Chief Administrative Officer

Job Summary: 

The Manager of the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences (PRDS) serves as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), providing strategic and operational leadership in support of the Department’s mission. In close partnership with the Chair and leadership team, the CAO acts as a key advisor to faculty and staff, supporting a diverse community of over 300 faculty members (full-time, part-time, and volunteer) and 38 staff.

This role is responsible for both short- and long-range planning to advance departmental goals and optimize the use of resources. The CAO oversees all administrative operations, ensuring compliance with University policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices. They design and implement effective management systems that drive efficiency, accountability, and alignment with institutional priorities.

The CAO serves as a central liaison between the Department and internal and external stakeholders, including other UCSF departments, University offices, and external partners. They also establish and maintain robust reporting structures to keep the Chair and Department informed on financial, personnel, and operational performance.

Additionally, the CAO contributes to broader institutional initiatives by serving on departmental and University committees.

Required Qualification: - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field and at least seven years of progressively responsible academic, financial management, and human resources management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience and five years experience hiring and managing high-performing employees - Minimum 6 Years of Directly related experienc e - Broad knowledge of the organization's processes, protocols and procedures with a focus on budget, account and fund management and / or personnel management under labor contract(s) and personnel policy - Broad knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques; human resources and risk management planning; and / or accounting and payroll - Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence / persuade all levels of staff - Skills in organization and customer service to effectively manage multiple important priorities. Proven ability to organize department work functions in an efficient and effective manner - Broad knowledge of common organization-specific and other computer application programs - Skills to work collaboratively with other locations - Proven skills to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution - Demonstrated management and conflict resolution skills to effectively lead and motivate others - Proven leadership ability and significant supervisory experience in managing a sizeable group of researchers, technical staff, administrative personnel, etc - Critical thinking paired with strong skills in teamwork and use of judgment in determining priorities - Ability to use tact and diplomacy in planning, problem solving and decision making - The ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of personalities and constituent groups Preferred Qualifications: - Graduate degree in business or public administration, finance, organizational development, educational administration, or related field - Knowledge of UC policies, procedures and education systems