CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF SYSTEMWIDE HUMAN RESOURCES

For UCOP internal applicants, please login to the internal candidate gateway at: Jobs at UCOP

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

Department Overview
Systemwide Human Resources Leadership & Immediate Office drives the vision, strategy and implementation of systemwide human resources programs, policies and other efforts.

Position Summary
As Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Human Resources, this position serves as a critical member of the Vice President's Leadership Team in coordinating and integrating all aspects of strategic and operational management within the Systemwide Human Resources Department. Acts as senior advisor to the Vice President in the development and accomplishment of objectives to fulfill the University's strategic Human Resources goals. Provides oversight and coordination for operational and logistical issues, establishes and coordinates priorities on issues of concern, recommends appropriate actions to the Vice President and communicates as appropriate with HR leadership at UCOP and systemwide. Serves as the department representative on various standing and ad hoc committees on behalf of the Vice President, as needed. This position provides strategic leadership, including campus consultation, for assessment and development of HR policies; maintains awareness of and coordinates with policies related to health & welfare, pension, and labor relations, as needed. May provide strategic leadership in the policy arena to promote Human Resources best practices. Coordinates with other HR leaders to ensure alignment of Systemwide HR functions and operational requirements are met. Effectively oversees the day-to-day operations of the Vice President's Immediate Office and the Finance and Administration unit, and professional and administrative staff in the performance of their duties, their professional growth and their continued contribution to the organization. Manages staff engaged in department business management. Oversees Systemwide HR's budget and budget planning. Coordinates and consults with senior management, Academic Senate, Regents and other stakeholders, as well as with location Human Resources leadership and staff, attorneys, and unions on behalf of the Vice President as needed. This is a hybrid position.

Key Responsibilities

40% As Chief of Staff, oversees management of the Vice President's Immediate Office and the Finance and Administration unit, this includes department-wide business operations, facilities planning, staffing requirements and personnel matters, organizational changes, and budget allocations, forecasting and resource allocation. Oversees the preparation and submission of department budgets, Regents items, and responses to correspondence referred to the Vice President, and reviews non-routine issues brought to the Vice President's Office. Manages and directs the coordination of ad hoc and ongoing assignments within the Human Resources Department, including independent and special projects. Reviews and edits materials related to department and systemwide HR issues and ensures appropriate coordination within and outside the department. Works with office staff to develop departmental procedures related to purchasing, budgeting, performance management, efficiency, streamlining, and best practices. Acts on behalf of the Vice President under delegated authority and in the Vice President's absence. Serves as the Vice President's representative on standing and ad hoc committees and work groups.

40% Provides strategic vision and leadership for the Finance and Administration. Leads collaborative coalitions with CHROs, Ethics Compliance and Audit Services, the Office of General Counsel, Vice Chancellors of Business and Finance, and outside consultants to address HR policy, ad-hoc responses, legal, regulatory and compliance requirements. Ensures SWHR comply with UC policy, applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. Represents the University and interacts with attorneys, consultants, and professional organizations as necessary. Oversees sensitive and highly political HR matters and ensures timely and accurate responses to requests. Consultats and engages with Universitywide groups, committees, advisory boards, HR managers, Academic Personnel Directors, SMG Coordinators, CUCSA, CUCRA, and CUCEA.

10% Provides management direction to Immediate Office and the Finance and Administration unit professional and administrative staff to foster cross-functional collaboration. Manages staff to ensure effective and strategic design, modification, consultation, and implementation of effective policies and systemwide HR operations on a systemwide basis. Provides leadership and consultation for professional development, coaching, and mentoring of staff in the Vice President's Immediate Office and Finance and Administration unit. Promotes employee professional growth and supports succession-planning initiatives.

10% Provides direction and consults with and provides expertise to other departments and serves on interdepartmental task forces as needed. Contributes to the development, review, and delivery of communications regarding HR issues, guidance and policy to employees and campus locations. Provides professional expertise on finance, budgeting and general operations. Works independently with the Office of General Counsel and senior management to coordinate responses to high-level external complaints and claims.

Experience
Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education, including significant experience within the University of California system and a strong understanding of campus operations. Brings expertise in finance and administration, extensive management experience, and comprehensive knowledge of staff, faculty, and student appointments.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

Minimum 7 years of experience in general finance and administration management and/or leading finance and administration/program design and implementation in a large multi-divisional organization. Minimum of 15 years in a related area/field of expertise and / or equivalent experience / training.

High level of sophistication and the ability to think strategically regarding HR and finance issues, policies and program design.

Must possess a broad knowledge of HR issues and financial planning and applicable legal, state and federal regulatory requirements

Demonstrated consulting and relationship skills coupled with an understanding of negotiation and collaboration processes.

Mastery of financial process implementation which support HR policies and programs throughout large and complex organization.

High level of sophistication in the ability to think and reason effectively and creatively, applying critical thinking to identify and anticipate issues, solve problems and evaluate information.

Mastery in written, verbal and presentation communications; expert listener, able to defuse problems, facilitate group discussion and integrate varying points of view.

Superior use of political and business acumen in problem solving and ability to see interrelated needs of campus and systemwide issues and policy and program designs while being conscious of alternative processes and their consequences.

Superior management skills which inspire others and sets program direction; consistently models desired leadership behaviors.

Understands and balances staff needs with those of the organization, communicates and evaluates performance management expectations to consistently achieve high morale and productivity.

Preferred Qualifications

Consistently uses collaborative approaches to problem solving and clearly sees alternatives and their broadest consequences in relation to University programs.

Demonstrated strong project management and project team development skills in a highly complex organization.

Education
Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 15 years in a related area/field of expertise and / or equivalent experience / training.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree preferred.

Licenses and Certifications
Preferred Qualifications

Professional certification preferred.

Job Title
Administrative Manager 4

Job Code
000550

Salary Grade
Grade 30

Payscale:
$285,000 - $318,000

The University of California, Office of the President, 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 shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is (November 30, 2026).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

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.

The University of California, Office of the President, strives to make this job board accessible to any and all users. If you have comments regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at: Accessibility or email the Human Resource Department at: epost@ucop.edu.