The University of California, Merced 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. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $24.16/hr - $25.27/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around March 2nd, 2023. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is a contract appointment.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position offers a Hybrid schedule.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable, and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. In 2018, UC Merced opened the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

To set the course of UC Merced’s evolution, in 2021 UC Merced will enact its first-ever 10-year strategic plan. This plan will guide how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway toward earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted within each campus unit. UC Merced is expected to engage in sophisticated thinking, planning, and implementation of actions that effectively diversify the professoriate and staff, improve campus climate for all campus constituency groups, and strengthen our equity, diversity, and inclusion infrastructure and capacity.

The Administrative Assistant serves as a liaison, organizing meetings and facilitating communication for Chief Campus Counsel. This position requires in-depth knowledge of UC institutional operations, governance, policies, and procedures. The Administrative Assistant will manage and organize the Chief Campus Counsel's complex schedule and daily administrative activities in an accurate and timely manner. The incumbent will act with a high degree of autonomy, professionalism, tact, and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive issues (attorney-client confidentiality) and will participate in projects that often cut across divisional and functional areas. The CCC may assign this position tasks that involve the handling of confidential information, which contributes significantly to the development of management's positions in bargaining or grievances.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the calendar for the Chief Campus Counsel; determining priorities, choosing between conflicting engagements, and independently committing the attorney to action. Arranges, schedules, and coordinates meetings for system-wide, campus, and department committees and work groups, including agenda preparation, distribution of materials, and room reservations. Prioritizes issues according to urgency to allocate time for scheduled events, travel, and meetings.

• Screens visitors, phone calls, and e-mail requests, and works with the Office of Legal Affairs staff to take appropriate action and assume responsibility for issues that do not require the attention of the attorney.

• Responds to inquiries and resolve problems with varying levels of complexity.

• Establishes processes and procedures for the office.

• Maintains processes for tracking progress in transactional and/or litigation matters. The Administrative Assistant will ensure a smooth flow of administrative operations, anticipating the needs of the office and efficiently handling assignments, information, and a variety of materials to and from the Office.

• Independently researches and seeks out relevant information and materials to handle inquiries and complaints, makes referrals, and briefs the attorney on matters requiring attention.

• Prepares documents and reports for signature; edits, proofreads, and finalizes correspondence and reports for content and style, serving as a resource for such documents.

• Generates reports, agreements, presentations, spreadsheets, and proposals for review by the attorney.

• Works in Microsoft suite and other UC Legal systems, including CounselLink legal management system, NetDocs matter management system, and Tableau legal analytics software.

• Creates, tracks, and produces matter management reports in the CounselLink system for the attorney, including creating, editing, proofreading, and transmitting correspondence and retention letters.

• Provides assistance and processes retentions for outside counsel billing in coordination with UC Legal Office of General Counsel.

• Provides organizational and legal support for Chief Campus Counsel, including organizing data in NetDocs database systems and files in accordance with established procedures.

• Investigates issues and problems; drafts and prepares responses to urgent requests.

• Briefs executive on deadlines and the status of pending issues.

• Prepares responses to urgent divisional requests on behalf of the executive.

• Organizes occasional systemwide meetings and events which require interacting with high profile stakeholders, UC attorneys, and campus leadership.

• Places office supply orders as needed. Responsible for the organization and presentation of office supplies.

• Handles sensitive and confidential information regarding bargaining unit issues which contribute significantly to the development of management's positions in bargaining or grievances.

• Subpoena Coordination: Provides assistance with processing subpoenas received by UC Merced. Includes researching, gathering and reviewing information, and coordinating responses.

• Other duties as assigned.
  

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training. (Required)

• Three (3) years administrative/clerical work experience, preferably in a law office, or the equivalent years of work experience which have led to the development of the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position is required. (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience. Bachelor's degree is preferred, but may not substitute for the required years of experience. (Preferred)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Professional experience providing administrative and clerical support to high level executives.

• Thorough knowledge in administrative procedures and processes, and common computer applications programs such as MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to learn campus-specific software and computer applications.

• Requires strong verbal and written communication skills, active listening, and critical thinking. Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, faculty, alumni/donors, students, and external constituencies.

• 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.

• Excellent time management skills and the ability to multitask with demanding time frames and deadlines; ability to manage executive calendar with shifting priorities and to apply independent judgment.

• Ability to use high-level discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality, including managing sensitive and confidential information.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and decision making capabilities.

Background check and fingerprinting will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/