Senior Special Initiatives Lead, Office of the CAO

Senior Special Initiatives Lead, Office of the CAO

UVA Health is seeking a strategic and collaborative professional to support the Office of the CAO in advancing high-priority institutional initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of strategy and execution-leading high-impact, high-visibility projects, supporting organizational planning efforts, and fostering collaboration across departments. You will partner with leaders across the health system to drive results and help turn strategic priorities into actionable outcomes in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Works independently and proactively seeks guidance as needed.
• Plans and leads high-visibility projects while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Sets and manages expectations through clear, effective communication.
• Cultivates strong internal partnerships across all levels of the organization and serves in a partner-facing capacity.
• Supports strategic and operational priorities of the Office of the CAO, including project execution, organizational planning, cross-functional coordination, and change management associated with key institutional initiatives.
• Supports business planning, project execution, and operational performance for assigned institutional initiatives, with work generally focused at the enterprise or institutional level.
• Plans, leads, and coordinates high-visibility projects and special initiatives on behalf of the CAO, including development of timelines, deliverables, stakeholder engagement strategies, and follow-through.
• Serves as a liaison among staff, executives, senior leaders, and the CAO regarding project updates, proposals, planning efforts, and organizational priorities.
• Partners with the CAO and department leaders to support operational effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and help develop and implement new strategies and approaches.
• Supports change management efforts tied to strategic and operational initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, communication planning, implementation support, and reinforcement of new processes or ways of working.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships across the organization to improve responsiveness, strengthen coordination, and support successful execution of institutional priorities.
• Serves as a subject matter resource by managing inquiries, developing action plans, synthesizing information for leadership, and assisting with preparation and dissemination of communications.
• Coordinates leadership meetings and other key activities in support of the Office of the CAO, including scheduling, agenda development, materials preparation, and follow-up.
• Provides administrative and operational support to the CAO and related initiatives, including calendar management, correspondence, meeting coordination, and maintenance of electronic and hard-copy files, as needed.
• Adapts to organizational change and models a commitment to professional development, continuous improvement, and institutional excellence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements: Education: Bachelor's degree required. Experience: Five years of experience in a business, healthcare operations, executive support, strategic initiatives, or management role. Licensure: None. Preferred: The ideal candidate demonstrates a proven ability to manage and drive multiple initiatives simultaneously, with experience leading strategic or operational projects across functions. They are an exceptional communicator, both written and verbal, and bring a high level of organization, adaptability, and follow-through. A strong commitment to execution and operational efficiency is essential. Experience supporting organizational change or large-scale implementation efforts is preferred.

Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs. The starting base rate for this role is $95,019.00 annually. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. Benefits include a comprehensive package: medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off, long-term and short-term disability, retirement savings; health saving plans, and flexible spending accounts; certification and education support; and generous paid time off.

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as "High Performing" in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children's is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer