Chief Administrative Officer

$124,600 - $289,400/Yr

Unclassified - Los Angeles, CA

Part-time - Mid Level

Los Angeles, CA

51-100 employees

About the position

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry plays a pivotal role in overseeing the administrative functions of a large and dynamic department within the Division of Physical Sciences. This department is home to approximately 50 ladder faculty, 60 staff members, 300 graduate majors, and 1500 undergraduate majors, making it one of the most significant departments in the university. The CAO will be responsible for managing a diverse range of operations, ensuring that the department's administrative needs are met efficiently and effectively. The research program within the department is extensive, covering multiple fields such as metabolism, aging, and development; structural and computational biology; analytical chemistry; biophysics; inorganic chemistry; organic chemistry; materials and nanoscience; and physical chemistry. The department boasts multiple Nobel Prize winners and other award-winning faculty and alumni, highlighting the high caliber of research and education provided. In this role, the CAO will be tasked with developing and managing complex budgets, overseeing financial planning and analysis, and ensuring that fiscal resources align with departmental programmatic needs. The CAO will also be responsible for supervising both exempt and non-exempt employees, which includes organizing workflow, delegating responsibilities, training staff, and conducting performance evaluations. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for fostering a cooperative and motivated work environment, as well as for effective communication with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations. The CAO will work independently, prioritize assignments, and respond to issues as they arise, ensuring that the department operates smoothly and efficiently. This role is critical in supporting the department's mission and enhancing its reputation as a leader in the field of chemistry and biochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the administrative functions of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
• Manage complex budgets and financial planning for the department.
• Supervise exempt and non-exempt employees, including organizing workflow and delegating responsibilities.
• Conduct training, disciplinary actions, and performance evaluations for staff members.
• Foster a cooperative and motivated work environment through effective interpersonal skills.
• Communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students, both verbally and in writing.
• Ensure fiscal resources align with departmental programmatic needs.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and assist in resolving conflicts.
• Utilize databases and software programs for business solutions to enhance departmental operations.
• Work independently and prioritize assignments with minimal direction.

Requirements

• Five years of experience managing academic departments or programs (preferred).
• Demonstrated management skills with the ability to relate to a diverse operation and supervise employees.
• Strong interpersonal skills to create an environment of cooperation and teamwork.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Significant financial management experience, including budget development and analysis.
• Experience correlating fiscal resources with departmental needs.
• Skill in counseling techniques and conflict resolution.
• Extensive knowledge of databases and software for business solutions.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize assignments.
• Ability to use independent judgment and respond to problems expeditiously.
• Experience in establishing collaborative relationships with faculty and staff.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from various backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package starting on day one.
• Access to UC Total Compensation Estimator for calculating total compensation value.