Big C Director (7139U), Intercollegiate Athletics - 83145

Overview

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan. At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups. Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Established in 1908, the Big C Society is among the campus's most historic and iconic University of California, Berkeley support groups. The Big C Director will lead all strategic, operational, and innovative efforts. Exceptional leadership is desired by hiring a Big C Director to uphold and enhance this critical mission.

Position Summary

This inaugural leadership role bridges internal and external functions across the enterprise of intercollegiate athletics. The Big C Director leads the strategic outreach, recruitment, and engagement of all Cal student-athlete alumni (SAA), embedding them into the Cameron Institute for Student-Athlete Development and the Cal Athletics Fund (CAF). In close partnership with UDAR and the Chief Alumni Officer, the Director builds pathways for alumni to contribute to current student-athletes and philanthropic support.

The Big C Director develops scalable systems and signature opportunities for alumni engagement across multiple touchpoints: mentorship, career development, The Golden Bear Network, and the Mentorship Program. This includes facilitating structured networking between alumni and student-athletes, fostering reciprocal civic engagement partnerships, and activating alumni participation in community initiatives. The role also supports the senior class's transition into alumni life. May collaborate with NIL-related efforts as applicable. Participation in events reinforces ongoing connection and visibility. Evaluates gaps in historical support for revenue-sport alumni and develops targeted engagement approaches to reconnect and re-engage post-competition.

In addition to program leadership, the Director sets the vision, strategy, and innovation agenda for key pillars: Big C Board, membership models, dues and communications, data and engagement analytics, loyalty programming, and digital platforms. The role ensures integration with campus-wide alumni data systems and tracks impact via the UC Berkeley engagement dashboard.

Administrative oversight includes managing Big C operations and budget, in coordination with the CAF Associate and Big C Board members. The Director contributes to the strategic direction and culture of both the Cameron Institute and the Cal Athletics Fund.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 01/19/2026.

Responsibilities

• Lead Alumni Engagement Strategy & Programming: Design and execute systems for alumni engagement across the Cameron Institute and Cal Athletics Fund, focusing on career development, mentorship, and community engagement.
• Support coaches and teams with best practices for alumni engagement, including LinkedIn-based communications.
• Guide the annual transition of senior student-athletes into alumni status; create pathways to remain connected and involved.
• Host at least one annual networking event connecting alumni and student-athletes.
• Continuously evaluate and adapt engagement strategies to meet evolving alumni and department needs.

Strategic Operations & Program Development

• Lead innovation and operational oversight of core Big C Society functions, including Letterwinner Philosophy, dues structure, membership models, data infrastructure, and strategic communications (website, social media, etc.).
• Build and manage alumni giving pipelines that align with fundraising goals and student-athlete support initiatives.
• Oversee Board and Staff Leadership: Provide strategic direction and support to the Big C Board and direct reports.
• Act as liaison and coordinator for sport-specific alumni representatives and teams across Cal Athletics.

Manage Organizational Operations & Budget

• Oversee Big C Society operations and administrative functions, including budget planning, financial tracking, and evaluation.

Advance Institutional Partnerships & Strategic Alignment

• Contribute to initiatives across the Cameron Institute, Cal Athletics Fund, and UDAR.
• Provide input on key alumni events and engagement platforms.
• Collaborate with University Development and Alumni Relations and Chief Alumni Officer to align Big C programming with campus-wide strategies.
• Participate in the Berkeley Alumni Engagement Group and related opportunities.

Other duties as assigned, including engaging in professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a variety of client groups.
• Ability to multi-task, strong judgment and problem-solving, and effective written and verbal communication.
• Functional knowledge of intercollegiate athletics.
• Must maintain current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of NCAA/NAIA and related associations; avoid violations.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in alumni relations and/or college athletics development.
• 2+ years of management/supervisory experience. Demonstrated experience growing alumni engagement and/or philanthropy through events, communications, memberships, mentorship, and affinity groups. Experience with databases and data accuracy.
• Ability to lead programs from concept to execution, including design, implementation, delivery, and evaluation.
• Strong project management, prioritization, delegation, time management, and budget-conscious execution.
• Ability to support diverse constituencies (alumni, donors, staff, coaches, students) with professionalism and adaptability.
• Executive-level critical thinking, problem-solving, sound judgment, and ambiguity management.
• Excellent organizational skills; thrives in high-volume, deadline-driven environments with multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building with cultural competence across stakeholders.
• Excellent cross-platform communication skills (public speaking, digital, reports, events).
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.
• Advanced written communication abilities; capable of preparing compelling correspondence, reports, agreements, policies, and presentations.
• Skilled in active listening, conflict resolution, and consensus-building across internal and external groups.
• Composed and resilient; flexible to shifting priorities.
• Demonstrates meaningful connection to Cal Athletics alumni through experience or engagement.
• Working knowledge of intercollegiate athletics, including life cycles, team dynamics, and structures.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of NCAA/conference rules; ensures compliance and ethical engagement.
• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package, visit UC Berkeley Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, UC Berkeley provides a reasonable estimate of the compensation range. The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $82,800.00 - $149,800.00.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have a driving record in accordance with local policies, or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship for an H-1B visa petition.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration 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.