Associate Chief Administrative Officer

Position: ASSOCIATE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe.

Composed of more than 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Position Summary

Join Duke University School of Medicine as an Associate Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO) and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of neuroscience care and research. This senior leadership position drives strategic initiatives across clinical, research, and education missions, fostering collaboration and operational excellence within two world-class departments-Neurosurgery and Neurology.

Key Responsibilities of the ACAO

• Drive integrated academic, clinical, and research programs that advance neuroscience excellence across Duke University Health System.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives that optimize financial performance, enhance HR strategies, and leverage data analytics for informed decision-making.

• Champion resource planning for staffing, space, facilities, and equipment across clinical, research, and administrative functions.

• Innovate clinical workflows and patient access strategies to improve operational efficiency and care delivery.

• Oversee faculty and staff compensation processes, including effort reporting and incentive planning.

• Collaborate with analytics teams to ensure timely, accurate reporting and actionable insights.

• Develop and maintain performance dashboards and metrics aligned with SOM/DUHS priorities.

• Monitor financial performance across all missions and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.

• Mentor and empower administrative staff in HR, communications, and shared operations.

• Engage actively with School of Medicine and national organizations to implement best practices in clinical administration.

• Ensure compliance with SOM and DUHS standards and lead risk mitigation efforts.

Responsibilities Executed in Partnership with the CAO

• Collaborate with the CAO and Department Chairs to implement strategic initiatives and monitor progress toward departmental goals.

• Support development and execution of clinical operations plans, including service line integration and expansion efforts.

• Advance shared clinical programs and joint faculty initiatives across departments.

• Align departmental operations with Neuroscience Service Line strategies.

• Partner on budget preparation, financial forecasting, and resource allocation with finance teams.

• Cultivate a high-performing, collaborative departmental culture aligned with Duke's values of excellence, equity, and innovation.

• Represent the departments in institutional committees and working groups as delegated by the CAO.

• Assist in developing and implementing departmental policies related to finance, HR, and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Health Administration, or related field required;
Master's degree preferred.

• Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare or academic medical administration, with expertise in financial management, grants and contracts, and complex operational systems.

• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and drive organizational change.

• Strong project management, financial acumen, and interpersonal skills.

• Experience in clinical operations, strategic planning, and cross-functional team leadership required

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