Working Title Guidance

UC Davis payroll titles are designed to be descriptive of the work performed and are tied to the official Career Tracks classification system.

Departments may wish to use a more specific working or business title to better support their operational needs, enhance recruitment efforts or provide a clearer description of the role in both internal and external communications.

Important: Working titles do not replace the official UC Davis payroll title. They are supplemental and intended for communication purposes only. Departments are responsible for assigning appropriate working titles, with the exception of Assistant/Associate Vice Chancellor and Vice President/Senior Vice President titles, which must be approved centrally.

Working Titles SHOULD:

  • Reasonably reflect the nature of the work performed (i.e., describe the function in plain language).
  • Differentiate the position from others, especially where similar roles exist.
  • Be consistent with similar titles used within the unit, function, or classification across UC Davis.
    • Example: A Financial Analyst 2 may appropriately use the working title Budget Analyst.

Working Titles Titles Should NOT:

  • Duplicate an existing payroll title that does not apply to the position.
  • Misrepresent UC Davis or suggest authority the position does not have.
  • Inflate responsibilities or create inaccurate expectations about the role’s scope or autonomy.
    • Example: A Financial Analyst 2 should not be titled Budget Director.

Why Accuracy Matters

Using a business title that does not align with the actual duties and authority of the role can create confusion, misrepresentation, or unrealistic expectations. Clear and accurate titling ensures fairness, consistency, and transparency across the UC Davis workforce.