SIS Project Application for Change Lead Role

The Student Information System (SIS) project is searching for a new Change Lead (Academic) to join the team in Fall 2021! Kathleen D. Johnson is retiring after December 2021, so a new team member is needed to help lead this exciting project. Applications from current UC San Diego staff employees are being accepted through August 16, 2021.

As SIS Change Lead (Academic), you will use your extensive knowledge of UC San Diego, along with your influence and insight, to help lead the effort to replace our 1980s-vintage student system with a modern, forward-facing system that will enable us to grow and thrive for decades to come. This role is a critical factor in the success of this once-in-a-career endeavor.

The role requires working 100% on the SIS project from vendor partnership through implementation (~3 years) and does not include any change to your current job classification. You would work on the SIS project instead of fulfilling your current job duties, and return to your current job when the Change Lead duties for the SIS project are complete. Your department will request funding via the backfill process to ensure that there is proper staffing in the department during your three-year absence.

About Enterprise Systems Renewal

The Enterprise Systems Renewal (ESR) program is an initiative that is transforming and streamlining core business and administrative processes. It is the largest technology improvement program ever undertaken at UC San Diego.

ESR addresses key goals identified in UC San Diego’s Strategic Plan, including creating an agile, sustainable and supportive infrastructure. This work is essential to ensuring that the campus business systems and infrastructure can adequately support our mission as one of the top research universities in the world.

ESR’s model of "expert sourcing," relying on UC San Diego talent to implement the new systems, applies to the way we are managing change for our system users.

Each project has a core team that includes change leads and change practitioners specifically trained to implement the Strategic Organizational Change Management (SOCM) framework. These leads meet regularly with the SOCM team for coaching, information and collaboration. The change leads and change practitioners also work closely with the other members of the core team.

About the Student Information System Project

• Course and class scheduling
• Enrollment and registration services
• Academic records
• Student finances
• Financial aid and scholarships

A new SIS will be used for all student information and serve undergraduates, graduates, the School of Medicine, other professional schools, and UC San Diego Extension. 

About the Change Lead Position

There are three Change Leads on the SIS project: Kathleen D. Johnson (Academic), University Registrar Cindy Lyons (Central), and UC San Diego Extension Assistant Director of Academic Services Sara Danford (Extension). The Change Leads set the tone for the project and establish vision and strategy for successful change outcomes. They serve as the primary project spokespersons. 

Role

As a primary project spokesperson, the Change Lead establishes and oversees the execution of strategy to guide people through change, known as Organizational Change Management (OCM). 

Responsibilities

• Identifies and partners with the Change Practitioner to establish vision and change management strategy. The Change Practitioner role is also critical in supporting project OCM.
• In partnership with the Change Practitioner, develops and executes OCM plans in alignment with program strategy
• Proactively engages sponsors, project governance and the campus community to disseminate information and advocates for change
• Addresses organizational change resistance 
• Escalates issues to Strategic Organizational Change Management (SOCM)

Time Requirement

The role requires working 100% on the SIS project from vendor partnership through implementation (~3 years) and does not include any change to your current job classification. You would work on the SIS project instead of fulfilling your current job duties, and return to your current job when the Change Lead duties for the SIS project are complete. Your department will request funding via the backfill process to ensure that there is proper staffing in the department during your three-year absence. Ideally, the new Change Lead (Academic) will begin working on the project in Fall 2021, with the expectation of a full-time commitment to SIS beginning in January 2022.

Selection Criteria

Applicants must have at least three years of service at UC San Diego and be career status. Supervisor support is essential as is the willingness and ability to work full-time on the project for approximately three years. 

• Current UC San Diego staff employee
• Professional Level 3 equivalent or above, exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis
• Breadth and depth of knowledge of the academic enterprise at UC San Diego
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skill and experience
• Demonstrated relationship, collaboration, and communication skill and experience
• Experience and knowledge of the student information system
• Supervisor support to work on the project
  
  

APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 16, 2021

Apply online by inputting the required information, and include your resume as an attachment. Please contact us at esr-student@ucsd.edu for questions regarding the role or application submission.