Operations Lead (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $75,200- $138,400. The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $88,000 - $109,800.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 1st, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is a 3-year contract and is eligible for full UC benefits.

This position is hybrid.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The Operations Lead is responsible for a full range of administrative processes, including planning and performing administrative services, managing general operations within the Department of Medical Education (DOME), and supporting associated or affiliated services and operations. Administrative service responsibilities include budgetary and financial management, contracts and grants, and personnel processes, including onboarding and delegating assignments to staff. General management activities include establishing strategic planning goals, operational objectives, and work plans; preparing, administering, and directing resources (including space); reviewing, approving, and monitoring programs and initiatives. The Operations Lead uses advanced administrative concepts and organizational objectives to resolve the most complex issues. Manages, plans, administers, and coordinates the administrative operations of the DOME, the operations of which are significantly complex and broad in scope; performs short and long-term planning for the organization, and regularly works on highly complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages, plans, and administers a full range of administrative operations and leads efforts to develop effective systems for managing the flow of information in support of the DOME, where operations are significantly complex in terms of budgetary funding, number of faculty, staff and students, and innovative focus of operations.
• In collaboration with the DOME leadership, performs strategic planning and coordination of program, staff, space, and budget planning resources. Plans department operations, including institutional and policy development and analysis.
• Serves as a key advisor to DOME leadership on administrative and operations activities associated with the department. Provides guidance and expertise to DOME leadership in developing techniques and processes. Proactively identifies areas for process improvement, suggests innovative ideas, and takes initiative to implement changes, contributing to the department's efficiency and growth.
• Involved in strategic planning activities and participates in decision-making processes that impact the department's direction. Applies advanced concepts to perform analysis to determine future resource allocations.
• Performs administrative operations activities as predominant focus of the position, with accountability for operational and budget processes, staff FTE, finance, human resources and space planning.
• Manages, plans, and administers a range of administrative operations for the department. Leads and manages the DOME's operational budgets, gift/endowment funds, training and educational or instructional expenses, initiatives, and programs, including those related to or affiliated with the department. Monitors policies and procedures for departmental operations. Provides relevant operations support for units directly related to or affiliated with the department. Liaises with UCSF and UCSF Fresno financial units.
• Monitors and authorizes all DOME business transactions as the department fiscal approver. Implements University contract and grant administration guideline processes to ensure federal, state, and other sponsor guidelines and regulations are followed.
• Creates personnel processes including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management. Oversees all faculty recruitments; leads, monitors, and supports onboarding activities. Liaises with the Academic Personnel office to facilitate academic personnel needs (i.e. appointments, promotions, etc.). Coordinates with UCSF Fresno and/or external clinical practices to create and manage contracts to secure clinical educators.
• Makes decisions on operational matters and ensures achievement of operational objectives (policy and processes, personnel, contracts, and grants administration, human resources, IT, and space planning) that have an impact on the department. Oversees all software/IT and equipment purchasing for medical education. Interfaces with central offices such as Academic Personnel, HR, Procurement, Space, etc.
• Supervises operational staff in support of main business activities.
• Independently manages daily activities of administrative staff, sets priorities and deadlines for completion of tasks, and develops, implements, and manages processes for the department.
• Develops strategy and executes staff engagement and development program. Develops unit-level staff policies and strategies for enforcement, including telecommuting, hybrid work, space, and equipment policies.
• Serves as an advisor to staff and faculty on sensitive issues.
• Participates in special project planning, development, administration, management, and implementation. Engages in data analysis and market intelligence activities to support program development, decision-making, or strategic initiatives.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and / or equivalent experience / training. (Required)
• Advanced degree Advanced degree equivalent to an MBA or related master's degree from an accredited university. (Preferred)
• Five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in administrative operations, accounting, short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving, and customer service, or a combination of education, training, and experience as outlined. An advanced degree in a related area as outlined is preferred and may substitute for one year of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Demonstrated management experience with proven ability to analyze, interpret, and apply good management and business principles, practices and techniques.
• Demonstrated organization, assessment, problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills with expertise in clarifying and resolving conflict situations and developing attainable goals and procedures.
• Proven ability to understand and interpret complex materials and to formulate and present oral and written material logically and comprehensively.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and supervisory skills, with a proven record of working collaboratively while achieving outcomes.
• Proven ability to function effectively in a diverse, ever-changing, and unpredictable environment. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations.
• Demonstrated ability to project budget costs, coordinate multiple projects, adapt programmatic objectives to changes in resources, and establish priorities as affected by budgetary issues.
• Demonstrated experience in financial and accounting systems, including modeling, forecasting, and planning. Experience locating, identifying, analyzing and synthesizing large quantities of data, identifying needs and developing recommendations.
• Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in time management skills and ability to multi-task within demanding timeframes.
• Working knowledge of principles of shared governance. (Preferred)
• Small to mid-level project management skills. (Preferred)

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.