Co-Director, cityLAB-UCLA

ACAD PRG MGT OFCR 4 (000378)

UCPath Position ID: 41142414

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

1/23/2025 4:27:55 PM

Date Last Edited:

1/23/2025 4:27:51 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1210O

Organization:

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE

Division Code:

1212D

Division:

ARTS & ARCHITECTURE DIV

Department:

003300 - ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DESIGN DEPARTMENT

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

41142414

Position Description ID

235428

UC Payroll Title:

ACAD PRG MGT OFCR 4 (000378)

Business Title:

Co-Director, cityLAB-UCLA

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 25

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

1 - Staff: Contract

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40042782

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-AY

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40066139

Department Head Payroll Title:

ASSOC PROF-AY

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the cityLAB Director, the Co-Director serves as a primary member of the core executive team overseeing and driving the strategic direction, management, and operation of cityLAB. The Co-Director is also a primary research staff member, responsible for project management, conducting research on cityLAB projects, and managing external relations, including fundraising. The management role is focused on budgeting, strategic planning, monitoring growth, staff planning, and setting overall goals for the lab to ensure the successful execution of projects. In the research role, the Co-Director focuses on producing novel research, report writing, public presentations, design demonstrations, and drafting legislation. The Co-Director develops, executes, and disseminates cityLAB's research across its prioritized areas: housing, public space, pedagogical experiments, community engagement, and storytelling for social justice. The co-director will lead research and operations in one or more of these areas, and must have a proven track record of working knowledge across all of them. In terms of external relations and public outreach, the co-Director builds connections with community leaders and public stakeholders, both on and off campus, winning projects to sustain cityLAB operations. These responsibilities are at times shared with or supervised by the Director, and the Co-Director will lead other staff members in the execution of projects, events, publications, exhibitions, public art demonstrations, prototyping, fabrication, and proposal writing.  This role requires a dynamic leader with advanced academic degree(s) in architecture, urban design, and urban planning, 2 or more years' experience with project management and funding acquisition, demonstrated abilities guiding collaborative teams with a wide range of expertise and abilities, and the agility to navigate the intersection of academia, practice, and policy.

Founded in 2006, cityLAB is a think tank in the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture. One of the leading urban design centers in the country, cityLAB's mandate is to bring design and research together to forge experimental proposals for architecture in the 21st century metropolis. Its projects engage four broad initiatives: the postsuburban city, rethinking green, urban sensing, and new infrastructures. Through cityLAB, faculty,

students, designers, and policy makers collaborate on numerous problems at a range of scales, beginning in Los Angeles but extending beyond the region. cityLAB is a center at UCLA under the department of Architecture and Urban Design that leverages design, research, policy and education to create more just urban futures with real impacts for communities in Los Angeles and beyond.

Research and Activities

1.Sets project direction and coordinates research tasks in their role as project manager. Considers individual projects in light of long-term goals and initiatives. 2.Works collaboratively with project partners, faculty, research staff, graduate and undergraduate students as needed to perform research. 3.Devises and executes data collection and research delivery plans in accordance with best practices as needed for project objectives. 4.Employs a range of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods analytical approaches to addressing project research questions given available data. 5.Explores innovative design solutions and develops prototypes to identify the architectural possibilities of cityLAB’s research projects.

60%

Research and Activities Cont.

6.Writes and edits research reports, papers, academic articles, and public statements or portions thereof. 7.Maintains highest level of subject-area expertise. Learns new analytical methods, software tools, and research approaches as needed to meet project objectives and to develop enhanced research capabilities. Conducts complex analytical tasks with these skills. 8.Develops short- and long-term initiative goals and tracks their progress over time. 9.Regularly engages in strategic planning to set overall direction for cityLAB and its projects. 10.Connects with civic partners and related researchers to identify new research topics relating to cityLAB’s primary research areas of housing policy, public space, and beyond.

0%

Research and Activities Cont.

11.Develops proposals and applies for funding in collaboration with partners for external funding from agencies, foundations, and other entities

0%

Project Management

1.Develops project plans to be shared with project staff, including refining research questions, developing approaches to addressing questions, strategizing the phasing of work, preparing for prototyping, fabricating, and other architectural testing when applicable, and planning around available resources to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and on budget, while maintaining rigorous standards of quality. 2.Identifies skills and knowledge needed for successful project completion and recruits research staff to fill gaps as needed. 3.Communicates with public officials and the press regarding research projects and related areas of knowledge. Disseminates research findings to internal UCLA and external academic, practitioner, and advocacy partners.

20%

Program Administration

1.In collaboration with the Director, recruits, hires, trains, motivates, and co-evaluates staff. 2.Reviews and advises the Director on the internal processes, procedures, staffing levels, and organizational structure of cityLAB to determine best methods of business, research, and outreach operations. 3.Oversees, in collaboration with the core leadership of cityLAB, policies, workflows, procedures, and standards to ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operation. 4.Develops and oversees a budget congruent with the mission and strategic plan of cityLAB. Produces budget projections and trend analyses on the operation of the center. 5.Builds and sustains a strong network of academic, professional, and civic partners to further cityLAB’s mission.

20%

Program Administration Cont

6.Represents cityLAB at conferences, public forums, and other events, promoting its research and fostering collaborations that extend its impact locally and globally.

0%

•

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

Advanced degree in at least one relevant area (architecture, planning, urban design, etc.) and/or equivalent experience/training.

Required

Strong knowledge of common visual digital platforms and geographic information systems, software, and computer design programs. Demonstrated ability to understand and engage with architectural media and to produce architectural drawings, diagrams, and documentation.

Required

Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and execute public events, exhibitions, and design-build demonstrations.

Required

Proven ability to develop, implement, and publish novel research related to cityLAB’s research areas.

Required

Proficient in communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively through visual, verbal, and written media. Emphasis on public speaking skills and ability to listen, learn and build trust among various constituencies.

Required

Demonstration of high degree of political sophistication, a strong understanding of the legislative process, and knowledge of the intricate relationships among internal and external constituents.

Preferred

Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.

Required

Superior analytical skills, ability to develop new methods of operation, and demonstrated success in resolving issues in a timely manner.

Required

Strong organizational skills to manage various activities and programs with multiple demanding deadlines.

Required

Ability to work independently and as an active team member, to work under pressure with competing interests, and to maintain flexibility throughout the life of a project.

Required

Ability to analyze, research, and synthesize large amounts of data with strong attention to detail. Particularly adept at communicating complex ideas, with an emphasis on visually representing these ideas.

Required

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.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Perloff Hall

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.