The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will provide leadership, management, and operational support the to the Research and Teaching Animal Care Program (ACP) under the general direction of the Office of Research (OR) Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC)/Attending Veterinarian (AV).The CAO will operate with a high degree of independence, assume full delegated authority for financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, forecasting, human relations, and strategic planning in support of the ACP. The CAO also works with a high degree of independence and is responsible for directing the administrative, financial, grants management, and facility activities at TRACS (Teaching and Research Animal Care Services) CVS (Campus Veterinary Services) other ACP units as needed, and is strategically integrated with human resources planning and management. Using complex financial models and tools, independently develop monthly, quarterly, and annual operating and capital budgets for the ACP, perform actual-to-budget variance analysis including trend analysis with both graphical and narrative display. The CAO plays a key role in coordinating the development of short and long-range strategic business plans for the program and actively participate in the planning and enhancement of all business activities. In collaboration with the AVC/AV, TRACS, CVS, and other ACP units as needed, the CAO is directly responsible and oversees the full scope of the day-to-day operational management of the Animal Care Business Office (ACBO). Systematically monitor and prioritize goals to achieve the mission and vision of the program. Provide direction to ensure integrity and quality of customer service within operations management; organizational management; collaboration with institutions and other strategic partners; and business development including contract negotiations with vendors. The CAO is responsible for the development and maintenance of complex, internal and external recharge rates in support of the program. Develop customer-based rates for husbandry, and veterinary services in accordance with National Institute for Health (NIH) and UC Davis policy and guidelines. Use cost accounting and analysis to calculate accurate recharge rates for animal per diems of multiple species by various housing options, labor rates, animal sales, and other key factors. Analyze historical data and conduct time & motion studies to validate and confirm the data. Utilize communication strategies to ensure effective information exchange between the department, the division, and the larger institution. Develop policies and procedures affecting a wide range of administrative activities; review and disseminate UC policy and procedure governing these activities.
Apply By Date: August 6, 2026
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
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Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance or other related fields or equivalent work related experience.
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Progressively responsible experience in the areas of budget, finance, business and/or operational management.
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Human Resources experience to recruit, supervise, train, evaluate, motivate, resolve problems/conflicts, conduct performance management, discipline, and build effective service-oriented, team environment.
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Experience in business management and strategic planning to analyze quantitative aspects of business operations on fiscal and budgetary issues and present information in an appropriate format.
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Demonstrated advanced proficiency with software applications (e.g., spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, databases) and other automation tools to conduct complex spreadsheet analyses; develop and prepare complex reports and sophisticated presentations; and extract, synthesize, and present relevant financial and statistical information from large data sets for financial reporting.
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Experience working in a union environment.
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Skills to work independently and make decisions under general management direction; Demonstrated oral and written communication skills appropriate for individual, group and formal presentations, to interact effectively with diverse communities and senior leaders to present complex data, prepare analytical reports, proposals, and correspondence to facilitate decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience developing internal and external recharge rates.
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Experience working in a large complex environment.
Key Responsibilities
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50% - Business Management/ Financial Planning, Analysis & Reporting
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30% - Strategic Planning/ Human Resources and General Resources Management
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20% - Recharge Rates
Department Overview
The Office of Research (OR), headed by the Vice Chancellor for Research, serves as the primary campus office for advancing the research mission at UC Davis. It is a key resource supporting research and innovation across campus. It is responsible for the review and acceptance of extramural research proposals, furthering of university relationships with government and industry, protection and commercialization of faculty research and intellectual property, research compliance, review and approval of human and animal subjects in research. The office also directly oversees several organized research units, special research programs, core facilities, and impact centers. OR's operational budget exceeds $200 million annually, over half of which comes from contracts & grants.
POSITION INFORMATION
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Salary or Pay Range: $88,100.00 - $162,100.00/year
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Salary Frequency: Annual
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Salary Grade: 23
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UC Job Title: ADMIN OFCR 4
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UC Job Code: 007378
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Appointment Type: Career
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Percentage of Time: 100%
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Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8AM-5PM
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Location: Davis, CA
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Union Representation: No
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Benefits Eligible: Yes
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This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
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High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
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UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
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Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
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Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
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WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
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On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
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Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
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Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
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Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
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Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
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Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
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Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
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Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
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Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
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Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
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Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
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Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
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Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
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Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
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Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
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Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
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Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Office is located off-campus. Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, etc., and are provided to meet Federal, State, and University requirements.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
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This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
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The duties or functions of this position include the handling of cash (or cash equivalents)
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
