Master’s Program Director (5157C) - Department of Statistics

About the role

The Master’s Program Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Master’s in Statistics and Data Science program and plays a central role in advancing the program’s academic, administrative, and student success objectives. Working closely with the Department Chair, Director of Administration, Director of Student Services, the Master’s Program Faculty Committee, and faculty leadership, the Director contributes to long-range planning, policy development, program operations, student engagement, and continuous program improvement.

Responsibilities

• Program Oversight:
  • With a high degree of autonomy, oversees the operational, administrative, and strategic functions of the Master’s Program.
  • Develops and implements initiatives to support program growth, enhance the student experience, improve operational effectiveness, and ensure alignment with departmental and institutional goals.
  • Evaluates program effectiveness and recommends improvements based on assessment data, student feedback, operational needs, and evolving program priorities.
  • Directs the planning and implementation of program events and student engagement activities, including orientation, Summer Prep, Visit Day, professional development workshops, commencement and community-building initiatives.
  • In collaboration with the Master's Program Chair and Director of Administration, supports budget planning, resource allocation, and financial oversight for the Master’s program.
  • Oversees the Peer Ambassador Program, including program development, recruitment, training, supervision, and assessment.
  • Develops and manages the program’s digital communications strategy, including oversight of website content, electronic communications, and other outreach materials to support recruitment, engagement, and program visibility.
  • Coordinates the preparation, review, and submission of program proposals, reports, and other documentation required by the University of California Office of the President and campus academic review processes.
  • Identifies operational challenges and emerging needs, develops solutions and process improvements, and recommends policy or procedural changes that enhance program effectiveness and student success.
• Advanced Student Services & Academic Advising:
  • Serves as the primary academic advisor for Master's students, providing guidance on degree requirements, curriculum planning, academic progress, capstone completion, and graduation requirements.
  • Maintains student records, monitors student progress toward degree completion, and implements proactive interventions to support student success and retention.
  • Advocates for students with faculty, staff, and campus partners on departmental, college, Graduate Division, and university policies, procedures, and academic regulations.
  • Resolves complex student issues involving academic performance, conduct concerns, grievances, discrimination-related matters, and other sensitive situations; recommends and implements appropriate solutions.
  • Designs, implements, and facilitates workshops, informational sessions, and advising programs that support students' academic, professional, and personal development.
  • Analyzes student outcomes and emerging trends, identifies systemic barriers to student success, and recommends improvements to advising practices, student support services, and program policies.
• Admissions & Recruitment:
  • Serves as the primary academic advisor for Master's students, providing guidance on degree requirements, curriculum planning, academic progress, capstone completion, and graduation requirements.
  • Maintains student records, monitors student progress toward degree completion, and implements proactive interventions to support student success and retention.
  • Advocates for students with faculty, staff, and campus partners on departmental, college, Graduate Division, and university policies, procedures, and academic regulations.
  • Resolves complex student issues involving academic performance, conduct concerns, grievances, discrimination-related matters, and other sensitive situations; recommends and implements appropriate solutions.
  • Designs, implements, and facilitates workshops, informational sessions, and advising programs that support students' academic, professional, and personal development.
  • Analyzes student outcomes and emerging trends, identifies systemic barriers to student success, and recommends improvements to advising practices, student support services, and program policies.
• Financial Aid Administration and Career Development:
  • Manages annual distribution of student financial support for the Master’s program, including Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST) return-to-aid allocations, departmental scholarships, and Graduate Division fellowships, ensuring compliance with university policies and funding requirements.
  • Administers the financial aid review process as part of the admissions cycle, evaluating applicants based on financial need, academic merit, and program priorities to support equitable access and enrollment goals.
  • Applies established evaluation methodologies to assess applicants and recommend full and partial tuition support awards, balancing available resources, student needs, and enrollment goals.
  • Develops and administers career development initiatives that enhance students' professional readiness and career outcomes.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in academic advising, student services, and program administration.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with financial aid administration and career development.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Knowledge of best practices in graduate student support and program administration.