Academic Administrator
Position overview
Position title: Academic AdministratorA reasonable estimate for this position is $116,995.-$131,906.
Application Window
Open date: March 13, 2026
Next review date: Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Academic Administrator V
The UCLA Department of Geography seeks to fill an Academic Administrator V position in Geospatial Information Systems & Technologies Program (UCLA Geospatial) which is integral to the successful operation and continued growth of the Master of Applied Geospatial Information Systems & Technologies (MAGIST) program and the GIS and Geospatial Technology certificate program. As a self-supporting graduate professional degree program (SSGPDP), MAGIST operates with a lean staffing model and is particularly vulnerable to the administrative hurdles frequently encountered within the university, such as those related to purchasing, hiring, and enrollment. This role is critical for navigating these complexities, ensuring the smooth delivery of high-quality online instruction, and maintaining the financial sustainability that has allowed the program to be profitable since its inception.
The Academic Administrator V position in the UCLA Department of Geography's Geospatial Information Systems & Technologies Program (UCLA Geospatial) is integral to the successful operation and continued growth of the Master of Applied Geospatial Information Systems & Technologies (MAGIST) program and the GIS and Geospatial Technology certificate program. As a self-supporting graduate professional degree program (SSGPDP), MAGIST operates with a lean staffing model and is particularly vulnerable to the administrative hurdles frequently encountered within the university, such as those related to purchasing, hiring, and enrollment. This role is critical for navigating these complexities, ensuring the smooth delivery of high-quality online instruction, and maintaining the financial sustainability that has allowed the program to be profitable since its inception.
Responsible for supporting professional graduate education, undergraduate education and participant affairs in UCLA Geospatial’s programs, which include the Master of Applied Geospatial Information Systems and Technologies (MAGIST) program and the GIS and Geospatial Technology certificate program (offered in partnership with UCLA Extension). The MAGIST program is fully online, with all classes offering primarily asynchronous instruction complemented by synchronous office hours. Specific responsibilities include supporting Chair and GIS&T Director in the management of UCLA Geospatial’s programs; oversight of program operations; teaching courses associated with the programs; curricular initiatives and planning; developing online course content; online course management; and program outreach and evaluation. This position is responsible for managing and developing online course content, teaching courses, and will collaborate with various units that support UCLA Geospatial’s programs (e.g., UCLA Extension, UCLA Graduate Division). The program relies heavily on the Academic Administrator V, who also serves as the Academic Director, for a large number of administrative tasks as well as teaching multiple courses.
The Academic Administrator V will seek new ways to increase participation and enrollment in the UCLA Geospatial program across campus, between UC campuses, as well as externally with the broader community. This role will report to the Chair of the Department of Geography, and will work in close collaboration with the faculty Director of the GIS&T program. The Academic Administrator V oversees and implements a range of academic, instructional and student/participant support initiatives. This role requires regular meetings with the Chair and Director, and with the GIS&T Steering Committee.
Qualifications
-Ph.D. is required by date of hire.
-Demonstrated experience teaching geographic information systems (GIS), online instruction and online course development.
-Demonstrated expertise in geographic information systems (GIS)
Record of online and technical program administration
Experience in online course development and instruction
Experience working with professionals and managing training programs for professionals.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research (Optional)
UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
Expand our reach as a global university
Enhance our research and creative activities
Elevate how we teach
Become a more effective institutionPrompt for candidates for recruitment:
Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service
Statement of Teaching
- 3 required (contact information only)
names given by applicant, used for work related references.
Help contact: kasi@geog.ucla.edu
About UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment