Chief Administrative Officer - Eye Center

This position reports administratively to the Executive Assistant Dean while serving as the Eye Center Department Chair's primary strategic and operational partner. Within the School of Medicine's matrix management structure, the CAO is responsible for day-to-day leadership of the departmental administrative operations while maintaining accountability to the EAD and SOM leadership.

Position has responsibility for the School of Medicine academic department, including financial oversight of all departmental operations. It is the role of the CAO to oversee the balancing of the financial requirements of the academic department to meet the common goals of the School of Medicine and the UCD Health System. Responsibilities include acting on behalf of the Chair on all issues, except those related to patient care (which must be directed by a physician).This position has jurisdiction over academic and staff personnel, with direct jurisdiction over all staff personnel and indirect jurisdiction over academic personnel. In addition, this position has responsibility for oversight of administrative functions for 29 fulltime faculty (19 clinical and 10 research) and 4 clinical fellows. The position also supports the Program Directors for residency training, which includes 16 residents. All outpatient services for the department are provided by faculty and residents at four different sites: the Ophthalmology clinic at the Ernest E. Tschannen Eye Institute, 48X, CPG sites in Roseville, Folsom, and Davis, and telemedicine outreach programs. Patient visits for FY 25-26 are projected at 55,000+ which makes the Eye Center second only to Internal Medicine and Radiology as the largest outpatient clinic in both visits and outpatient revenue. The position requires fiscal responsibility and oversight of the administration of funds from a wide variety of fund sources including state funds, clinical income, gifts, and private and government grants and contracts.

Apply By Date: September 17th, 2026 at6 11:59 pm PST. Selection activity may begin at anytime

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, healthcare administration, public administration, or related field, or equivalent experience/training.
• Progressive leadership experience in financial and administrative management within a complex academic, healthcare, or research environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing departmental finances, including budgeting, financial analysis, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Experience leading human resources functions, including organizational design, workforce planning, employee relations, and performance management.
• Experience supervising managers and leading multidisciplinary administrative teams.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with executive or physician leadership to achieve strategic and operational objectives.
• Knowledge of advanced financial principles in an academic setting, preferably within the University of California system.
• Knowledge of HR principles for both staff and academic employees, preferable within the University of California system.
• The ability to successfully receive and prioritize competing priorities in a fast-paced, complex environment.
• The ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment in all matters relating to Department and University business.
• Ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable solutions
• Demonstrated leadership, communication and change management skills
• Ability to build accountability and foster high-performing teams
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff and institutional leaders

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, MPA, MHA, MPH or related advanced degree.
• Experience in academic medicine, preferably within a research-intensive academic health system.
• Experience leading operational improvement, financial recovery, or organizational change initiatives.
• Experience with faculty affairs, graduate medical education, sponsored research administration, and clinical practice operations.
• Experience within the University of California or another large academic health system.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Finance
• 25% - Human Resources
• 20% - Strategic Leadership and Chair Partnership
• 5% - Additional responsibilities

Department Overview

The Eye Center's goals and objectives are to achieve excellence in patient care, teaching and in the search for the prevention and treatment of blinding eye disease. Patient care must receive the highest priority with the best possible service in all areas of Ophthalmological care. In addition, the teaching of residents, medical students and postgraduate continuing medical education physicians must be facilitated. Ph.D's and M.D.'s are joined in mutual research efforts to seek new knowledge in the treatment and prevention of blinding eye disease. All of this is accomplished in the best working environment for all employees.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $146,500.00 - $302,100.00 annually
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 28
• UC Job Title: HEALTH SCIENCES ADM 2
• UC Job Code: 005635
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8 - 5
• Location: Ellison Ambulatory Care Center (HSP098)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks