Chief Administrative Officer

University of California, San Francisco; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, San Francisco is seeking a Manager for the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences to serve as Chief Administrative Officer. The role provides strategic and operational leadership, partnering with the Chair and leadership to advance department goals and optimize resources.

Responsibilities include overseeing all administrative operations, ensuring policy compliance, and building reporting structures for financial, personnel, and operational performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field required.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible academic, financial management and HR experience.
• Experience hiring and managing high-performing employees.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for PRDS as CAO.
• Advise Chair and leadership team, support 300+ faculty and 38 staff.
• Oversee administrative operations and ensure policy compliance.
• Design and implement management systems to improve efficiency and accountability.
• Serve as liaison to UCSF departments and external partners and report on performance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

HR management

Stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

Financial analysis tools

HR systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Manager of the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences (PRDS) serves as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), providing strategic and operational leadership in support of the Department’s mission. In close partnership with the Chair and leadership team, the CAO acts as a key advisor to faculty and staff, supporting a diverse community of over 300 faculty members (full-time, part-time, and volunteer) and 38 staff.

Job Description

Job Summary

The Manager of the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences (PRDS) serves as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), providing strategic and operational leadership in support of the Department’s mission. In close partnership with the Chair and leadership team, the CAO acts as a key advisor to faculty and staff, supporting a diverse community of over 300 faculty members (full-time, part-time, and volunteer) and 38 staff.

This role is responsible for both short- and long-range planning to advance departmental goals and optimize the use of resources. The CAO oversees all administrative operations, ensuring compliance with University policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices. They design and implement effective management systems that drive efficiency, accountability, and alignment with institutional priorities.

The CAO serves as a central liaison between the Department and internal and external stakeholders, including other UCSF departments, University offices, and external partners. They also establish and maintain robust reporting structures to keep the Chair and Department informed on financial, personnel, and operational performance.

Additionally, the CAO contributes to broader institutional initiatives by serving on departmental and University committees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field and at least seven years of progressively responsible academic, financial management, and human resources management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience and five years experience hiring and managing high-performing employees
• Minimum 6 Years of Directly related experienc e
• Broad knowledge of the organization’s processes, protocols and procedures with a focus on budget, account and fund management and / or personnel management under labor contract(s) and personnel policy
• Broad knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques; human resources and risk management planning; and / or accounting and payroll
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence / persuade all levels of staff
• Skills in organization and customer service to effectively manage multiple important priorities. Proven ability to organize department work functions in an efficient and effective manner
• Broad knowledge of common organization-specific and other computer application programs
• Skills to work collaboratively with other locations
• Proven skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution
• Demonstrated management and conflict resolution skills to effectively lead and motivate others
• Proven leadership ability and significant supervisory experience in managing a sizeable group of researchers, technical staff, administrative personnel, etc
• Critical thinking paired with strong skills in teamwork and use of judgment in determining priorities
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy in planning, problem solving and decision making
• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of personalities and constituent groups

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in business or public administration, finance, organizational development, educational administration, or related field
• Knowledge of UC policies, procedures and education systems

About Us

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10‑campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10‑campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

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.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html