SENIOR ADVISOR ON SYSTEMWIDE ATHLETICS (2 YEAR CONTRACT)

For UCOP internal applicants, please login to the internal candidate gateway at: Jobs at UCOP

Position Base: Oakland
Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

This opportunity is a 2 year contract position.

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The President's Executive Office (PEO) is comprised of the President's strategic, executive administrative, policy, and operations team as well as the Systemwide Office of Civil Rights team. The PEO serves as the President's direct support for all strategic, operational, and administrative needs working across the Board of Regents, the 10 campuses and all OP divisions and departments to support and facilitate the needs of the President and the system.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Advisor on Systemwide Athletics serves as the lead strategist and key subject matter expert related to intercollegiate athletics at UC and has broad level authority to represent the organization with constituencies such as senior administrators at the Office of the President and other UC locations, the UC Board of Regents, public agencies, athletics organizations, and the community. They advise the President, Regents, senior administrators, and systemwide policy holders on emerging areas in intercollegiate athletics including on the University's position on various state and federal legislation and regulatory and compliance efforts. The Senior Advisor provides direct policy and communications expertise and collaborates with constituents including State Governmental Relations, Federal Governmental Relations, Office of Legislative Analysis, UC Legal, and other divisions/departments, as needed, on short- and long-range planning. Participates on committees and/or task forces responding to a variety of issues and handling sensitive negotiations with little or no precedence, requiring expedient and diplomatic action. Develops sound long- and short-term strategic plans and builds relationships with key internal and external constituencies and stakeholders. Identifies, formulates, and advises on policy development and implementation. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

Key Responsibilities

30% Strategic advising and development

• Develop and present recommendations for systemwide policy and strategy.
• In partnership with State Governmental Relations, Federal Governmental Relations, Office of Legislative Analysis, UC Legal, and other divisions/departments as needed, advise on the University's position on various state and federal legislation and regulatory efforts.
• Advise the President, Regents, and systemwide policy holders on emerging areas in intercollegiate athletics to assess the need for systemwide policy or guidance to ensure consistency in the academic and athletic experience of student-athletes at the University of California.

30% Policy analysis

• Research, analyze, and summarize impacts of current and prospective policies, regulations, and guidance applicable to intercollegiate athletics and student-athlete success across all nine undergraduate UC campuses.
• Relevant policies, regulations, and guidance include those from the NCAA, athletic conferences, state and federal legislation, and University policy.
• Analysis may also include issues related to: Title IX and gender equity and inclusion, pending litigation, such as antitrust litigation, labor/employment, student-athlete or coach compensation, revenue sharing, institutional NIL activities, conference realignment, athletic financial aid, and other student-athlete benefits, treatments, and opportunities. Coordinates with UC Systemwide Office of Civil Rights as appropriate.
• Analysis must thoroughly consider both campus-specific and systemwide perspectives.

25% Systemwide point of contact

• Serve as primary coordinator for internal and external inquiries around intercollegiate athletics.
• Build and maintain relationships with campus counterparts in intercollegiate athletics.
• Coordinate with the Regents' Special Committee on Athletics.
• Serve as a liaison between campus and systemwide stakeholders on matters relating to University policy and guidance and the operation of UC intercollegiate athletic programs.
• Support the cross-functional capability of UCOP and campus athletic programs among the various committees, stakeholder groups and functions with a focus on the ability to respond to evolving business, legal and regulatory changes.
• Facilitate a systemwide community of practice to share best practices, legal, regulatory, and policy updates across UC Athletics departments.
• Provide UCOP support to campuses on development and implementation of strategies and initiatives related to emerging issues in intercollegiate athletics.

15% Campus support

• Liaise with campuses on issues relating to policy, legislation, finance, compliance, and other issues, including financial planning and sustainability.
• In partnership with UC Finance and other divisions as needed, evaluate and advise on UCOP financial support to campuses for multiyear athletics sustainability.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience required.

Skills and Abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced working knowledge of sports administration and intercollegiate athletics, particularly trends over the past 3-5 years. Topics include issues related to name, image, likeness (NIL), litigation in areas such as antitrust and collective bargaining, financial and other benefits for student-athletes, conference memberships and media revenues, gender equity and inclusion.
• Advanced knowledge of relevant existing and prospective federal regulations such as Title IX, and labor and employment law.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable rules and standards of affiliated athletic conferences, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), as well as other associations and agencies to which campuses adhere.
• Advanced analytical and complex problem-solving skills as demonstrated by the ability to develop, assess, and synthesize information and recommendations from a wide variety of sources on a broad range of issues to formulate responses, presentations and reports.
• Advanced political acumen and sensitivities to the differing perspectives and political circumstances within all levels of the organization as well as the Office of the President and external constituencies.
• Advanced service orientation and attention to detail.
• Excellent skills in communicating and influencing effectively with all levels of staff, faculty, alumni/donors, students and external constituents, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent skills in collaboration, problem solving, advising and counseling skills. Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Excellent ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Ability to use a high level of discretion and maintain all confidentiality. Demonstrated ability and temperament to work with sensitive information.
• Demonstrated project management skills with mid to large sized projects.
• Advanced knowledge of common organization-specific computer applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in navigating a complex organization's processes, protocols, procedures and applicable State and Federal regulations.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training required
• Advanced degree preferred

Travel Requirements
10% Occasional business travel

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Executive Advisor 5
Job Code: 000555
Salary Grade: Grade 29

Payscale: $230,000 - $260,000, commensurate with experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is October 4, 2024. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. EEO/AA Employer UC Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: epost@ucop.edu.