Project Policy Analyst: Communications and Operations (5256C), Center for African Studies #88177

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Departmental Overview

The Center for African Studies at UC Berkeley, established in 1979, is a leading interdisciplinary hub for research, teaching, and training on Africa. With more than 90 affiliated faculty across 30 departments and 7 colleges, the Center fosters scholarship and dialogue on the continent's histories, cultures, and contemporary challenges. It also serves as the administrative home of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, a ten-year partnership supporting academically talented African master's students committed to transformative leadership and change across Africa.

Position Summary

The Project Policy Analyst will play a key role in supporting the Center for African Studies (CAS) and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UC Berkeley. The position has two primary areas of responsibility: communications strategy and program coordination. The Analyst will lead communications functions for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and, where responsibilities overlap, support the broader communications goals of the Center for African Studies. This includes developing and implementing communications strategies; creating and managing digital content; overseeing the website, newsletters, and social media platforms; and producing materials that highlight CAS scholarship, events, partnerships, and the achievements and impact of Mastercard Foundation Scholars. A second core responsibility of this role is coordinating the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program's Transformative Leadership Course such as registration, participant engagement and tracking, coordination with course facilitators, scheduling and logistics, management of course materials, and support for grading and assessment processes. The Analyst will ensure the effective delivery of the course while maintaining accurate records and supporting continuous improvement through feedback and evaluation.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is August 26, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

20%

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to advance the Center's mission and visibility.

15%

• Manage the Center's website and the Scholars webpage, including the weekly newsletters for both the center and the Scholars program, and all social media platforms.

15%

• Draft, edit, and distribute content that highlights the Center's scholarship, events, partnerships, and the impact of the Scholars Program.

10%

• Ensure consistent, timely, and professional messaging across all communication channels.
• Program and Administrative Support

20%

• Support the planning, logistics, and delivery of the Transformational Leadership Classes, including grading, evaluation, and follow up.

20%

• Provide guidance on the procurement, management, maintenance, and security of communications equipment to support effective program operations.

Required Qualifications

• Proficient in communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, meet demanding deadlines, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in using media equipment and digital content tools, including video production, audio recording, photography, and multimedia content creation to support effective communication and storytelling.
• Ability to manage and run diverse social media platforms and creating relevant content for those platforms.
• Proficiency in managing and working with college students in both formal and informal contexts.
• Proficiency in writing, editing, and storytelling to effectively communicate program impact, achievements, and narratives across diverse audiences and platforms.

Education / Training

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

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. 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, analysis of internal equity, 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 hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $38.31 - $39.27.

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time [40 hours/week] Career position eligible for full UC benefits.

How to Apply

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

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 16 hours/week remote work within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.
• This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for RP.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"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. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.