VISTA - Administrative Officer II

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution.

With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care.

The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under the supervision of the Center Manager for the Valley Institute for Sustainability, Technology, and Agriculture (VISTA), Administrative Officer 2 (AO2) will provide high-level administrative support and coordination for programs and projects associated with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Interdisciplinary Research and Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) and related entities as part of the VISTA business operations team.

The incumbent is expected to use good judgment, and discretion in researching, analyzing, and compiling necessary background information to assist management in addressing a wide variety of complex issues. This role also involves drafting correspondence on behalf of executive leadership and applying problem-solving techniques to resolve various situations. The AO2 must have strong evaluative and discerning abilities and experience working with a diverse population, including students, staff, and faculty.

Essential duties include excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational abilities, customer service, and an understanding of university etiquette. This customer‑focused position requires heavy collaboration and coordination with the business operations team. As the principal calendar support for the Associate Vice Chancellor and/or VISTA F3 Senior Program Manager, the AO2 will respond to a wide variety of inquiries from faculty, staff, students, the public, and the highest levels of UC Merced, including Campus and University administration and the Chancellor’s office, through verbal and written communication.

Familiarity with UC policies and procedures is essential for reviewing forms that require executive leadership approval. Additionally, the AO2 will assist the business operations team with daily tasks such as travel arrangements, reimbursements, correspondence preparation, event logistics, and coordination. The AO2 will also work closely with the Center Manager on personnel actions and academic appointments as needed. The position requires the ability to balance multiple, often simultaneous, activities and to prioritize tasks to ensure timely completion.