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Higher Ed Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Solutions Consultant

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site +1

$175K - $210K/yr

Technical Integrations & Higher Ed IT Ecosystem * Own the technical conversation with CIOs, IT Directors, InfoSec leads, integration owners, and data teams. * Develop and maintain deep working ...

... seeking a Director of Sustainability. In this position, you'll lead the company's efforts in ... higher ed, healthcare, and urban campuses. The team is actively seeking talented Architects with a ...

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Higher Ed Director information

What does a higher ed director do?

A Higher Ed Director oversees the operations, administration, and strategic planning of departments or divisions within a college or university. Their responsibilities can include managing budgets, supervising staff, developing academic or student programs, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies and regulations. They also play a key role in setting goals, assessing outcomes, and fostering a positive learning environment. The specific duties may vary depending on the size and type of the institution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a higher ed director?

To thrive as a Higher Ed Director, you need strong leadership, organizational management, and strategic planning skills, typically supported by an advanced degree in education or administration. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), institutional research tools, accreditation standards, and budget management software is crucial. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building abilities help foster collaborative environments and manage diverse stakeholder needs. These skills are vital for driving institutional success, ensuring compliance, and supporting student and faculty achievement.

What are some common challenges faced by higher ed directors in managing academic programs?

Higher Ed Directors often encounter challenges related to balancing the needs of faculty, staff, and students while ensuring academic programs meet institutional goals and accreditation standards. They must navigate budget constraints, adapt to changing educational technologies, and address issues of student retention and success. Effective communication and collaboration with various campus departments are essential, as is the ability to lead teams through periods of change or curriculum updates.

What is the difference between Higher Ed Director vs Academic Dean?

AspectHigher Ed DirectorAcademic Dean
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Education or related fieldMaster's or Doctorate in Education or related field
Work EnvironmentAdministrative leadership in colleges/universitiesAcademic leadership overseeing faculty and curriculum
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutions, colleges, universitiesHigher education institutions, colleges, universities
Primary FocusOverall institutional management and strategic planningAcademic programs, faculty, and curriculum oversight

While both roles operate within higher education, the Higher Ed Director focuses on institutional management and strategic initiatives, whereas the Academic Dean concentrates on academic programs and faculty oversight. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the higher education sector.

What are the most commonly searched types of Higher Ed jobs in California?

The most popular types of Higher Ed jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Higher Ed Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Higher Ed Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Higher Ed Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Employee Labor & Relations Consultant (0495U), People & Culture - 56711 (San Francisco)

Inside Higher Ed

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Overview

Employee Labor & Relations Consultant (0495U), People & Culture - 56711

Join to apply for the Employee Labor & Relations Consultant (0495U), People & Culture - 56711 role at Inside Higher Ed. The University of California, Berkeley, is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to supporting the full potential of staff, students and faculty.

At UC Berkeley, we emphasize an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice, with broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. We encourage applicants who align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

Departmental Overview: People & Culture is valued as UC Berkeley's proactive people partner focusing on key priority areas: One HR, People, Culture.

Responsibilities
  • LABOR RELATIONS: Manage and administer collective bargaining agreements, including the management of the grievance program, information requests, reporting, contract negotiations, union business leave, equity increases, reclassifications, parameter requests, participate in labor-management meetings and the negotiation of labor disputes, draft settlement agreements, meet and confers, and union noticing.
  • Provide direct services to client groups as assigned.
  • Act as a resource to managers, supervisors, and employees to interpret collective bargaining agreements.
  • Employee Relations: Handle all facets of employee relations, including performance management, investigations including reports, discipline, separations, reclassifications, equity increases, and resolutions to employment disputes.
  • Provide guidance regarding layoffs, terminations, corrective action, and/or policy grievances (PPSM 70s).
  • Must facilitate sound and consistent employee and labor relations decisions.
  • Provide guidance regarding and/or create and maintain accurate documentation of investigations or other employment or labor matters.
  • Provide direct services to client groups as assigned.
  • Act as a resource to managers, supervisors, and employees to interpret policies and procedures.
  • Provide advice and counsel regarding leave administration, e.g., FMLA, CFRA, and compliance with the Americans with Disability Act and the requirements under this law, e.g., the interactive process.
  • Act as an objective intermediary for employees and supervisors.
  • Participate in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and negotiation with/between supervisors and employees.
  • Relations with Employee Unions, Campus Business Partners, Supervisors, and Employees: Establish and maintain positive and appropriate union/management and campus business partner relations.
Communication & Administrative Duties
  • Provide communication of potential employment litigation and/or risks to legal counsel and obtain legal counsel on employment matters as needed.
  • Advise on template and process updates.
  • Track work performed to provide data for metrics and recordkeeping.
  • Review trends and practices in labor/employee relations, and recommend programs that will enhance employee and labor relations at the university.
  • Assess current functions and provide input to achieve unit best practices.
Special Projects & Training
  • Supports team or legal counsel responses related to employment litigation and government agency charges.
  • Design and deliver or co-deliver training for employees, supervisors, managers, and HR Partners pertaining to employee and labor relations and related compliance (e.g., training concerning policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, performance management, and/or applicable state and federal legal requirements).
  • Independently, with the Director's input prepare briefing memos, instructional manuals, job aids, and tool kits.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • 3-4 years of experience equivalent to an Employee and Labor Relations Consultant performing professional-level human resources work requiring use of the knowledge and abilities listed herein.
  • Demonstrated analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to write detailed, well-organized, concise emails, position statements for administrative procedures (CDR, EEOC, PERB, DLSE, PPSM 70 hearings), arbitration briefs, analytical reports, procedures, processes, performance management documents, web content, and training documents.
  • Experience with and/or ability to learn University of California systems and programs.
  • Knowledge of labor/employment law and the principles of advocacy to represent the campus in dispute forums.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with all levels of the UCB community, system-wide and with outside professionals.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to perform in high-conflict situations with sensitive matters.
  • Knowledge of NLRA, California Labor Code, California Government Code, FLSA, CFRA, ADA, FMLA, EEO/EEOC, and related regulations, including recent developments and public sector applicability.
  • General knowledge of Information Practices Act, Public Records Act, HEERA requirements for information release, and data creation for bargaining.
  • Ability to work with confidentiality, independent judgment, and to manage multiple projects with deadlines.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to handle difficult or volatile situations effectively.
  • Technical proficiency with MS Office; ability to learn new applications.
  • 3-4 years of demonstrated labor contract administration and employee relations experience with ability to write detailed documents as described above.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in related area plus 3-4 years of relevant experience, or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of campus policies and California UC system-wide personnel practices, labor contracts and agreements.
  • SHRM-CP or PHR certification.
  • Working knowledge of or ability to speak Spanish and/or Chinese Mandarin.
Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $145,000 - $160,000. This is a 12-month, 100% full-time (40 hours per week), contract position eligible for full UC benefits with the possibility of extension. Hybrid position, eligible for 75% remote capability.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information, see the U.S. EEOC poster and UC nondiscrimination policy.

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