Department Leadership Project Coordinator - 137350

This position will work a hybrid schedule which includes a combination of working both onsite a minimum of three days per week on campus and remote.

UCSD Health Sciences is a $1 billion dollar plus organization encompassing 16 academic departments (14 clinical, 2 basic sciences), 2 pre-academic/hospital departments, 2 professional schools (School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), 2 hospitals, and various other programs and units all dedicated towards fulfilling the Health Sciences missions. The UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) is one of two basic science units in the School of Medicine where world-class researchers study fundamental cellular processes and pathways to transform biomedical research. using a variety of cutting edge technologies from classical genetics and high-resolution imaging to high-throughput genomics, stem cells, gene editing, systems biology, and crystallography. Our >36 faculty and over 200 postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and research staff work on the cutting edge of biology, spanning across fields from basic biochemistry and genetics to genomics, systems biology and stem cell biology. The faculty also play a major role in medical and graduate student teaching, training, providing educational and programmatic offerings that span several disciplines and provide diversity to meet the interests of a broad spectrum of students and scholars.

The diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and talents creates a robust work environment with challenging career opportunities and a commitment to continued growth potential. We constantly seek to recruit highly motivated, technologically-advanced, and deeply interested individuals who are ready to become a part of our dynamic research and educational environment.

Under general supervision, the Department Leadership Project Coordinator (DLPC) will provide high level administrative and analytical support to the Department Chair in the Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine. Facilitate planning, coordinating, and implementation of initiatives. The DLPC will report directly to the Chair and manage the scope and timing of numerous Departmental projects to achieve desired organizational goals and benefits. This role requires sound judgment, diplomacy and confidentiality in managing complex and highly sensitive matters. Acting on behalf of the chair, the incumbent will address issues requiring understanding of the department's historical, political and business operation.

The incumbent will play a key role in developing, coordinating, managing, and executing tasks and projects under the purview of the Department Chair. This will require the capacity to deal with diverse constituencies of all levels, a facility for multitasking, and a finely honed sense for problem solving and project management. The DLPC may work closely on projects designed to improve communication, faculty and staff engagement in department's mission, quality, quantity, effectiveness or efficiency in operations, develop benchmarks or policies, and enable the Chair to better oversee the entire administrative/financial aspects of the Department. The DLPC will also partner with others in the Department and the University community, which involves a thorough understanding of the focus of their work and key departmental initiatives underway. Working collaboratively with all members of the department's central administration team, the DLPC will also ensure that projects and initiatives stay on schedule and assist with complex change management strategy plans as necessary. The incumbent will manage searches for high-visibility roles in the Department and also oversee provider enrollment. This involves ensuring that the department is compliant with rules and regulations set by Academic Affairs. This position is the designated administrative point of contact for the Department Chair and must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and diplomacy. The DLPC serves as a key resource for faculty, staff, and departmental leadership. The incumbent is expected to address strategic issues and to resolve complex issues and situations, and provide guidance and insight. In addition, the position serves as a resource to search committees, and is an expert in understanding, interpreting, and implementing campus policies. The DLPC is often assigned work on a project basis and is expected to manage the entire problem-solving process, which includes researching and analyzing information, identifying and recommending potential solutions, and presenting the finished product in the form of a written recommendation or a completed project to the Department Chair. The incumbent must work with a high degree of autonomy in a fast-paced work environment. The incumbent plays a critical role in managing the range of duties and responsibilities associated with the administrative functions in the Department.

Analyze problems and recommend options. Gather and analyze financial information. Participate in long range planning for the needs of the Department. Provide support for research and contract & grant administration. Assist with faculty and staff recruitment. Maintain confidential personnel files. Thorough knowledge of the academic activities, independently respond to a variety of information requests and disseminate information through interpersonal, telephone and electronic communications. While performing duties, the incumbent must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in a rapidly changing, time-pressured environment.

The incumbent ensures that the Chair is briefed for meetings and events with a wide range of individuals and groups. Incumbent will interact with all levels of the organization, including campus executive administration support staff, donors and prospects, and international, governmental and community contacts and organizations. Responsible for independent problem-solving and high-quality service and also group process approach to accomplishing work. As requested, manages special projects of a highly confidential and sensitive nature. Act as a key liaison between CMM and entities within and outside of UCSD, including other UC academic institutions and outside collaborators. Functions with a high degree of autonomy and sets the bar for support and organizational strategy.

Uses skills as a seasoned and experienced administrative operations professional to manage, plan and administer the operations of a small to mid-sized academic or non-academic department or organizational unit with limited scope. May report to a chair, director, or a higher level administrative operations professional or manager. Perform short- and long-term planning for the organization. May supervise staff or students. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Seven years of related experience, education/training, OR an Advanced degree in related area plus five years of related experience/training.

• Thorough knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management.

• Interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills. Strong interpersonal skills to effectively and professionally interact with a diverse populations using tact and diplomacy, resourcefulness, good judgment, understanding, and persuasion.

• 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.

• Solid knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.

• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.

• Strong skills in short-term planning, analysis, problem-solving, and customer service.

• Thorough knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques, and / or human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees.

• Strong organizational, negotiation, and decision-making skills with expertise in clarifying, mediating, and resolving conflict situations. Skill in working as part of a team and collaborating with colleagues, and ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

• Previous experience developing and prepares budgets and financial reports for funding which may be complex.

• Experience with administrative operations include budgetary financial management and human resources and may include some of the following functions: IT, facilities, student services, and / or contracts and grants.

• Previous experience assisting with the design and drafting of organizational website content; drafts newsletters and correspondence to organizational constituents.

• Proven skills at managing and completing a wide range of special projects/project management experience.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.