Program Director (Humanities & Social Sciences)

PUBL EDUC SPEC 4 (004169)

UCPath Position ID: 41179551

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

8/20/2026 11:38:33 AM

Date Last Edited:

8/20/2026 11:38:30 AM

Last Action Effective Date:

10/14/2025

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

#N/A

Organization:

#N/A

Division Code:

#N/A

Division:

#N/A

Department:

555700 - UNEX: HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

41179551

Position Description ID

233783

UC Payroll Title:

PUBL EDUC SPEC 4 (004169)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

Grade 22

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

C: Supervisor - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

41258354

Reports to Payroll Title:

ACAD PRG MGR 2

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

41258354

Department Head Payroll Title:

ACAD PRG MGR 2

DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent establishes procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives in a broad area of work. Only the final results of work done are typically reviewed. Incumbent typically develops procedures within the limits of established policy guidelines.

004170

PUBL EDUC SUPV 1

1

004167

PUBL EDUC SPEC 2

5

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Director provides data-informed strategic academic leadership for the Humanities & Social Sciences Programs portfolio within UCLA Extension, ensuring alignment with the institution's mission, academic excellence, operational and fiscal efficiency, and responsiveness to workforce and community needs.

The Director serves as the strategic business owner and final decision-maker for the portfolio, overseeing program strategy, curriculum quality, instructor standards (implemented through Program Managers), and business development initiatives. The Director is accountable for portfolio revenue, margin, and enrollment targets

Excelling in quality, innovation, and impact, UCLA Extension (UCLAx) is one of the top providers of continuing and professional education in the United States, offering programs and classes to more than 50,000 students per year through approximately 4,500 classes and certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of traditional, nontraditional, domestic, international, professional, and continuing education students throughout and beyond Los Angeles.

Strategic

Leadership &

Academic

Oversight

1. Provide informed strategic leadership for the assigned program portfolio, ensuring alignment with  UCLA Extension’s mission and institutional priorities.     

2. Set portfolio vision and strategy and oversee program design, development, and evaluation to maintain academic excellence, operational efficiency, and responsiveness to workforce and community needs.  

3. Ensure curriculum quality and compliance through rigorous review processes, approval of instructor pools and quality standards, as well as other relevant state agencies, as applicable (executed by Program Managers), and adherence to UCLA academic standards.

4.  Lead and mentor Program Managers and Representatives, establishing objectives, reviewing performance, and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, equity, and inclusion.                                                                          

5. Develop strategies to reach and support underserved communities locally and throughout the state.

6. Develop and manage annual business plans and budgets, aligning financial sustainability with academic goals; own accountability for revenue, margin, and enrollment outcomes. 

50%

Collaboration & Market Responsiveness

1. Determine new trends and changing educational needs of the communities served by UCLA. Use labor market analysis and enrollment data to guide portfolio growth, program innovation, and decisions on program launch, redesign, or sunset; approve business cases developed by Program Managers.

2. Collaborate with Teaching & Learning to integrate best practices in pedagogy, instructional design, and technology for enhanced student engagement.

3. Partner with marketing  on the planning, promotion, and marketing of educational programs, courses, seminars and conferences to support branding, outreach, and enrollment strategies that drive visibility and growth; set strategic priorities and success metrics for campaigns.

4. Work with Academic Advising and Enrollment Management to ensure operational alignment and exceptional student service delivery across programs.

5. Develop and maintain positive and productive collaboration with relevant UCLA faculty and administration. Expand the partnerships with the UCLA community, regional networks, and other agencies that seek collaboration to expand continuing education pathways and external revenue opportunities.

30%

External

Engagement &

Compliance

1. Regularly represent UCLA Extension in campus committees, systemwide initiatives, and attend outside regional university network and professional association meetings and events as a thought leader in lifelong learning and workforce development related to the portfolio's industry.

2. Pursue grants, contracts, and philanthropic opportunities in partnership with External Affairs to support program innovation and diversify revenue streams. 

3. Ensure compliance with UC policies, ADA accessibility standards, and risk management requirements across all programs. 

4. Stay informed on emerging technologies and delivery models, recommending adoption where appropriate to improve learner engagement and access. 

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

Bachelor's Degree

in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Required

And

Master's Degree

degree in relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.

Preferred

7 - 10 years

Progressively responsible experience in academic program management or continuing education with demonstrated success leading strategic initiatives and business growth.

Required

Experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation of continuing education and professional development programs.

Required

Advanced analytical, problem solving, interpersonal, communication and presentation skills; Excellent oral, written communication and interpersonal skills.

Required

Experience with outreach to, and programming supports for, underserved communities and students.

Required

Ability to develop creative continuing education programs within an entrepreneurial framework in response to changing needs and trends; Advanced knowledge of accredited and / or certificate program instruction and delivery methodologies, the organization, market and business strategies.

Required

Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills with an ability to relate as peer to faculty, professional associations, community leadership groups, local district, county, and state personnel.  Specific strengths in building partnerships.

Required

Experience in an academic environment; Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the organization's policies and procedures; advanced knowledge of functional area and understands how work impacts UNEX and programs.

Required

Knowledge and facility with computers, leading word-processing and financial management software within an electronic network office environment.

Required

Experience or understanding of distance learning methods and techniques for adult education using online learning formats.

Required

Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage budgets and projects, and deliver measurable outcomes aligned with institutional goals, including revenue, enrollment, student success, and equity targets.

Required

Experience managing a budget, fiscal controls, and expenditures.

Required

Ability to set portfolio level standards for instructional quality and approve instructor pools executed by Program Managers.

Required

Experience in report writing, proposal and grant writing.

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.

Position is hybrid, and incumbent is required to work a minimum of 3-days per week on site.

Required

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Non-University Setting(s)

Location:

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.