Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Initiatives

Job Summary

Responsible for managing the administrative operations of a school, OR a medium to large academic department, OR several small departments within a college, OR a medium to large non-academic department. Typically includes all or most of the following functions: IT, facilities, student services, contracts and grants, budgetary financial management and / or human resources. Manages a professional staff, typically large, and / or comprised of professionals in various fields. Assumes accountability for decisions made by subordinates. Performs long and short term planning for function. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve goals results in additional costs and personnel, and serious delays in overall schedules.

Department Overview

The Department of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is one of the nation’s premier academic neurology departments and among the largest departments within the UCSF School of Medicine. With an annual operating budget exceeding $340 million, the department advances its three-part mission of delivering exceptional patient care, conducting groundbreaking research, and educating the next generation of clinicians and scientists. We are proud to be affiliated with the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences and to provide neurologic care and conduct research across numerous sites in San Francisco - including Mission Bay, Parnassus, Zuckerberg San Francisco General (ZSFG), China Basin, the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC), and the Gladstone Institutes - as well as in the Greater Bay Area through UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and satellite clinics in San Mateo, Marin County, and beyond.

The Department comprises 17 administrative divisions and delivers world-class care across 11 clinical subspecialties. We currently have nearly 75 active clinical trials and our team includes 302 faculty members, 120 non-faculty academic employees, 439 staff members, and 204 clinical and postdoctoral trainees.

The UCSF Department of Neurology was ranked #1 in NIH funding among neurology departments nationwide for 2025, continuing a 13-year trend of holding or nearing this top position. UCSF Medical Center was named one of the nation’s leading hospitals in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals list, with our Neurology and Neurosurgery programs ranked #1 in the San Francisco Metro Area and #2 in the nation.

Required Qualifications

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.

Demonstrated track record in Project Management.

Strong skills in analyses and complex problem-solving.

Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.

Ability to meet deadlines and follow through on assigned duties in an independent manner

Ability to work well under pressure; ability to maintain a service-oriented approach

Ability to work well with others and as part of a team

Work is widely varied, involving analyzing and evaluating many complex and significant variables.

Knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities (i.e., event planning, project management, risk management, website design, fellowship management and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines).

Interpersonal communication skills to include verbal and written, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.

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

Ability to communicate with both exceptional written correspondence and in person.

Ability to work with senior executives, Dean’s Office, Chancellor’s Office, other Chair’s and donors on high level, time sensitive, and confidential initiatives, projects, and other business.

Ability to manage the flow and function of the Chair’s Office and its related business.

Knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques, and human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees.

Knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs (i.e., AP Recruit, BrassRing, Advance, Microsoft Office Suite).

Minimum of 8+ years of related experience.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values .

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here .

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html