At a glance:
The University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) is seeking a dynamic Chief Administrative Officer & Executive Assistant 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.
Description: What you’ll be doing:
Another Source’s client, University of California, Office of the President (UCOP), is recruiting a Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Assistant to the President to join their team in Oakland, CA.

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

The Chief Administrative Officer & Executive Assistant to the President will play a vital role in executing high-level strategic initiatives with clarity, precision, and impact. 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.