UCSD

ORU Chief Administrative Officer

The University of California, San Diego

VCRI CORE SERVICES RESEARCHPosted April 22, 2026Job ID: 139313

About this position

Position Description

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW: The VCRI Core Services department supports administrative needs of the VC Research and Innovation’s general campus Organizational Research Units (ORUs) in the areas of strategic management and planning, fiscal and fund management, Human Resources and Academic Personnel. POSITION OVERVIEW: Serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for multiple Organized Research Units (ORUs) under the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, including the Center for Circadian Biology (CCB), Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind (KIBM), Institute of Engineering in Medicine (IEM), Center for Comparative Immigration Studies (CCIS), Institute for Neural Computation (INC), and Center for Memory and Recording Research (CMRR). The Chief Administrative Officer acts as the principal advisor to the ORU Directors of complex research units and is responsible for the management, strategic planning, and leadership of all administrative operations. Responsibilities include fiscal management of departmental budgets; oversight of contracts, grants, and gifts from a variety of extramural sources; payroll administration; academic, staff, and student human resources; labor relations; policy development; internal controls and risk management; and computing and technical services. The position oversees the management of laboratories and shops, as well as the inventory, assignment, utilization, and safety compliance of all unit space and facilities. The Chief Administrative Officer exercises a high level of initiative and leadership within the framework of unit and University policies and regulations to achieve both short-term and long-term goals and objectives. This position may be eligible for a Hybrid flexible work arrangement, which could include a non-standard work schedule, and/or the ability to work off-site part of the time. Cover letter is strongly encouraged for a complete application.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field and 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated management and conflict resolution skills to effectively lead and motivate others. Demonstrated leadership skills and experience with proven ability to apply management principles, practices and techniques in the conduct of business for a complex and growing multidisciplinary, public and privately funded academic research unit. 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 human resources management skills including understanding of issues working within a complex higher education organization such as UC San Diego. Strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise tact, resourcefulness, sound judgment, and persuasion when interacting with a diverse university population. 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. Proven ability to manage difficult or problematic situations and manage multiple and complex priorities. Broad knowledge of common organization-specific and other computer application programs. Ability to develop, implement, and oversee information management systems. Proven skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution. Demonstrated ability to use initiative, creativity, and resourcefulness to accomplish duties. Demonstrated ability to view planning and operational issues in a comprehensive picture both in terms of current complexities and interactions, and in long-term consequences. Skill to analyze large quantities of data (financial, space, workload) and in identifying objectives and constraints, and developing effective recommendations. Demonstrated understanding of ethical issues in a complex organizational setting and the ability to instill and maintain appropriate standards of behavior and accountability. Knowledge of and ability to implement proper risk management practices. Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets and adapt objectives to changes in resources. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in contract and grant administration. Demonstrated ability to establish appropriate controls and operate effectively within a controlled environment. PREFERRED Demonstrated knowledge and experience in space and facilities management including analysis, funding, design, construction, and renovation of buildings and labs. Demonstrated knowledge of UC policies and procedures.

Job Location

Torrey Pines Center North