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Chief Administrative Officer - Chemistry

University of California - Irvine
medical insurance, sick time
United States, California, Irvine
Aug 16, 2025
Who We Are

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The UC Irvine Department of Chemistry is one of four departments in the School of Physical Sciences. The department is proud to offer world-class education and training for our students. We train thousands of general education students each year in Chemistry fundamentals; prepare our undergraduate majors for careers in industry and/or graduate school; and mentor graduate students for independent research careers, teaching, or high-level industry positions. The Chemistry administrative team supports faculty, research staff, and students to enable them to push the frontiers of knowledge through cutting edge research. The Administrative Manager position leads a collaborative team in the Department of Chemistry that works together to find innovative solutions and practices to achieve goals and improve practices. We strive to provide a balance and flexibility for our staff that supports peak performance in our work, which serves the mission of the University, School of Physical Sciences, and Department. This position will begin full time on-site. After assessing work productivity throughout the six-month probationary period (as applicable) along with satisfactory progress and supervisor approval, the incumbent may request a hybrid/remote schedule that fits within the department's business needs.


Your Role on the Team

The School of Physical Sciences at UC Irvine is recruiting a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Department of Chemistry. The CAO is responsible for providing high level management for all facets of department operations and resolving complex matters for the department that impact a diverse range of academic, staff, and student positions, providing innovative and effective solutions. Management responsibilities include establishing and directing administrative systems to assure overall control of all planning and operational activities in functional areas which include: administrative and technical support services, facilities and space management, graduate and undergraduate affairs, contracts and grants, finance/accounting, safety and compliance, instructional program administration and program development. This position requires a deep understanding of UC, campus, and departmental academic policies and practices.

As a key member of the department's staff management team, the CAO will play a strategic role in shaping business strategy and streamlining processes in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. The CAO must provide strong administrative leadership using effective interpersonal skills to diverse constituencies at all levels of management, faculty, and staff. Responsible for oversight of all non-academic support staff. Represents the Chair and the Department generally, at both the campus and systemwide levels, as well as to external organizations. Reports to the Chair, and advises Vice Chairs, faculty, staff, and students on a variety of issues. Works closely with Department Chair and Dean's Office to achieve strategic priorities of the Department and School.


What It Takes to be Successful

Required:

  • 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.
  • Experience with all aspects of administratively leading an academic department.
  • Knowledge of various computing applications, and correct usage of English grammar, spelling and punctuation to effectively communicate and produce reports, proposals, memos and letters.
  • Experience managing competing deadlines to ensure obligations are met in a cost effective and timely fashion.
  • Skills to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students and campus personnel.
  • Proven skills to quickly evaluate and address complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution.
  • Demonstrated management and conflict resolution skills to effectively lead and motivate others.
  • Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills to effectively manage large, diverse department.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse groups (faculty, staff, students, visitors) of individuals to effectively provide information, identify problems, and develop feasible solutions.
  • Ability to comprehend concepts and mission of unit, and initiative to create and implement policies and procedures to best satisfy those goals in a most effective manner.
  • Ability to comprehend, interpret and implement University policies and procedures regarding research, fiscal matters, space, equipment, etc.
  • Experience effectively supervising support staff, handling sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality.
  • Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
  • A minimum of 7 years of experience. Previous experience leading or supervising a team. 7-10 or more years of management experience

Preferred:

  • Experience managing a team with subordinate managers.
  • Knowledge of and experience with relevant UC policies and procedures.
  • Management of an academic department or a large administrative unit at UC or in higher education with demonstrated experience supervising support staff with a wide variety of expertise is preferred

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

  • Background Check and Live Scan
  • Employment Misconduct*
  • Legal Right to work in the United States
  • Vaccination Policies
  • Smoking and Tobacco Policy
  • Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

  • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
  • E-Verify
  • Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT

This is a temporary employment recruitment reporting to the UCI Temporary Employment Services (TES) Department. Interviewing and hiring is based on internal hiring needs and how well the candidate's experience matches the assignment requirements.Certaintemporary assignments may require clearance of a health physical or require a valid California Driver's License for driving university vehicles.

The majority of our temporary positions are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We also have occasional part-time, weekend, and evening hours available, depending on the assignment. Comprehensive benefits options are also available for temporary employees, including paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Please note that we recruit for this position on an on-going basis to build a talent pool of potential candidates. When a position becomes available, we will review applicants at that time.Due to the volume of applications that we receive, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.Thank you for your interest in employment with UCI Temporary Employment Services.

PARKING INFORMATION

All visitors, staff, and students are required to purchase parking permits to park on UCI property. If you plan to commute to work via your personal vehicle, I encourage you to review the parking requirements of your work location and parking rates on the UC Irvine Parking and Transportation website

Closing 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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.


Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship

Must be able to provide proof of work authorization
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