CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

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Position Base: Oakland

Work Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The President's Executive Office (PEO) is comprised of the President's strategic, executive administrative, policy, and operations team as well as the Systemwide Office of Civil Rights and the UCOP Ombuds office. The PEO serves as the President's direct support for all strategic, operational, and administrative needs working across the Board of Regents, the 10 campuses and all OP divisions and departments to support and facilitate the needs of the President and the system.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in the University of California's Office of the President is a key member of the President's Executive Office's (PEO) senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing the operations, budget, technology, and space planning of the office.

In consultation with the Vice President and Chief of Staff to the President, the CAO directs the operations and administrative functions of the PEO to drive workforce innovation and achieve organizational goals in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. The CAO manages sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and prepares materials for high-level discussions and stakeholder meetings.

The CAO serves as the primary administrative point of contact for the President of the University, ensuring the efficient management of the President's complex calendar and the coordination of high-level meetings and events.

The CAO leads and develops the PEO's administrative team, by setting strategic objectives, delegating assignments, and promoting excellence in service delivery. They also develop, refine, and implement policies and processes that support both local operations and may have broader organizational impact.

This dynamic position is well-suited for a service-oriented, politically astute, and forward-thinking professional who thrives in complex environments and leads with integrity, discretion, and adaptability.

Responsibilities

50% Team Leadership and Supervision:

• Manages, directs and trains the administrative staff within the PEO.
• Provides guidance to staff and evaluates performance.
• Delegates work to appropriate team members, ensuring workload balance and clarity of expectations; reviews deliverables and provides timely, constructive feedback to support professional growth and ensure high-quality outcomes.

30% Executive Support:

• Serves as the primary administrative contact for the President of the University.
• Resolves issues promptly and independently, applying sound judgment, political acumen, and discretion in managing sensitive and high-priority matters.
• Allocates resources strategically and collaborates across teams to ensure seamless executive and administrative support.
• Ensures the accuracy, timeliness, and relevance of communication and information flow, including oversight of briefing materials, agendas, talking points, and formal correspondence.
• Manages the President's complex calendar and coordinates high-level meetings and events.

20% Operational Management:

• In partnership with the Vice President and Chief of Staff (VP&COS), develops, modifies, and implements policies, processes and strategies to achieve key organizational objectives with minimal direction; decisions have department-wide impact and may have an organization-wide effect.
• Manages departmental budget; oversee resource allocation and lead preparation of departmental financial reports.
• Develop and lead preparation of reports for executive and senior management.
• Establish operational objectives and work plans to support departmental goals.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience including at least 5 years of management experience is required.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent project management skills; Highly organized and attentive to detail.
• Experience managing complex executive calendars and schedules, excellent time management skills; able to quickly adapt to changing priorities.
• Experience preparing executive materials for meetings and events.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate, and influence others to develop and maintain high levels of customer service; exceptional relationship building and strategic thinking skills.
• Sophisticated leadership abilities to establish department goals, and motivate and influence others to achieve.
• Direct financial management / budget experience; thorough knowledge of financial analysis, accounting and reporting techniques.
• Demonstrated success managing teams and individuals; thorough knowledge of human resources and risk management planning.
• Excellent ability to anticipate the principals' needs and achieve relevant goals with little to no direction/prompting.
• Very strong ability to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for solution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of the legal constraints and opportunities for higher education in the State of California and through Federal programs and regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of the organizational environment of higher education and large research universities to understand client priorities, issues, motivations and constraints.
• Advanced knowledge of organizational processes, protocols and procedures.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training required.
• Advanced degree and/or equivalent experience/training preferred.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Travel Requirements: No travel required

The person hired will be required to reside within California and report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA on a regular basis.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Admin MGR 2
Job Code: 000548
Salary Grade: Grade 27

Payscale: $185,000 - $205,000 annual, commensurate with experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. 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, 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.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is September 1, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

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.

The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: epost@ucop.edu.