Administrative Manager - Neuro. Surgery - 138847

The Department of Neurological Surgery at UC San Diego is among the leading neurosurgical centers in the country. The Department provides the full range of a contemporary neurosurgical practice, holds every major sub-specialty quality designation within the field, has developed world-class collaborative research relationships with engineering and neurosciences, and is a leading educational program in neurosurgery for medical students and residents. The Department offers challenging career opportunities in the diverse areas of state-of-the-art clinical services, advanced educational programs, administration and cutting-edge research. The Department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees.

The Administrative Manager serves as the principal advisor and strategic partner for the department and chair, and in support of multiple institution-level roles, including Department Chair, Chief Innovation Officer for UC San Diego Health and Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences Innovation and AI. Acts as an integrator to ensures that priorities, information, and initiatives flow effectively across clinical, research, educational, and operational domains. Translates strategic direction into actionable plans, leading execution across administrative functions, and ensuring that commitments made at the executive level are monitored and delivered. Builds strong relationships with partners across the CEO, Dean, VCHS, and Chancellor's Offices, as well as with campus and health system leaders, industry collaborators, regional stakeholders, national organizations, and federal entities. These relationships help ensure alignment and coordinated execution of enterprise-wide responsibilities and strategic initiatives.

Plays a key role as an advisor and steward of leadership's priorities. Regularly identifies decision points, gathers and synthesizes relevant information from stakeholders, and frames issues to support efficient and effective decision-making. Serves as a conduit between leadership and departmental or institutional partners, ensuring clarity of expectations, consistency of messaging, and accountability across teams. In addition, anticipates operational needs, mitigates risks, and provides guidance on emerging issues to support focus on the highest-value strategic activities.

Oversees the administrative infrastructure supporting a highly dynamic department, applying advanced administrative concepts to manage and coordinate broad and complex functions, including business operations, human resources, budget and finance, IT coordination, space planning, education support, and project oversight. This involves both short- and long-term planning, evaluating multifaceted situations with numerous variables, and exercising a high degree of independent judgment to ensure operational stability and progress. Manages and develops administrative staff, establishes priorities, oversees workflow, and ensures that high-impact projects are delivered on time and in alignment with departmental and institutional goals.

Overall, carries out strategic objectives by being a trusted coordinator, and operational leader. Through judgment, communication, relationship-building, and the ability to translate strategy into execution, the position ensures that complex initiatives move forward effectively and that the department operates with coherence, consistency, and long-range vision. Performs other duties as assigned.

CT: Uses advanced administrative concepts and organization objectives to resolve complex issues. Manages, plans, administers and coordinates the administrative operations of a small to mid-sized academic or non-academic department or organizational unit, the operations of which are significantly complex and / or broad in scope. Typically reports to a Chair, Director, or equivalent administrative management. Performance of administrative operations activities are the predominant focus of position; may supervise support staff or small number of professional staff within or outside the scope of main business activities (e.g., student services, facilities, etc.). Performs short and long-term planning for the function. Regularly works on highly complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve goals result in additional costs, and serious delays in overall schedules.

• Nine years of related experience, education/training, OR an Bachelor's degree in related area plus five years of related experience/training.

• Advanced knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management.

• Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.

• Advanced knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines.

• Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.

• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.

• Advanced skills in short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving and customer service.

• Advanced knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques, and / or human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees.

• Strong negotiating, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Proven ability to exercise a high degree of flexibility and innovation to seek alternative solutions to unique or complex problems and issues, as well as identify changing priorities and negotiate resources.

• Demonstrated ability to act on initiative and exercise independent judgment in executing a wide variety of functions and maintaining absolute reliability in handling confidential and sensitive matters. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify problems and develop innovative solutions.

• Ability to examine and question policies, processes, and procedures in order to gain a stronger understanding of, as well as to offer recommendations for improvements to such items/issues.

• Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, as well as ability to take initiative and work independently.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with critical institutional partners, faculty, staff, residents/students, and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience supporting and/or partnering with executive leadership to advance strategic initiatives and priorities.

• Substantial working knowledge and understanding of departmental administrative priorities, donor/industry relations, event planning and project management.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs. Must be willing to work/respond outside of standard work hours including evenings and weekends.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• Employment is subject to pre-employment physical for those who work in clinical settings and/or with patients.