Senate Analyst - 140642

The Academic Senate is one of three branches in the system of shared governance in the University of California: The Board of Regents, which sets broad policy; the Administration, which directs the organization of the University and its finances; and the Academic Senate, which directs the educational function and provides faculty advice to both the Regents and the Administration.

Under the Standing Orders of the Regents, the Academic Senate exercises direct control over the authorization and supervision of all courses and curricula, determination of admission and graduation requirements, and approval of all manuscripts published by the University of California Press.

The Senate exercises its advisory role in the areas of faculty appointment and promotion, budget priority and policy, library policy, research policy, academic freedom, faculty privilege and tenure, faculty welfare, diversity and equity policies and issues related to faculty, students and programs, campus planning, and computer policy. The Senate takes part in searches for deans, chancellors, and presidents and is called upon to recommend faculty for service on administrative committees.

On each campus, the divisional Academic Senate operates as a faculty legislative body which meets periodically through the year, and also as a system of appointed committees. The San Diego Division of the Academic Senate functions primarily through these committees, as well as through elected officers.

This position delivers comprehensive policy analysis, research and evaluation that underpin committee decision-making and Academic Senate initiatives. Fully analyzes issues and problems; interprets policy, regulations, and guidelines; gathers data and information; finds and evaluates alternatives and makes sound recommendations. Provides full range of committee management and coordination. Attends meetings, records minutes and committee actions, composes committee responses, and ensures appropriate follow-up. Undertakes special projects as assigned. Serves as point of contact regarding matters under the purview of Senate committees. Serves as liaison to, and fosters positive working relationships with faculty, campus administrators and staff to enhance Divisional Senate participation in shared governance of campus and in relevant systemwide Senate activities.

The position will provide primary analytical support for committees where the Senate exercises its advisory role in the areas of budget priority and policy, faculty welfare, and campus planning, and may be assigned to other standing or ad hoc committees. The position will work under the direction of the principal Senate analyst for the Committee on Academic Personnel in the areas of faculty appointment and promotion.

• Please submit a cover letter along with a resume for a complete application.

• Experience synthesizing complex discussion topics, preparing analytical meeting briefing materials, drafting formal policy recommendations, and communicating project updates across departments.

• Experience researching and evaluating data, reports, proposals, and other documents.

• Experience evaluating institutional data, qualitative and quantitative reports, policies, and procedures.

• Experience managing and editing web content using content management systems. Experience using Adobe Acrobat, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and relational databases

• Experience preparing and organizing information for use in discussions and meetings of internal and external constituents.

• Experience facilitating and coordinating meetings.

• Proficient in communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Proven ability to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with internal and external constituents and to develop, foster, and maintain exemplary working relationships with a diverse group of individuals (faculty, staff, administrative officers) with tact and diplomacy.

• Excellent composition skills, including knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage. Demonstrates ability to write clearly and concisely to communicate ideas and information in reports, correspondence, summaries, minutes, instructions, procedures, or other statements.

• Working knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques. Ability to communicate clearly and logically to provide information, make recommendations, and explain policies and procedures.

• Demonstrates ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns. Experience in applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to independently identify and research issues.

• Proficient in ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality. Demonstrated ability to use discretion and tact, exercise good judgment and maintain strict confidentiality while representing the Senate's and the University's best interests at all times.

• Proficient in ability to multitask with demanding timeframes. Demonstrates strong organizational skills to coordinate large volumes of work, to establish and revise priorities and to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment where information must be compiled quickly and accurately.

• Demonstrates ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Demonstrates ability to analyze, research and synthesize large amounts of data with strong attention to detail.

PREFERRED

• Working knowledge of the principles of higher education and of an academic institution's organization structure and function.

• Working knowledge of the Academic Senate, UC, and UCSD organizational and governance structures, departments, programs, centers, units, and communication channels.

• Working knowledge of and experience with UCSD policies and procedures.

• Experience working with committees and understanding of parliamentary procedure.

• A background check is required.