Workforce Innovation Coordinator

About UC Merced Division of Professional & Continuing Education (PACE):

UC Merced Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) offers access to the university's academic courses through Open University and provides professional courses in a variety of industry fields (education, business, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, etc.). UC Merced PACE partners with regional community initiatives and organizations to boost economic and social development with a focus on delivering courses in convenient and flexible formats, including fully online, hybrid, in-person, and custom modalities.

UC Merced PACE offers workforce-responsive, non-degree credentials and credential pathways that provide opportunities to upskill and re-skill. We can develop and deliver skills-based, alternative credential programs that align with employer needs and high demand jobs. Alternative credentials are non-degree, professional credit, certificate, stackable, micro-credentials, bootcamps, etc.

In the last year, PACE has introduced over 40-50+ new courses, 5-6 new certificate programs, and enrolled over a 1,000 new unique learners. The division manages an extramural portfolio of over $15 million, including recent awards for FY26 in SkillRISE Project for $700,000 working in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors.

About VISTA F3:

VISTA F3 is a regional initiative harnessing technology, research, and development to drive sustainable farming practices in California's Central Valley. By connecting experts, students and farmers we are developing new solutions for food production that are efficient and environmentally friendly.

From developing cutting-edge irrigation systems to exploring soil health monitoring techniques, we are devoted to empowering farmers with the tools they need to cultivate a greener, more resilient future for agriculture.

At VISTA F3, we are dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology and research to propel sustainable farming practices across California's Central Valley. By bringing together industry experts, students, faculty, and local farmers, we cultivate innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability in food production.

Food security is national security, and advancing agricultural technology is essential not only for feeding communities but also for strengthening the rural economy. Whether it is optimizing irrigation systems to conserve water or developing precision agriculture techniques, we are committed to making farming smarter, more resilient, and eco-friendly. Together, we can design and implement technologies that ensure a more secure and prosperous future for all.

VISTA F3 at UC Merced is the result of a partnership between the Central Valley Community Foundation, agricultural industry leaders, and the university's researchers. This collaboration was formed to harness UC Merced's research strengths and the Central Valley's agricultural expertise to innovate sustainable farming practices, aiming to uplift the local economy and set a precedent for global food production.

Description of Job Duties:

• Coordinate the development of new programs or courses, growth and expansion of current programs and courses, evaluation of program and course implementation, the development and growth of partnerships with districts, faculty, staff, students, and other community partners.
• Support the VISTA Farms Food Future (F3) initiative by aligning new program development with regional priorities in agricultural technology, innovation, and workforce development, particularly in support of economic development goals.
• Facilitate curriculum development through curation and convening of Advisory Boards of subject matter experts/practitioners not limited to sectors tied to VISTA F3 focus areas.
• Prepare course, program and digital badge proposals for approval according to academic senate regulations.
• Conduct market research on new course/program ideas with a focus on emerging sectors such as agtech, food systems, and environmental resilience.
• Conduct competitive landscape analysis for new course/program ideas.
• Facilitate implementation of programs and courses for student success.
• Promote and coordinate with the Directors on classes and programs related to VISTA F3 and PACE's shared strategic vision in agtech, applied innovation and similar fields of study.
• Conduct online and/or face-to-face orientation workshops and information sessions.
• Coordinate customized delivery of programs for international and domestic audiences.
• Conduct outreach to employers and industry stakeholders to foster partnerships that expands opportunities for new and incumbent workforce participation in VISTA F3 aligned and PACE programs and courses.
• Coordinate/facilitate meetings with industry and other partners on workforce development initiatives.
• Outreach to school district and county offices about partnership opportunities for high school student participation, as applicable.
• Schedule courses and assign instructors to course sections.
• Advise learners enrolled in the programs and courses.
• Provide program information to prospective learners.
• Regularly coordinate with PACE and VISTA F3 staff.
• Attend regular meetings with PACE and VISTA F3 Vista teams.
• Participate in accreditation activities including data collection, regular reporting, and program review, as needed.
• Convene instructors annually to review, assess, and revise syllabi as part of continuous improvement efforts.
• Coordinate with Marketing Specialist to develop course and program collateral and the overall marketing strategy.

• A bachelor's degree in related field
• 3-5 years of experience managing academic or workforce programs
• Demonstrated experience engaging and working with regional partners, including industry, P-20 institutions, and community-based organizations.
• Ability to travel within the immediate Central Valley region with occasional travel out of state.

• Experience with the policies and procedures of the University of California.
• Experience using higher education systems of records, academic and learning management.
• Experience collaborating with partners across the full range of P-20 settings and industry partners.
• Experience creating and delivering surveys and electronic assessments.

• Advanced degree in closely related field.
• Experience designing, managing, and implementing workforce programs.
• Experience conducting market analysis on programs.
• Experience facilitating large convenings, advisory boards, and team meetings.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

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.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.