Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Learning Innovation

ACAD PRG MGR 2 (000389)

UCPath Position ID: 40911804

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1100531

Approved Date:

9/10/2025 6:32:47 PM

Date Last Edited:

9/10/2025 6:32:44 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

1/19/2022

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

8400O

Organization:

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Division Code:

8420D

Division:

DEAN, UCLA EXTENSION

Department:

557500 - UNEX: OFFICE OF THE DEAN

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40911804

Position Description ID

165496

UC Payroll Title:

ACAD PRG MGR 2 (000389)

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 28

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

A: Manager - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40049951

Reports to Payroll Title:

DEAN UNIV EXT

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40049951

Department Head Payroll Title:

DEAN UNIV EXT

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

004169

PUBL EDUC SPEC 4

10.0

004165

PUBL EDUC SUPV 2

1.0

007398

PROJECT POLICY ANL 3

1.0

004263

ADMIN OFCR 2 CX

1.0

004170

PUBL EDUC SUPV 1

14.0

004522

CURRICULUM PLNR 2

12.0

004165

PUBL EDUC SUPV 2

1.0

004168

PUBL EDUC SPEC 3

6.0

004167

PUBL EDUC SPEC 2

26.0

004804

COMPUTER RESC SPEC 2

1.0

004723

BLANK AST 3

4.0

004723

BLANK AST 2

5.0

004575

STDT SVC ADVISOR 3

1.0

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Dean and aligned with the mission and long-term goals of UCLA Extension (UCLAx), the Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Learning Innovation provides strategic leadership and operational management for all academic programs within the Division of Continuing Education. As a member of the division's executive leadership team, this role is instrumental in shaping Extension's program growth and development strategy, overseeing a diverse portfolio of educational offerings that serve the needs of Los Angeles, California, and beyond.

The Associate Dean supervises all Portfolio Directors and academic support units, ensuring the implementation of high-quality teaching and learning standards. They foster a culture of educational innovation, lead the development of sustainable initiatives, and set expectations for instructor performance and pedagogical outcomes. The role also ensures compliance with UC, UCLA, and UCLAx academic policies and procedures, while promoting a positive organizational culture that supports staff and instructor engagement.

Key responsibilities include serving as the principal liaison for academic matters across departments, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and advancing strategic partnerships with campus units. The Associate Dean leads instructor development efforts and oversees the lifecycle of certificate program development, including campus approvals and portfolio review.

Additionally, the Associate Dean serves on ad hoc committees and task forces at the discretion of the Dean and collaborates closely with the Associate Dean of Administration/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to achieve the academic and financial objectives of a large, self-supporting, market-responsive educational enterprise.

UCLA Extension (UCLAx) is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region.

Academic Planning & Administrative Oversight

1. Oversee the implementation of academic quality standards consistently applied across all Extension programs, encompassing over 4500 courses per year and over 100 certificate programs offered in in-person, hybrid, and online formats. 

2. Oversee policies and practices related to Extension's 2,100+ instructors, ensuring appropriate recruitment processes, instructional training and development, academic standards and policies, and evaluation. Ensure uniform application of policies and practices across Extension.

3. Provide direction and consultation to academic staff on new program opportunities to support the development and implementation of diverse, high-quality educational offerings by Extension. This included working with Market Research to undertake needs assessment processes and marketplace analyses as appropriate.

4. Establish consistent processes for working with program advisory boards to ensure their maximum effectiveness and appropriate recognition.

5. Oversee the review and approvals processes for all courses and instructors. Coordinate with academic units on campus for approval for all course offerings that provide some form of UC credit and ensure that appropriate processes are followed. Review, analyze and recommend improvements to the course and instructor approval process. Participate in championing and implementing those changes on campus and within Extension. E

6. Provide consultation on a range of academic department initiatives. Ensure capacity and implementation for interdisciplinary, cross-departmental efforts in program development and marketing strategies. Establish and maintain cross-departmental collaboration. 

7. Conduct periodic enrollment and business analyses of programs and evaluation of academic integrity and program effectiveness.

8. Institute a process to routinely evaluate instructor performance across all programs.

9. Work with Portfolio Directors to ensure the academic integrity of all Extension courses and program offerings.

10. Manage and conduct the formal review process, including curriculum reviews, for all Extension certificate programs. Provide feedback and guidance to academic departments on needed improvements.

11. Oversee and manage the New Certificate Program proposal process for certificate programs. and serve as liaison between program departments and campus approval with the Academic Senate, deans, and faculty.

12. Oversee and manage the Extension Instructor Development program for all formats of course offerings, including face-to-face, online, and hybrid. The overall program must include an onboarding process for new instructors and a focus on alternative pedagogies that serve Extensions' adult student population. Increase the integration of technology in the Extension's delivery methodologies.

13. Facilitate the development of an Extension Instructor Community. E

14. Monitor, identify, and correct program overlap and redundancies. E

15. Provide final appeal on complaints by students or instructors on academic issues. Respond to all such complaints and consult with the Student Rights & Responsibilities Center on cases involving disciplinary actions for cheating or behavioral activities resulting in suspension or expulsion. 

16.In partnership with UCLA Academic Programs Office, supervise the interpretation and implementation of the academic policies of the University as they apply to UCLA Extension. This includes overseeing the review of policies as they apply to Extension and, when necessary, the recommendation of changes or alternative interpretations of university academic policies and procedures for applicability to Extension operations.

17. Oversee the accreditation process for all Extension certificate programs that are subject to accreditation by outside agencies. Periodically monitor compliance with accreditation standards.

18. Work with the Dean to increase access to classes and programs across Greater Los Angeles and specifically flesh out class and program offerings at UCLA Downtown. This includes working with the Portfolio Directors to develop a portfolio of programming for each center on an annual basis. 

19. Work with the Dean and Assistant Dean of External Affairs to implement strategies for community engagement and philanthropic development across all UCLAx programs, departments, and staffing, including ensuring that academic staff are involved in the Los Angeles community constructively to advance the mission of UCLAx and UCLA.

20. Work with the Dean and the Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence to develop inclusive pedagogies and create strategies to increase representation from underrepresented communities in our instructor, staff, and student groups.

50%

Leadership & Senior Management

1. Serve on the Senior Leadership team. Lead initiatives and serve on task forces and search committees that contribute substantially to the strategic direction of the organization.

2. Foster internal cooperation and cross-unit collaboration. Promote a positive culture and spirit of cooperation among academic and administrative units.

3. Provide recommendations to the Dean on a variety of issues, including the assessment of new program opportunities, academic policies, and organizational restructuring that pertain to academic programs.

4. Work alongside the CFO to lead all academic units' quarterly budgeting and financial planning process. Provide recommendations to increase enrollments, expand revenue, reduce costs, and improve the net return to Extension and UCLA.

5. Represent Extension at system-wide meetings as appropriate.

6. Represent UCLA Extension at institutional and departmental events.

7. Provide oversight of periodic, mission-critical projects, such as the program review of UCLA Extension by the UCLA Academic Senate.

8. Make recommendations regarding program partnerships and articulation agreements.

9. Work closely with the Assistant Dean of Enrollment & Student Services to ensure strategies for increasing student enrollment, extending the reach of UCLA, and implementing strategies to increase ROI on all marketing and advertising efforts.

10. Work closely with the Assistant Dean for International Programs to ensure strategies for global engagement, including establishing partnerships with universities and colleges, international student recruitment, and creating programs to serve the needs of global learners.

11. Establish key performance indicators for all UCLAx programs and classes. 

11. Foster a culture of innovation, growth, and collaboration across all UCLAx academic departments and teams to lead and drive UCLAx to the realization of its 10-year strategic plan, including increasing annual revenue to $100 million.

30%

Direct Program Management

1. Oversee all Portfolio Directors and their units. Ensure that program portfolios are of high quality, up-to-date, and that programs are delivered through delivery methods appropriate to them. Work with Portfolio Directors to continuously infuse the portfolios with new courses and certificate programs to ensure currency. Maintain a process for regular review and upgrading of all programs and courses. 

2. Mentor and train new Academic Program Portfolio Directors. 

3. Serve as an Interim Portfolio Director during transitional periods. 

20%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

PhD

Doctorate in related area and / or equivalent experience and training in higher education.

Required

5 years

Minimum of leadership/management experience in a higher education institution or a similarly complex organization, as well as oversight of academic / continuing education program(s)

Required

Proven ability to design and manage creative continuing education programs within an entrepreneurial framework, responsive to evolving market needs.

Required

Highly advanced experience planning and executing complex projects or events within large organizations, with strong organizational and coordination skills.

Required

Sophistication in educational administration, instructional design, and teaching/training; experience in developing programs for diverse audiences.

Required

Experience managing academic and administrative staff, including hiring, mentoring, and performance management in a collaborative environment.

Required

Exceptional ability to lead cross-functional teams using influence rather than authority, fostering effective internal and external relationships.

Required

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience in report writing, proposals, and business correspondence.

Required

Strong computer literacy and comfort working in an electronic office environment.

Required

Comprehensive understanding of the university system or experience in academic or public service nonprofit settings.

Required

Demonstrated and strong ability to set priorities, solve problems creatively, make decisions, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Required

Ability to work effectively with academic administrators, campus faculty, and UCLA Extension instructors.

Required

Familiarity with the Los Angeles County region and its development potential; experience with executive, managerial, and international education audiences

Required

Demonstrated understanding of online learning formats and distance education methods for adult learners

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Non-University Setting(s)

Location:

UCLA Downtown 433 S. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

•

Commonly used office equipment.

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.