Program Manager, Design Lab - 139461

UC San Diego

UC San Diego

Design, Operations

La Jolla Ranch, CA, USA

Posted on Apr 30, 2026
La Jolla
9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92037, United States

#139461 Program Manager, Design Lab

Filing Deadline: Wed 5/13/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 5/3/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The Program Manager will manage the Junior Designer Program and other projects for Design Lab. In collaboration with Design Lab Director, analyzes success and impact of Jr Designer program, defines program initiatives, and makes strategic recommendations to advance/enhance program.

Drafts student-facing Statements of Work, leads faculty-student research collaborations and oversees onboarding. Defines project priorities, establishes goals and sets timelines. Identifies federal, state, and non-profit funding sources for establishment, support and expansion of program.

Identifies opportunities to strengthen connections with the internal and external campus community. Collaborates with DL Director to execute various Design Lab projects. Other duties within scope of description.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

  • Analytical / problem-solving skills.

  • Knowledge of common organization- or research-specific and other computer application programs.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

  • Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.

  • Proven political acumen skills and ability to apply in a diverse, complex organization. Demonstrated ability to perform duties with a high degree of professionalism.

  • Strong skills in analyzing, researching and synthesizing large amounts of data for preparing sound and relevant proposals / analyses.

  • Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.

  • Advanced writing ability to independently compose letters and publications using correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, composition, text editing, and proofreading skills.

  • Ability to do research and analysis of short- and long-term budgetary issues and trends.

  • Ability to organize complex strategies and produce a results-oriented, coherent document.

  • Strong policy analysis techniques.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

  • Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).


If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

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.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

See more open positions at UC San Diego