Chief Administrative Officer, WAI

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Job Category:

Academic Staff

Regular

Center Administrator

The Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute (WAI) seeks a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to partner strategically with the WAI Director and support the day-to-day operations of this thriving Institute, part of the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH).

Our CAO provides key leadership that is central to all aspects of the Institute and is responsible for the smooth execution of administrative, operational and financial functions. The ideal candidate will combine expertise in budgeting, financial management, human resources, and personnel management with skill sets focused on project management, planning, analysis, forecasting, communication, and development.

Responsibilities include supervision of the department's administrative and communications and marketing teams, as well as coordination of the Institute's budget, personnel, technology, facilities and infrastructure needs. In addition, the CAO interfaces with teams at SMPH and the Department of Medicine to ensure support for daily operations including human resources, pre- and post-award support, and other business functions. The CAO will report to the WAI Director as part of the Institute’s leadership team, and in that role will need to be collaborative, professional, and able to take the initiative to pursue goals independently.

The administrative leader we seek in this position will be able to develop holistic financial and administration strategies necessary to position WAI for continued success as the world of higher education evolves. This leadership role requires regular availability and an onsite presence. Hybrid scheduling options will be discussed during the interview process, however candidates should anticipate being onsite a minimum of three days per week, and as needed, following an initial onboarding period.

The initial onboarding period will require greater onsite presence, and its duration will depend on the onboarding needs of the individual hired.

• This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.
• Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check. See (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). (click on “Become an authorized driver;” then click on “Required criteria”).

Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration:

• Grant & Financial Management: Strong knowledge of pre- and post-award grant administration, including proposal preparation, budget development, and monitoring expenditures.
• Policy Compliance: Understanding of federal funding and compliance guidelines (e.g., NIH and NSF) governing research applications and expenditures.
• Operational & Procurement: Ability to coordinate equipment tracking, purchasing, vendor contracts, and logistics for visiting researchers or academic workshops.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication and administrative and organizational skills supported by effective use of digital tools and systems
• Decision-Making: Ability to apply sound judgement and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules, policies, and procedures as applicable to the position
• Time management and organization: Strong organizational skills and tools to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

• Directs strategic planning initiatives and establishes unit objectives to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, space, staffing resources, and alignment with the strategic plan. Obtains and validates data needed for strategic decision-making

• Exercises supervisory…