Department Manager Plant & Microbial Biology (7378U) #87325

About Berkeley At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic, and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity‑focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan. Departmental Overview The Department of Plant & Microbial Biology (PMB) at UC Berkeley consistently ranks among the top institutions worldwide for research and training in plant biology and microbiology. The Department is committed to the University of California's mission of dedicated research and providing a superior education in plant biology, microbiology, and related life sciences. We integrate fast‑changing technology and developments into our research and develop collaborative partnerships with other scientists and research institutions at UC Berkeley and around the world. Position Summary The Department Manager, Plant & Microbial Biology, manages, performs, or coordinates the administrative services of the Department of Plant & Microbial Biology (PMB). This position oversees activities in finance, human resources, IT, facilities, and graduate and undergraduate student services. The Department Manager provides general management by conducting long‑ and short‑range strategic planning to determine the mission and by directing all departmental activities through subordinate and centralized services staff. Responsibilities Manages, plans and administers or coordinates all administrative functions of the PMB, including department office operations, web & communications, facilities, student services, laboratories, scientific teaching facilities, space and safety, budgetary financial management, purchasing, and reimbursements. Coordinate PMB's interactions with affiliated centers and research units. Serve as PMB's chief liaison to Berkeley Regional Services and the RCNR Deans office staff. Manage departmental programs and needs, such as seminar series, hiring of lecturers, and hiring/start‑up for new faculty. Prepare departmental reports, e.g., TAS budget, campus space surveys, business continuity plans. Supervise PMB department administrative staff and the RCNR Teaching Laboratories and Living Micro‑organism Collection scientific staffs and space, serving both PMB and the Department of Metabolic Biology & Nutrition. Manage the hiring and onboarding of new staff. Work with the chairs to provide leadership and strategic planning, including budget and space allocation, staff structure and functions, anticipating and solving complex and sensitive issues, coordinating faculty committee assignments, and enacting the department's strategic plan. Develop short and long‑range planning for administrative services operations and process improvement. Establish and recommend changes to policies that affect the department. Develop and prepare complex budgets with multiple funding sources, including grants, general appropriations, and philanthropic funds, applying advanced concepts to analyze future resource allocations. Prepare budget reports. Develop and manage departmental outreach programs to community, emeriti, alumni, and potential donors in coordination with RCNR Development and College Relations. Develop/coordinate efforts to reach out to potential philanthropic foundations and industry. Coordinate faculty HR actions/issues in partnership with the RCNR Academic Personnel Analyst and the Chairs. Act as a conduit/sounding board for faculty and Chairs on HR issues. Support faculty and lecturer hiring processes. Plan and coordinate startup, lab setup, and new faculty/lecturer onboarding. Plan for physical plant rehabilitation and renovation. Coordinate equipment purchases funded by the PMB department. Coordinate space and shared equipment use and safety programs for the department, including lab moves and closeouts. Coordinate planning for academic programs with faculty, chairs. Assess needs based on resources and requirements, make recommendations to chairs. Work with chairs, faculty teaching leadership, the RCNR undergraduate office, and PMB staff to coordinate teaching assignments, lecturer searches, course scheduling, course evaluations, and curriculum changes. Coordinate and oversee the completion of large‑scale, high‑priority projects such as academic program reviews, outreach efforts, or grant and contract proposals involving diverse and/or wide variety of funding sources and agencies. Represent the department on business affairs to the institutional community and serve on departmental, college, and campus committees. Required Qualifications Advanced knowledge of University rules, regulations, processes, protocols, and procedures for budget, accounting, fund management, personnel management, and the ability to learn. Advanced interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising, and counseling skills. Advanced knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting, payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines. Demonstrated ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality. Advanced skills in short‑ and long‑term strategic planning, analysis, problem‑solving, and customer service. Advanced knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques, and/or human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees and the ability to learn. Advanced knowledge of common University‑specific computer application programs and/or the ability to learn. Education / Training Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience / training. Salary & Benefits The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $91,500 - $150,000. The position is exempt, monthly‑paid, full‑time (40 hours/week), and a career position eligible for UC benefits. How To Apply To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter. Other Information This position is eligible for up to 20% remote work within the United States after full competency is achieved. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change. This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee. Conviction History Background This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. Misconduct As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California, Berkeley