Chief Administrative Officer
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
The Department of Psychology (http://psy.ucsd.edu/) consistently ranks among the top experimental psychology programs in the country. Currently there are 26 ladder-rank faculty, 12 research faculty, 30 staff and 55 graduate students. The department has over 50 active federal contracts/grants and gift funds. The annual expenditures total over $10 million across federal, state, and gift funds. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) reports to the Department Chair and has a dotted line reporting to the School of Social Sciences Senior Assistant Dean. As a principal advisor to the Chair, the CAO uses advanced administrative concepts to achieve organizational objectives and to resolve complex issues in a large, growing academic department engaged in research and offering B.A., B.S., and Ph.D. programs and affiliated ORU. The CAO is responsible for the management, strategic planning and leadership of all administrative activities in the department including: fiscal management of the departmental budgets, contracts, grants, and gifts from a variety of extramural sources; payroll; academic/staff/student human resources; graduate and undergraduate student affairs; internal controls and risk management; and administrative computing. Oversees the management of laboratories and recharge facilities and the inventories of all departmental space and facilities, as well as their assignment, utilization, and safety procedures. Exercises maximum initiative and leadership within the parameters of Department and University policies and regulations to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Department. The CAO is the principle advisor to the department chair and faculty regarding the development, implementation and assessment of short- and long-term strategic plans, budgets and financial performance. Assumes accountability for decisions made by subordinates. Performs long and short-term planning for function. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve goals result in additional costs and personnel, and serious delays in overall schedules. Occasional overtime and weekends may be required. Please submit a cover letter along with a resume for a complete application.
Qualifications
Seven (7) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor’s degree in related area plus three (3) years of related experience/training. Demonstrated experience working with a high-level research and, academic, or similar commercial management team in the formulation and communication of enterprise-level strategy that encompasses academic, research, operational, and financial objectives. Thorough knowledge of the University budget process with demonstrated experience in the planning, development, and management of complex and high dollar volume financial operations involving fund accounting, self-supporting activities, capital budgets, operating budgets, financial analysis, financial reporting, long-range financial planning, and internal financial and audit controls. Demonstrated ability to adapt programmatic objectives to changes in resources. Demonstrated experience managing, supervising, and motivating a group of technical and administrative staff. Ability to maintain good morale and maintain productivity. Knowledge of team dynamics, and ability to work in a team setting. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in contract and grant administration. Demonstrated knowledge of student affairs functions and educational support systems. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in space and facilities management including analysis, funding, design, construction and renovation of buildings and labs. Demonstrated knowledge of development and public relations functions in an academic setting. Advanced knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques, and / or human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees. Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets and adapt objectives to changes in resources. Thorough knowledge of the University budget process. Advanced knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management. Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills. Advanced knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines. Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs. Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality. Advanced skills in short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving and customer service. Proven ability to function effectively in a changing environment. Ability to provide leadership in implementing organizational change. Proven ability to manage difficult or problematic situations and manage multiple and complex priorities. Demonstrated ability to establish appropriate controls and operate effectively within a control environment. Skill to analyze large quantities of data (financial, space, workload) and to identify objectives and constraints, and develop effective recommendations. PREFERRED: Demonstrated ability to interact positively and effectively with a range of constituents, including PIs, program staff, outside agencies, and UCSD centralized services. Academic Department administrative leadership experience, including finance, budgeting, human resources, faculty affairs, and faculty recruitment.