Associate Director of Graduate Admissions and Operations (Job ID #88893)

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, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world. Departmental Overview UC Berkeley School of Law (Berkeley Law) is one of the nation's great centers for legal education, ever exploring and pushing new intellectual boundaries while tackling urgent, real-world issues. Berkeley Law is also known for its vibrant and engaged community of students and scholars who are committed to providing leadership and making a difference on problems of local, national, and global import. Position Summary The Associate Director of Graduate Admissions and Operations at Berkeley Law administers LL.M. and J.S.D. application processing and a wide range of related activities for the law school, all designed to assist with the recruitment of the strongest and most diverse class possible. Reporting to the Director of Admissions and Operations, the Associate Director of Graduate Admissions and Operations assists in reviewing 1,500 - 2,000 LL.M. and J.S.D. applications annually, and manages a variety of correspondence throughout the application cycle in support of the Admissions unit. The incumbent dedicates a large portion of their efforts to coordinating and managing databases and systems, and will largely be responsible for processing and updates of applicant records across admissions and enrollment management systems. Given their unique position at the intersection of systems and people, they will also make recommendations for and implement process changes. They are responsible for policy interpretation and application, but with a keen eye for which issues require clarification or escalation. This Associate Director of Graduate Admissions and Operations will also work closely with our departmental partners, such as Registrar’s Office, IT, and Communications, to ensure that the planning and processes for critical programs are completed on time and accurately. They will contribute to annual updates to electronic and print communications, web pages, the application, and other key communication moments. They must also remain flexible and creative, able to spot issues that arise and generate solutions. The Associate Director of Graduate Admissions and Operations must be comfortable generating and using real-time data and reports, working across a wide variety of databases and applications, and importing and exporting data across multiple systems with absolute accuracy. They will be charged with responding to processing issues and problems as they arise by generating creative solutions or escalating issues where appropriate. They will plan and implement key projects; assists with and facilitates programs for student outreach, recruitment, and admissions for the law school within appropriate constituents and communities. This position will also periodically educate the public, both domestically and abroad, about admissions requirements, policies, and processes. Exceptional professional judgment must be exercised across all of these functional areas. While the incumbent will work closely with all other team members, they will also be able to work independently. Willingness to ask questions, comfort with technology, and excellent communication skills will be clearly demonstrated by the successful candidate. Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is October 6, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date. Responsibilities Independently manages admissions database systems processing (in UNITE, Salesforce, etc.) for incoming applications to the LL.M., J.S.D., and future graduate law programs. Under the supervision of the Director of Admissions and Operations, responsible for ensuring that all materials related to the application process (apps, fee waiver requests, supplemental materials, etc.) are received, processed, evaluated, updated, and communicated with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. Ensures that the review process runs smoothly, and makes updates to systems, reports, or processes as needed in order to respond to changing demands in a high-stakes, fast-paced office. Working with Data Systems Analyst and Marketing Specialist, designs systems and reports that are responsive to the needs of the department, and coordinates responses to internal and external inquiries as appropriate (with guidance from Directors and Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid). Ensures reporting accuracy and collaborates on larger-scale projects to improve processing and data visualization. Annually, leads a coordinated effort to update the application for LL.M., J.S.D., and future graduate law admission, working cross-departmentally with Financial Aid, Student Academic Advising and Support Services, Graduate Division, etc. Shares these updates (with LSAC or other) and oversees any related changes to mapping of responses to database fields, ensuring that existing reports remain functional or are updated. Audits changes to ensure the application is functioning correctly. Reviews and updates the application instructions and website, coordinating with the Directors and Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid to ensure policy changes are accurately reflected. Coordinates with others such as Graduate Division, IT, Financial Aid, etc. to push and pull data from our systems and databases to campus systems (e.g., Salesforce, SIS). Makes recommendations for ways this process could be made more efficient, or to ensure greater accuracy. Regularly reviews current database and systems processes with consideration of alignment with office policies and key objectives. Makes recommendations for revisions to processes based on independent data collection and research, centering the overall enrollment objectives of the office. Considers anticipates policy changes, focusing on whether they will necessitate processing changes, and identifies steps necessary to create optimal alignment. Serves as the primary point of contact for outside vendors specific to the admissions process. Evaluates office needs and makes recommendations regarding the acquisition of additional tools necessary or beneficial. In the event this leads to the integration of new systems or technologies, and works closely with IT to coordinate the onboarding of those changes. In coordination with the Data Systems Analyst, and under the direction of the Director of Admissions and Operations, works effectively with a wide range of applications and tools such Qualtrics, DocuSign, and FormAssembly in order to launch specific admissions-related projects in a timely manner. Regularly monitors the Student Information System (SIS), ensuring data integrity and representing the program at SIS user group meetings. Maintains and updates admissions responses via Statements of Intent to Register (SIR), seat deposit submissions, and associated tasks/notifications in CalCentral. Processes deposits, withdrawals, and deferrals to ensure accurate and consistent data across all systems and reports. Provides technical assistance to admitted students as needed. Manages work study students in support of the graduate admissions programs at the law school. Selects, trains, and directs work study students on a variety of projects, and delegates projects and tasks to them with clear direction and expectations. Resolves performance issues should they arise. Consults with the Director of Admissions and Operations and Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid around the annual budget for hiring these students. Communications Communicates with applicants regarding application completion or status, updates student records in UNITE, Salesforce, and/or SIS, and audits files for completion and consistency. Plans timetables and identifies benchmarks within the application cycle in order to ensure we are achieving our goals. Identifies issues that may arise and communicates these to the Director of Admissions and Operations and/or Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. Under the supervision of the Director of Admissions and Operations, communicates multiple high-stakes messages, e.g., fee waiver decisions, admissions decisions and related information to applicants. Researches foreign legal education systems and evaluates transcripts and international records for eligibility and communicates eligibility decisions to applicants. Assists with coordination of annual updates to Admitted Students Website, and other related web content. Assists with responding to Admissions-related email messages and managing inboxes. In collaboration with the Director of Admissions and Operations, annually (and as needed) revises the departmental Communications Plan. Identifies benchmarks and key deliverables, and establishes systems to ensure those are met. Communicates proactively both within and outside of the department to ensure the timelines are well understood, including defining the lead time necessary for each facet of the plan. Works extensively with the Communications department to project manage the updating and delivery of key print materials, such as the Viewbook. Works diligently and in partnership with others to ensure accuracy, execution and delivery of materials by critical deadlines. Creates timelines and workflows to plan receipt and distribution of materials. Works closely with the Marking Specialist to plan, review, and execute electronic communication campaigns, ensuring all digital content is accurate and current. Collaborates on monitoring campaign cycles and responds promptly to one-off email update requests or mid-cycle changes, coordinating revisions and approvals to maintain accuracy and continuity in communications. Establishes timelines and quality-control workflows for content updates, approvals, and distribution to support timely and effective delivery. Manages all standard departmental communications to applicants and admits (e.g., Executive Track admission emails, Dean’s admit letter) and coordinates annual updates to emails and lists in Salesforce. Sends drafts out for review and changes, and proactively partners with others (Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Dean of Career Development, Dean of Students, executive assistant to the Dean) to make sure deadlines are met. Outreach & Recruitment Using excellent professional judgment, provides substantive information via telephone, email, and in person on law school admissions requirements to the LL.M., J.S.D., and future graduate law program, application process, scheduling appointments, specific financial aid, housing, career opportunities, resources, and additional information. Issue-spots and escalates issues when appropriate. As needed, performs recruitment activities, including writing or editing materials, and represents the school/college/department at admissions events and other forums, both in person and virtually. May plan visits to law firms, and schedule and give independent presentations, but primarily works with other team members to ensure collection and collation of meaningful data from such events, such as creating registration systems or tracking attendance, and works to integrate this information into other processes such as file review. Under direction and guidance of the Director of Graduate Admissions for Outreach and Recruitment, plans, organizes and/or assists with events to enhance recruitment and yield, including individual admitted student related events and similar activities. Focuses on creating sustainable systems for greater effectiveness of programs, and coordinates with other team members to track key data points that can assist with yield modeling, etc. that is performed elsewhere in the department. Identifies opportunities to streamline processes in incorporating new technology and/or admissions evaluation tools, such as interviews. Processes fee waiver requests and updates fee waiver form as needed. May work with LSAC or campus to create systems that make the application or awarding process more streamlined and automated. Under the supervision of the Director of Admissions and Operations, and working collaboratively with the Data Systems Analyst and other key members, supports deployment of surveys and other data collection moments to assist with review of initial gift aid eligibility. With a high degree of accuracy, collects and collates responses to create usable data sets for analysis. Generates historical and real-time reports to assist with gift aid review as needed. File Review Exercises exceptional professional judgment in reviewing, evaluating, and recommending applicants for admission using established and predefined guidelines. Assesses applicants for motivation, initiative, leadership potential, work/life experience, extracurricular activities, socioeconomic status, and educational/personal hardship. Under the parameters and with the objectives set forth by the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, interprets the Faculty Policy Governing Admissions, Application Review Handbook, and other critical guidelines in individual cases using the principles of holistic review. Using established guidelines, applying acquired knowledge of college/school/department requirements and applicant pool to assess applicants' overall record and experience for admissions recommendation. Consults with senior level staff when reviewing more complex applications. Other Duties Engages in professional development and training opportunities as needed. Performs additional duties within the scope of this classification as assigned. Required Qualifications Thorough knowledge and experience working with a diverse student population. Strong skills in analyzing and synthesizing large amounts of data for preparing sound and relevant proposals with ability to interpret policies and procedures to prospective students and the public. Strong advising and counseling skills with thorough and comprehensive knowledge of academic programs, including curricula, admissions requirements, and financial aid programs, at colleges / universities. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with schools, universities, community organizations, and other institutions. Ability to develop recruitment programs, and design effective materials. Analytical, critical thinking, problem recognition/avoidance/resolution/problem-solving skills and the ability to deal with ambiguity. Ability to understand and easily explain the nature of the law school experience, the academic and other requirements of the field, and the key factors a successful applicant and matriculant should possess. Political acumen to establish and maintain cooperative relationships throughout the organization and with universities, and partner institutions. Ability to leverage those relationships to meet key Admissions Office objectives. Excellent computer skills with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems and programs. Demonstrated experience and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of common campus-specific databases and experience with admissions-based systems, such as Qualtrics, and other related programs. Knowledge of and experience with and/or ability to learn web site design and other CRM technologies, such as Salesforce. Highly advanced interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written), and the ability to employ active listening skills and the ability to develop persuasive and compelling arguments. Ability to provide a high level of customer service and responsiveness. Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member. Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Strong attention to detail. Ability to exercise a high degree of professional judgment and discretion while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. Must be able to travel nationally and globally for outreach and recruitment events (up to 10%); must have a valid driver's license to drive to regional events. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaborate with individuals and groups from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes collaboration and mutual respect among all members of the UC Berkeley community and its stakeholders. Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with and understand individuals from varied academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. Experience working with data management systems to generate reports and process data. Preferred Qualifications Experience in law school or other higher education admissions settings. Knowledge and familiarity with and/or ability to learn about UC Berkeley and/or law school programs and requirements preferred. Education / Training Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. (Required) Licenses / Certifications Must maintain valid CA DL and clean DMV record. Salary & Benefits For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website. Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to #J-18808-Ljbffr UC Berkeley Law Pro Bono Program