The University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) is seeking a dynamic Chief Administrative Officer to the President to lead the operations of the President’s Executive Office in Oakland, CA. This mission-critical role blends high-level executive support with operational leadership, managing a dedicated team of five and ensuring the seamless advancement of the President’s priorities across the UC system.

This is a unique opportunity to partner closely with James B. Milliken, UC’s newly appointed 22nd President, during an exciting period of transition, strategic planning, and systemwide vision-setting.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-profile environment, excel at anticipating executive needs, and bring proven leadership experience supporting top-level leaders, this is your opportunity to contribute to one of the most respected public university systems in the world.

Another Source’s client, University of California, Office of the President (UCOP), is recruiting a Chief Administrative Officer to join their team in Oakland, CA. 

About the University of California, Office of the President 

The University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) is the system-wide headquarters of the University of California, supporting the 10 campuses, five medical centers, and three national laboratories that make up the UC system. At the heart of UCOP is the President’s Executive Office (PEO), the central hub for executive strategy, governance, and policy alignment. The PEO drives cross-system coordination and operational support for the President, overseeing strategic initiatives and managing critical executive functions. It also includes the System-wide Office of Civil Rights and the UCOP Ombuds Office, and collaborates closely with the Board of Regents, campus leadership, and all UCOP divisions to advance the University’s mission of excellence, access, public service, and research. 

This role supports President James B. Milliken, who became the 22nd President of the University of California in August 2025. A nationally respected higher education leader with over three decades of executive experience, President Milliken previously served as chancellor of the University of Texas System, chancellor of The City University of New York (CUNY), the nation’s largest urban university system, and president of the University of Nebraska. His leadership is defined by a commitment to equity, innovation, and academic excellence across complex, mission-driven institutions. 

Learn more about President James B. Milliken: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/about-us/leadership/president-milliken  

What you will be doing: 

The Chief Administrative Officer in the Office of the President will play a vital role in executing high-level strategic initiatives with clarity, precision, and impact, and is a key member of the President's Executive Office's senior leadership team. You will serve as a central point of coordination between the President’s office and a broad network of internal and external stakeholders, including the Regents, chancellors, campus leadership, and system-wide partners. 

This is not a conventional executive assistant role. It is a mission-critical leadership position that blends executive operations, strategic advisory, and organizational management at the highest level of a world-class public university system. The successful candidate will bring a combination of exceptional judgment, political and cultural acumen, and operational sophistication, while also leading a high-performing team and ensuring the seamless advancement of the President’s priorities. 

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $185,000 - $205,000 dependent on experience 

How you will spend your time: 

Executive Partnership & Strategic Advisory 

• Serve as a primary advisor and liaison to the President, ensuring priorities are advanced and decisions are well-informed. 

• Manage the President’s calendar, briefing process, and high-level engagements with Regents, campus leaders, and external stakeholders. 

• Anticipate needs, resolve complex issues, and ensure seamless execution of strategic priorities. 

• Handle confidential and sensitive matters with the utmost discretion. 

Leadership & Office Management  

• Oversee the operations of the President’s Executive Office in collaboration with the VP & Chief of Staff and Chief Policy Advisor. 

• Lead, mentor, and develop the PEO administrative team. 

• Establish operational objectives, policies, and processes that impact the UC system at large. 

• Ensure consistent, high-quality information flow through effective correspondence, briefing, and reporting systems. 

Operational Decision-Making & Collaboration 

• Partner with senior leaders to make operational decisions that have organization-wide implications. 

• Integrate office operations with broader institutional strategies and governance processes. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and senior-level experience. 

• 10+ years of progressively responsible executive leadership, administrative management, and/or chief of staff experience. 

• 5+ years of management experience. 

• Proven ability to lead teams, set strategic priorities, and motivate others to achieve results. 

• Exceptional relationship-building, influence, and communication skills across diverse stakeholders. 

• Deep experience managing complex budgets, human resources, and operational functions. 

• Demonstrated capacity to anticipate executive needs and execute with minimal direction. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; adept at navigating ambiguity. 

• Commitment to upholding organizational policies, ethics, and standards. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree. 

• Executive leadership experience in higher education, public institutions, or large research universities. 

• Advanced knowledge of California and Federal higher education policies and compliance frameworks. 

• Deep understanding of UC’s governance, systemwide operations, and institutional priorities. 

• Expertise in aligning departmental strategy with enterprise-level mission and vision. 

What’s in it for you: 

University of California Office of the President (UCOP) offers a comprehensive benefits package for fulltime staff. Learn more about the benefits here: https://www.ucop.edu/local-human-resources/op-life/benefits/index.html  

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination:  

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. EEO/AA Employer UC Nondiscrimination Policy  

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.  

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.  We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us. 

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