Executive Director of Cal-Bridge

Executive Director, Cal-Bridge

The University of California, Irvine is seeking a dynamic executive director for its Cal-Bridge Program. Now in its second decade, Cal-Bridge is a partnership of all three segments of the California higher education system: 10 University of California (UC), 23 California State Universities (CSU), and 116 California Community College (CCC) campuses. The Cal-Bridge program consists of four distinct but interconnected programs: the undergraduate program, summer research program, doctoral program, and postdoctoral program. Together they create a comprehensive, end-to-end pathway for undergraduate STEM majors from the diverse student population of the three systems through graduate school to a PhD, postdoctoral fellowship, and ultimately membership in the STEM professoriate or professional workforce.

The School of Physical Sciences at the University of California, Irvine is the administrative home of the Cal-Bridge program. We seek an individual with skills to provide strategic leadership and to create and implement the vision and direction of Cal-Bridge. The executive director (ED) is responsible for raising funds for the program through advocacy with the state government, national and private foundation grants, and from corporations and private individuals in collaboration with the university advancement office. Cal-Bridge is primarily supported by funding from the California state legislature, and the ED is fiscally responsible for the program.

The ED must possess academic credentials to understand research, scholarship, and professional pathways and foster networks with academics in the STEM fields, particularly those at the UC, CSU, and CCC campuses that make up the Cal-Bridge network of institutions. The ED manages and oversees the full range of activities and responsibilities, including daily operations and fulfillment of programmatic goals for Cal-Bridge, including supervision of staff, financial oversight, communications, outreach, and recruitment. The ED position resides in the School of Physical Sciences at University of California, Irvine, but manages and provides technical direction for a large, complex, visible academic program with multiple locations, and a large operational budget. The ED is responsible for recruiting and retaining participants, mentors, directors, and other leaders to partner with the intersegmental program in achievement of program goals and oversees subcontracts with program partners and facilitates several events, conferences, and seminars annually.

The Executive Director is responsible for the entire scope of planning, operations, and resource management for the Cal-Bridge program and enterprise; defines and prioritizes specific needs related to the program's mission and develops objectives and strategies to meet those needs. The ED directs and plans all financial operations, has management responsibility for all finances, programs, and human resource issues and oversees operational efficiency, financial performance, and strategic planning.

What It Takes to be Successful Required: PhD in a relevant STEM or STEM-adjacent field Academic background and recognized expertise in one or more relevant discipline(s) of STEM research. Demonstrated results in broadening participation in STEM pathways in higher education Demonstrated expertise to build, develop, and implement innovative programs within a leading academic institution while adhering to administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices. Expert oral and written communication skills with a broad community of other researchers and scientists, funding agencies, media, industrial partners, program managers, and center managers. Experience working with dynamic and diverse groups of faculty, staff, and students. Demonstrated success in fundraising through grants and/or government appropriations Experience using expert level negotiation skills to work collaboratively with internal and external diverse constituencies. Preferred: Academic experience working and partnering with departments and schools in a broad range of disciplines. Program or executive business management experience in academic and / or government agencies. Significant track record in research, especially as related to broadening participation in STEM pathways. Experience building and coordinating educational STEM pathway programs. Faculty work demonstrating commitment to student, postdoc, and/or faculty development and to faculty and student diversity. Experience as an academic leader, e.g., a director, chair, associate dean, dean, or similar position including academic experience working and partnering with departments and schools in a broad range of disciplines.

Considerations for faculty applicants: If selected, continuing faculty applicants should be aware that a leave of absence from their current role may be required to commit to a primary, full-time administrative appointment for a term of 3-5 years at the University of California, Irvine. For full consideration, apply by June 30, 2026.