Filing Deadline: Tue 7/28/2026
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
DESCRIPTION
The Department of Psychology (http://psy.ucsd.edu/) consistently ranks among the top experimental psychology programs in the country. Currently there are 26 ladder-rank faculty, 12 research faculty, 30 staff and 55 graduate students. The department has over 50 active federal contracts/grants and gift funds. The annual expenditures total over $10 million across federal, state, and gift funds.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) reports to the Department Chair and has a dotted line reporting to the School of Social Sciences Senior Assistant Dean. As a principal advisor to the Chair, the CAO uses advanced administrative concepts to achieve organizational objectives and to resolve complex issues in a large, growing academic department engaged in research and offering B.A., B.S., and Ph.D. programs and affiliated ORU. The CAO is responsible for the management, strategic planning and leadership of all administrative activities in the department including: fiscal management of the departmental budgets, contracts, grants, and gifts from a variety of extramural sources; payroll; academic/staff/student human resources; graduate and undergraduate student affairs; internal controls and risk management; and administrative computing. Oversees the management of laboratories and recharge facilities and the inventories of all departmental space and facilities, as well as their assignment, utilization, and safety procedures. Exercises maximum initiative and leadership within the parameters of Department and University policies and regulations to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Department.
The CAO is the principle advisor to the department chair and faculty regarding the development, implementation and assessment of short- and long-term strategic plans, budgets and financial performance.
Assumes accountability for decisions made by subordinates. Performs long and short-term planning for function. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve goals result in additional costs and personnel, and serious delays in overall schedules.
Occasional overtime and weekends may be required.
- Please submit a cover letter along with a resume for a complete application.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Seven (7) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor’s degree in related area plus three (3) years of related experience/training.
- Demonstrated experience working with a high-level research and, academic, or similar commercial management team in the formulation and communication of enterprise-level strategy that encompasses academic, research, operational, and financial objectives.
- Thorough knowledge of the University budget process with demonstrated experience in the planning, development, and management of complex and high dollar volume financial operations involving fund accounting, self-supporting activities, capital budgets, operating budgets, financial analysis, financial reporting, long-range financial planning, and internal financial and audit controls. Demonstrated ability to adapt programmatic objectives to changes in resources.
- Demonstrated experience managing, supervising, and motivating a group of technical and administrative staff. Ability to maintain good morale and maintain productivity. Knowledge of team dynamics, and ability to work in a team setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in contract and grant administration.
- Demonstrated knowledge of student affairs functions and educational support systems.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in space and facilities management including analysis, funding, design, construction and renovation of buildings and labs.
- Demonstrated knowledge of development and public relations functions in an academic setting.
- Advanced knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques, and / or human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets and adapt objectives to changes in resources. Thorough knowledge of the University budget process.
- Advanced knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management.
- Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.
- Advanced knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines.
- Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
- Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Advanced skills in short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving and customer service.
- Proven ability to function effectively in a changing environment. Ability to provide leadership in implementing organizational change.
- Proven ability to manage difficult or problematic situations and manage multiple and complex priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to establish appropriate controls and operate effectively within a control environment.
- Skill to analyze large quantities of data (financial, space, workload) and to identify objectives and constraints, and develop effective recommendations.
PREFERRED:
- Demonstrated ability to interact positively and effectively with a range of constituents, including PIs, program staff, outside agencies, and UCSD centralized services.
- Academic Department administrative leadership experience, including finance, budgeting, human resources, faculty affairs, and faculty recruitment.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Job offer is contingent upon a satisfactory clearance based on background check results.
- Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18). Completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) form is required.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $108,100 – $204,900 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $51.77 – $98.13
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
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 status under state or federal law.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Date Posted
07/14/2026
