Design Manager Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Manager, Communications Infrastructure Design & Build (0524U) Berkeley IT, 86949 About Berkeley

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

This position is part of the Communications Infrastructure Design & Build (CIDB) team within the Campus IT Infrastructure (CITI) unit, which is part of Berkeley IT. Berkeley IT provides technology services, support, and solutions that enable UC Berkeley's students, faculty, and staff to do their best work. CITI provides the foundational technology infrastructure that supports UC Berkeley's evolving campus needs. The CIDB team designs, coordinates, and implements campus telecommunications infrastructure, including telecommunications rooms, pathways, cabling, and network/voice connectivity. The team partners with campus departments, contractors, consultants, and project teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and standards-based infrastructure that enables essential campus technology services.

Position Summary

Responsible for leading and managing a team of project managers and highly technical professionals who manage the design, installation, and testing of mission critical networking and telecommunications infrastructure and technologies as a part of complex campus capital projects. Acts as primary liaison between Berkeley IT Communications and Network Services (bIT/CNS) with the campus Capital Strategies, Facilities Services and Space Planning departments, ensuring ongoing collaboration with these teams on projects. Provides technical and business leadership to ensure successful campus-wide outcomes. Errors can impact the accomplishment of UC Berkeley goals and objectives, have major fiscal impacts, and cause disruptions to campus operations related to dependencies on campus data networking and telecommunications infrastructure.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: July 1, 2026

Responsibilities

Hiring/Staffing - Assesses and determines staffing needs, obtains necessary approvals to fill vacant positions, and conducts interview and selection process of qualified staff for vacant positions.
Performance Management and Staff Development - Conducts and documents annual performance evaluations of staff members. In consultation with PPC/ELR, takes progressive disciplinary actions that may lead to dismissal. Makes recommendations for merit increases and reclassifications. Works with staff to develop individual development plans (IDPs). Provides direction to entry-level and experienced project managers. Acts as advisor to project team members in order to facilitate adherence to project schedules and to resolve issues. Supervises Network Development sub-unit to collaborate with Network Engineers and Voice Technicians in the design and coordination of campus communication technologies, wiring/cabling, and infrastructure installation.
Financial Management - Budget responsibility including the development and oversight of assigned recharge cost centers in collaboration with department budget officer (DBO). Develops and monitors operational and budget processes, staff FTE, finance, human resources, space planning, and vehicle fleet. Responsible for project financial results. Oversees billing review of completed departmental projects.
Telecommunications Standards - Owns and maintains Berkeley IT Communications and Network Services Telecommunications Standards, and ensures review and approval of Capital Project telecommunications-related designs in adherence with standards. Provides guidance to subordinates to achieve goals in accordance with established standards/policies.
Vendor Management - Works with team and with service and equipment providers to ensure timely installation and repair. May have responsibility for negotiating contracts with vendors.
Portfolio/Project Management - Clarifies, prioritizes and oversees the portfolio of CNS Infrastructure projects. Responsible for overall results, including costs, methods and staffing. Monitors the level and quality of service provided to customers, including monitoring and detection of delays and the resolution of customer complaints. Leads team collaborative efforts, and organizes interdepartmental activities to ensure work orders and projects complete on schedule and within budget. Supervises, tracks, and coordinates the efforts of Project Managers, Outside Plant Engineers, and Network Development (ND) staff in the development and implementation of cost effective, functional network and telecommunications infrastructure services for the campus.
Engages in ongoing professional development and training activities to maintain and enhance knowledge of project management practices, telecommunications technologies, industry standards, and leadership skills relevant to the position.
Other duties as assigned. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support department goals, operational needs, and campus initiatives.
Required Qualifications

Employs best practices in project management specific to construction and telecommunications design and implementation.
Technical subject matter expertise/knowledge of multiple areas related to telecommunications technologies (networking, cellular, VOIP, DAS, etc.).
Effective organizational, supervisory management and project planning/management skills.
Conveys technical information verbally and in writing that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Establishes clear priorities, goals/objectives and timelines.
Delegates and oversees assignments to ensure successful and timely completion and to provide staff development opportunities.
Works in a collaborative manner to achieve results, obtaining the cooperation of others within and outside the unit to establish and achieve shared objectives.
Demonstrates understanding of how programs and projects relate to other campus strategies and initiatives.
Demonstrated experience leading change management activities and their impact across multiple units or departments.
Experienced with budget development and budget management.
Welcomes differing skills, outlooks, and experiences of others working toward shared goals.
EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION / TRAINING

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Berkeley People Management (BPM) Part 1 "Grow Today" training must be completed within six months of the employee's start date (or of assignment as a manager). Completion of this training is a condition of continued employment in a supervisory role.
Building Industry Consulting Service International; Registered Communications Distribution Designer (BICSI RCDD) required.
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.

This is an exempt monthly-paid position.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for full UC benefits.