Program Manager, Social Science Matrix (4800C) #89496

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Departmental Overview

The Social Science Matrix is UC Berkeley's flagship institute for social science research. We provide an organizational framework to support the cross-disciplinary research pursued by more than 500 social scientists across the Berkeley campus research landscape and beyond. Matrix provides an intellectual hub for faculty, graduate students, and colleagues to collaborate as we bring the unique tools of the social sciences to bear on the urgent matters of this moment.

Position Summary

The Program Manager works closely with the Director to help develop and implement an intellectual vision and programming calendar for Matrix; to identify and pursue collaborative initiatives; and to identify and pursue fundraising strategies. This position involves a blend of program administration, event management, outreach, and development activities to support the diverse needs of the academic community served by the Matrix, which consists of faculty and graduate students across the social sciences. Ideally, the Program Manager will have a background or an advanced degree in the social sciences, substantial experience in writing/editing, and be a thought partner to help the Director identify promising topics and speakers.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is October 29, 2026. For full consideration, please apply by the first review date.

Responsibilities

Program Administration & Management

• Collaborates with the faculty Director to conceptualize, develop, and monitor programs and activities across Matrix's research portfolio, ensuring alignment with the institution's strategic goals.
• Coordinates the call for applications and reviewers for Matrix programs, managing timelines, communications, and selection processes.
• Prepares detailed agendas and comprehensive reports for advisory board meetings, ensuring all necessary documentation and materials are available.
• Serves as primary administrative contact and point of support for the Director; efficiently funnels inquiries and time-sensitive items to appropriate personnel.
• Meets regularly with faculty fellows and occasionally attends research teams' meetings to stay informed about ongoing projects and provide administrative support.
• Meets frequently with Matrix fellows and grant recipients to support their research and organize their events, offering guidance on logistics and planning.
• Participates in planning, organizing, and staffing program events of varied scope and complexity, some of which will occasionally take place during early evening or weekend hours.
• Develops and implements event budgets, monitors expenditures, and determines event staffing needs to ensure fiscal responsibility and adequate support.
• Coordinates and assists with event catering, AV services, and guest travel, accommodation, and reimbursement in collaboration with the events assistant.
• Researches and resolves vendor issues, processes invoices, and ensures timely payment for services rendered.

Outreach and Engagement

• Collaborates with the Communications Director on the style, content, and functionality of Matrix media, including website, newsletter, and marketing, with the goal of promoting the mission and activities of Matrix.
• Produces content for reports, website, and media, highlighting the achievements and activities of Matrix programs.
• Works with the Faculty Director to research topics and guests, and develop interview questions for Matrix podcasts, ensuring content aligns with the institution's academic standards.
• Conducts interviews for Matrix podcasts and audits transcripts for accuracy, ensuring high-quality and professional presentations.
• Oversees outreach to constituencies on campus to cultivate their participation in Matrix, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
• Promotes Matrix services for joint programming, center or research support, encouraging collaboration and interdisciplinary initiatives.

Space Management

• Maintains the physical space and enclosed event spaces, ensuring they are clean, organized, and ready for use.
• Serves as the point of contact for event space use for Matrix partners and acts as a liaison to groups utilizing the space.
• Communicates policies regarding the use of Matrix space to visitors and occasional users.
• Provides technical support for installed AV systems and sets up spaces for both Matrix and non-Matrix events.
• Manages scheduling and booking of event spaces, ensuring efficient use of facilities and preventing scheduling conflicts.
• Develops and implements procedures for supply inventory and to keep equipment in good working condition.

Development

• Works with the Faculty Director and the Social Sciences Division Development Team to assist with fundraising activities and events, identify potential funding sources, and develop proposals.
• Establishes and maintains relations with foundations and other institutional sources of post-doctoral fellowships, cultivating long-term partnerships.
• Produces an annual report and other reports as needed for donors and important guests, showcasing the impact and success of Matrix programs.
• May assist with other fundraising-related duties.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of rules and regulations, processes, protocols, and procedures for budget, accounting, and fund management, and / or personnel management in a university/higher education environment.
• Interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.
• Knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong skills in short-term planning, analysis, problem-solving, and customer service.
• Thorough knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques, and/or human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience with event planning and execution, including budget management and vendor relations.
• Ability to work in a team and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid knowledge of common university-specific computer application programs, or comparable system knowledge.
• Knowledge of grant writing and proposal processes.
• Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for communication, event management, and content creation.
• Knowledge of website maintenance and content updates.
• Proficiency in design for reports, flyers, and presentation production.
• Advanced degree in the social sciences or humanities and/or equivalent experience/training.

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 be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $102,450.85 - $115,364.09 (stepped rates).

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) 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 2 days/week remote work (within the United States). 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.
• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Clerical & Allied Services Unit (CX) between the University of California and Teamsters Local 2010. The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/cx/index.html

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.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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.