University of California - Irvine, CA
posted about 2 months ago
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) plays a pivotal role in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at UC Irvine's Henry Samueli School of Engineering. This position is responsible for overseeing a wide range of administrative functions, including financial management, personnel affairs, student support, facilities management, and research operations. The CAO will report directly to the Department Chair and will also have a dotted reporting line to the Senior Assistant Dean/Chief of Staff. This dual reporting structure emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication within the department and the broader university context. In this leadership role, the CAO will manage a diverse administrative team that supports instructional labs, financial operations, and graduate student services. The complexity of the management functions requires a deep understanding of the department's teaching, research, and outreach initiatives. The CAO is expected to exercise initiative and sound leadership, adhering to university policies while striving to meet departmental goals. This includes developing innovative solutions to challenges, acting as an administrative liaison, and participating in various campus and departmental committees. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong professional ethics, tact, and diplomacy, particularly when addressing sensitive and complex issues. The CAO will be instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment that promotes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the department's operations align with the university's mission and values. This role is not only about managing current operations but also about strategically planning for the future, assessing needs, and implementing best practices to enhance the department's effectiveness and efficiency.