Summer Associate - SPMO

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Strategy & Program Management Office (SPMO) serves as UCOP's in house strategic advisory team. SPMO partners with senior leaders across UCOP and the UC system to support strategic planning, organizational reviews, operational innovation, complex program management, and systemwide initiatives that advance the University's mission.

POSITION SUMMARY

This paid internship is part of the UCOP Summer Internship Program for 2026 and is designed for graduate level students interested in strategy, management consulting, public sector leadership, and higher education administration.

The Summer Associate will gain hands on experience supporting systemwide and UCOP strategic initiatives, applying structured problem solving approaches to real world organizational and operational challenges. The role provides exposure to internal management consulting work, stakeholder engagement, and end to end project delivery.

Summer Associates will have the opportunity to:

• Apply structured problem solving and analytical frameworks to complex organizational challenges

• Support UCOP and systemwide strategic initiatives from scoping through implementation

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews, benchmarking, and data analysis

• Develop executive ready deliverables such as slide decks, analyses, process maps, and recommendation memos

• Strengthen skills in stakeholder engagement, project management, and change management

• Gain insight into governance, operations, and decision making within a large public university system

Duration: June-August 2026 (specific dates flexible)

Schedule: Full time (40 hours per week)

JOB DUTIES

50% - Strategic Analysis and Project Management

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to inform strategic and operational decisions

• Assist with project planning, workstream coordination, and tracking of deliverables for UCOP or systemwide initiatives

25% - Executive Ready Deliverables

• Develop compelling presentation materials, analyses, and written recommendations for senior leadership

• Support benchmarking, data synthesis, and issue framing for leadership discussions

15% - Internal Project Support

• Support internal SPMO initiatives by augmenting team capacity, sharpening capabilities, and enabling faster progress on priority work

• Help build tools, insights, and deliverables that strengthen how the team serves UCOP leadership

10% - Collaboration & Professional Development

• Participate in team meetings, performance check ins, and professional development activities

• Present final project outcomes and recommendations to SPMO leadership

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled graduate level student in the University of California system

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills; ability to structure ambiguous questions

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with research methods (interviews, benchmarking, data analysis)

• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment

• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and interpersonal skill

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

PREFERRED FIELDS OF STUDY

• Business Administration (MBA)

• Public Policy, Public Administration, or Public Health (MPP / MPA / MPH)

• Data Analytics or related fields

SALARY AND WORK LOCATION

Title Code: STDT 4 (Graduate Student)

Hourly Rate: $30-$35 per hour, commensurate with skills/experience.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid - in person Tuesdays and Wednesdays; remote Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays

Location: UC Office of the President, 1111 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is (3/16/2026). The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal 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.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

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.

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