University of California - San Diego, CA
posted about 2 months ago
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Physics and Astronomy Department at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) plays a pivotal role in managing all aspects of departmental operations. This position is responsible for establishing and directing administrative systems to ensure effective planning and operational activities within the department, which supports a diverse population of 290 individuals, including faculty, staff, and graduate students. The CAO will oversee various functional areas such as administrative and technical support services, facilities and space management, graduate and undergraduate affairs, academic and staff personnel, contracts and grants, finance/accounting, safety and compliance, and instructional program administration. The CAO will report directly to the Department Chair and will also advise Vice Chairs, faculty, staff, and students on a variety of departmental issues. In this role, the CAO is expected to provide strong administrative leadership and utilize effective interpersonal skills to engage with diverse constituencies at all levels of management and staff. The CAO will represent the Chair and the Department at both campus and systemwide levels, as well as to external organizations, ensuring that the departmental goals and objectives are communicated effectively. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of the department's operational needs and the ability to implement policies and procedures that align with the university's mission and strategic priorities. The CAO will manage a budget of approximately $15.5 million and will be responsible for preparing both short and long-range planning for departmental needs. This includes evaluating and monitoring all accounting activities, establishing accounting procedures, and overseeing the preparation and management of contracts and grants. The CAO will also be responsible for the recruitment, supervision, and performance management of all non-academic staff, ensuring that the department operates efficiently and effectively. Additionally, the CAO will oversee academic personnel administration and instructional program administration, participating in the development of the annual teaching plan. This position is expected to begin full-time on-site, with the possibility of a hybrid/remote schedule after a six-month probationary period, contingent upon productivity assessments and supervisor approval.