Head of Organizational Culture and Effectiveness (0562U), Lawrence Hall of Science - #84328

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 make 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 (staff organizations). 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

The Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley's public science center, inspires and engages millions each year through science discovery and learning in ways that advance equity and opportunity. As a learning laboratory, we design, test, study and scale innovative and effective STEM learning programs that are used both in and out of school. Our Berkeley-based science center welcomes over 100,000 visitors per year to programs and events onsite and hundreds of thousands more in schools and community settings across Northern California. Our programs, products, and research impact youth, communities, educators, leaders and partners locally, nationally and globally.

Position Summary

The Head of Organizational Culture and Effectiveness will be a strategic leader responsible for assessing, shaping, and nurturing an equitable, positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture at The Lawrence Hall of Science. This senior leadership role is responsible for aligning the organization's mission, commitments, priorities, and mindsets to promote a strong sense of belonging and well-being within our organization. More specifically, this role will have the key responsibility of leading and coordinating efforts to advance our strategic priority of organizational well-being.

We welcome candidates who have demonstrated capacity to create inclusive work environments, work effectively on diverse teams, and serve the diverse communities with whom we currently work and want to attract. We are committed to hiring and retaining culturally competent leaders at all levels of the organization who can effectively serve and support the diverse communities we engage.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 02/27/2026.

Responsibilities

Culture, Articulation & Strategy:

• Clearly communicate and articulate the organization's core commitments, strategic priorities, and cultural aspirations.
• Establish organizational support and accountability practices to ensure implementation of organizational goals.
• Collect and utilize data from surveys, focus groups, and interviews to regularly assess the organizational culture, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and develop a comprehensive cultural strategy aligned with The Lawrence's mission and strategic priorities.

Leadership & Staff Development:

• Partner with leadership to ensure cultural values and equitable practices are modeled from the top down.
• Provide guidance and coaching to leaders and managers on how to build and sustain positive and psychologically safe team cultures that advance organizational goals.
• This includes developing resources and tools to support these efforts.
• Develop professional development training opportunities for staff.

Employee Engagement & Belonging:

• Routinely assess cultural health and well-being and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and oversee programs that enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Implement effective recognition programs that celebrate contributions and reinforce desired behaviors and values, while using employee feedback to inform decision-making.
• Coordinate and coach/support leaders of staff affinity groups.

Change Management & Integration:

• Integrate cultural considerations into all change management initiatives.
• Act as a cultural and equity advocate during organizational shifts or restructuring, ensuring that equity considerations are centered during those processes and the human element and cultural impact are carefully considered.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Serve as an internal consultant and subject matter expert on advancing positive and equitable organizational culture. Build strong collaborative relationships with teams at The Lawrence, across UC Berkeley, and with strategic partners.
• Work in partnership with the Director, Executive Assistant, organizational leaders and staff to curate and facilitate staff meetings and retreats.

Measurement & Progress Monitoring:

• Define, establish and track key metrics, goals and indicators of organizational well-being. Communicate the state of the organizational culture, highlighting trends and recommending interventions to leaders and staff.
• Use lessons learned to create momentum and opportunities for improvement.
• May lead cross-functional teams to solve complex organizational issues.

Create and Disseminate Knowledge:

• Collect and analyze data regarding organizational culture, change, and effectiveness.
• Share lessons learned with the field in order in ways that advance field-wide engagement with advancing equity in STEM learning organizations.
• Guides and advises less experienced organizational consultants.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and assessing organizational culture initiatives within a complex environment.
• Proven ability to lead and influence without direct authority, building strong relationships across all levels of an organization.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and develop actionable insights.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of inclusive organizational practices and their application to leadership development, employee engagement, and overall organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to design and create workplace practices that foster staff engagement, belonging, well-being, and effectiveness.
• Entrepreneurial mindset; ability to design and create programs and products.
• Proven ability to represent institutional work externally with clarity and authority.
• Experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds and various types of partners.
• Demonstrated experience as a supervisor of record.
• Demonstrated experience applying inclusive and equitable organizational practices in support of employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $137,800.00 - $180,000.00.

• This is a 1-year, full-time (40 hours/week), contract appointment that is eligible for UC benefits with the possibility of extension.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

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.

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.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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.