum of 3 days per week, depending on departmental and organizational needs. For more information, please consult the hiring manager.


Department Summary

UCLA Extension (UCLAx) is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region.
Position Summary

Under the direction of the Dean and aligned with the mission and long-term goals of UCLA Extension (UCLAx), the Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Learning Innovation provides strategic leadership and operational management for all academic programs within the Division of Continuing Education. As a member of the division's executive leadership team, this role is instrumental in shaping Extension's program growth and development strategy, overseeing a diverse portfolio of educational offerings that serve the needs of Los Angeles, California, and beyond.

The Associate Dean supervises all Portfolio Directors and academic support units, ensuring the implementation of high-quality teaching and learning standards. They foster a culture of educational innovation, lead the development of sustainable initiatives, and set expectations for instructor performance and pedagogical outcomes. The role also ensures compliance with UC, UCLA, and UCLAx academic policies and procedures, while promoting a positive organizational culture that supports staff and instructor engagement.

Key responsibilities include serving as the principal liaison for academic matters across departments, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and advancing strategic partnerships with campus units. The Associate Dean leads instructor development efforts and oversees the lifecycle of certificate program development, including campus approvals and portfolio review.

Additionally, the Associate Dean serves on ad hoc committees and task forces at the discretion of the Dean and collaborates closely with the Associate Dean of Administration/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to achieve the academic and financial objectives of a large, self-supporting, market-responsive educational enterprise.


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

• 5 years Minimum of leadership/management experience in a higher education institution or a similarly complex organization, as well as oversight of academic / continuing education program(s) (Required)

• Proven ability to design and manage creative continuing education programs within an entrepreneurial framework, responsive to evolving market needs. (Required)
• Highly advanced experience planning and executing complex projects or events within large organizations, with strong organizational and coordination skills. (Required)
• Sophistication in educational administration, instructional design, and teaching/training; experience in developing programs for diverse audiences. (Required)
• Experience managing academic and administrative staff, including hiring, mentoring, and performance management in a collaborative environment. (Required)
• Exceptional ability to lead cross-functional teams using influence rather than authority, fostering effective internal and external relationships. (Required)
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience in report writing, proposals, and business correspondence. (Required)
• Strong computer literacy and comfort working in an electronic office environment. (Required)
• Comprehensive understanding of the university system or experience in academic or public service nonprofit settings. (Required)
• Demonstrated and strong ability to set priorities, solve problems creatively, make decisions, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. (Required)
• Ability to work effectively with academic administrators, campus faculty, and UCLA Extension instructors. (Required)
• Familiarity with the Los Angeles County region and its development potential; experience with executive, managerial, and international education audiences (Required)
• Demonstrated understanding of online learning formats and distance education methods for adult learners (Preferred)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• PhD Doctorate in related area and / or equivalent experience and training in higher education. (Required)

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.

Schedule

8:00 am to 5:00 pm, PST
Union/Policy Covered

99-Policy Covered
Complete Position Description