Chief Administrative Officer

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering invites applications for the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), one of the School's largest and most research-intensive academic departments. Reporting to the Department Chair, the CAO serves as the department's senior administrative leader, providing strategic direction and operational oversight in support of its world-renowned research, education, and public service mission.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished higher education administrator to partner with distinguished faculty and school leadership to shape the future of one of the nation's premier engineering programs. The CAO leads the department's administrative enterprise, overseeing finance, research administration, academic personnel, human resources, student affairs, facilities, and operational services through a team of experienced managers and staff. The position is responsible for the strategic stewardship of an annual portfolio of approximately $38.5 million in operating, state, and sponsored research funds, ensuring sound financial management, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and outstanding service to faculty, staff, students, and research partners.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative, strategic, and solutions-oriented leader with experience managing complex administrative operations in a research-intensive academic environment. Working closely with the Department Chair and UCLA Samueli leadership, the CAO will advance organizational effectiveness, lead long-range planning initiatives, strengthen administrative processes, and foster a culture of service, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering education, research, and innovation, with strengths spanning artificial intelligence, computer engineering, communications, circuits and embedded systems, microelectronics, photonics, and emerging technologies. As part of UCLA—the nation's No. 1 public university—the department is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where groundbreaking discoveries and future engineering leaders thrive.

If you are a visionary administrative leader who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and is passionate about supporting world-class teaching, research, and innovation, we encourage you to apply and become part of UCLA's tradition of excellence.

UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications:

• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in academic or research administration, including financial management and supervision of professional staff. (Required)
• Leadership within the University of California system or a comparable higher education or academic research environment. (Preferred)
• Demonstrated knowledge of fund accounting, contract and grant administration, and applicable federal and university financial regulations. (Required)
• Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders. (Required)
• Proven ability to oversee administrative operations in a large, research-intensive academic department, school, or comparable organization, including complex financial operations and sponsored research administration. (Preferred)
• Success leading strategic planning, organizational change, and operational improvement initiatives that enhance academic and research excellence. (Preferred)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations:

• Bachelor's Degree in business administration, finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Required)
• Master's Degree Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or related field) (Preferred)

Special Conditions for Employment:

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
• Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

Schedule: 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m

Union/Policy Covered: 99-Policy Covered