Semester Conversion Assistant Project Manager

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Special Advisor to the Provost and working in close collaboration with the Director of Semester Conversion, the Semester Conversion Assistant Project Manager plays a key role in the successful planning, implementation, and tracking of the university-wide multi-year campus semester conversion project activities. The Assistant Project Manager, in consultation with the project sponsors and stakeholders, develops and executes project plans through the full life cycle of the project for non-academic university divisions.

This position will be temporary full-time through December 31, 2026, and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and CalPERS retirement.

Division Summary

The provost and executive vice president (provost and EVP) for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer of the university, is the most senior among the vice presidents, and reports directly to the president. The provost and EVP serves as acting president in the absence of the president. As the highest ranking academic, the provost and EVP is responsible for developing and implementing academic plans and policies, which will enable the university community to achieve the highest levels of academic excellence. The provost and EVP serves on the President’s Cabinet and works collaboratively with the leaders of other university divisions to promote academic excellence, execute the university strategic plan, and determine where resources should be strategically allocated and invested. The college deans, Academic Affairs’ division leadership, the vice president for Research, Economic Development, and Graduate Education (R-EDGE), the vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) report to the provost and EVP. The vice president for University Personnel and the associate vice provost for Academic Personnel have a dotted line report to the provost and EVP. The provost and EVP also represents the campus within the CSU and to external constituencies as designated by the president. The Office of the Provost staff supports the vision of the provost and EVP, the university, and the Learn by Doing experience.

Key Qualifications

• Skilled at securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to develop and deliver multi-modal communications clearly and concisely to all levels of an organization.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to use compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment of others.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, database system, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently achieve results.
• Ability to develop and manage project staff, budgets, work, risk plans, and timeline in order to meet commitments strategies, leader engagement, and manage resistance.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Ability to facilitate the definition of service levels and customer requirements.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to hold self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices for managing, developing and administering large, complex projects.
• Ability to anticipate and balance the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skill at making sense of complex, voluminous, and occasionally contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Lead planning & implementation of projects. May participate in the design and/or testing phases.
• Demonstrated ability toward learning and adapting, using both successes and failures as growth opportunities.
• Skilled at building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email. Ability to anticipate and adopt innovations in cutting edge digital and technology applications.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of progressive experience in project management or program management of transformational initiatives.

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $75,000-$90,000 annually. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).