Projects & Strategy Lead
Job Summary
The Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery & Lung Transplantation at UCSF is seeking a highly
skilled and adaptable Projects & Strategy Lead to provide comprehensive advisory, analytical, and operational
support to the Chief of Division of Cardiac Surgery & Lung Transplantation and its Faculty Leaders, managers,
and directors. This role requires advanced policy analysis, program evaluation, strategic planning, and
operational problem-solving to address complex challenges across clinical, operational, educational, research,
and institutional domains. The Projects & Strategy Lead will independently research, analyze, and develop high-impact recommendations on policies, programs, and proposals that are often broad in scope and cross-functional.
The position demands sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to distill complex information into
actionable guidance for senior leadership. Collaborating closely with faculty, directors, managers, and staff, the
The Projects & Strategy Lead will play a vital role in optimizing operations and advancing the Division's mission of
excellence in clinical care, education, and research within UCSF's dynamic academic medical center environment.
The Projects & Strategy Lead works closely with the Projects & Strategy Manager/Operations Manager to support the operations of the academic division/office/unit and to provide strategic advisory support to the Division of Cardiac Surgery & Lung Transplantation. This includes conducting independent research, performing advanced policy analysis, and preparing summaries, reports, proposals, grants, presentations, and recommendations to inform strategic decision-making. The Projects & Strategy Lead will draft institutional documents, including MOUs, contracts, recommendation letters, reports, and memoranda. Other operational responsibilities may include managing complex faculty schedules, conducting faculty recruitment, coordinating meetings, resolving meeting conflicts, coordinating travel, facilitating advancement, processing reimbursements, overseeing clinical on-call coverage, managing faculty vacation schedules, coordinating faculty meetings, approving vacation requests, planning large-scale events, faculty onboarding, and managing multiple projects with changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
In collaboration with the Projects & Strategy Manager, the Projects & Strategy Lead will plan and execute
ACCME-accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs, including Grand Rounds, symposiums, and
visiting professorship events, and trainee evaluations. This involves coordinating logistics, multimedia recording,
catering, accreditation management, post-event evaluations, honorarium processing, and application renewals.
The Projects & Strategy Lead will also support Visitors and Students Programs, as well as the Advanced Heart &
Lung Transplantation Training Programs, by reviewing applications in accordance with HR appointment guidelines,
facilitating recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding processes, managing access requests, and conducting
evaluations for trainees rotating into our programs.
The Projects & Strategy Lead will work closely with the Education Programs Manager to support the ACGME-accredited Thoracic Surgery Residency Program. Responsibilities in this area include coordinating recruitment
and accreditation processes; tracking compliance requirements; assisting with onboarding and offboarding;
credentialing; scheduling; reimbursements; graduation planning; exam proctoring; and maintaining educational
materials. The incumbent will play a key role in ensuring these programs meet all required standards and
regulatory requirements.
The Projects & Strategy Lead will also contribute to the Division's operational needs by collaborating with faculty,
directors, and managers to ensure excellence across clinical care, education, and research initiatives. This
includes conducting complex analyses, compiling data, and preparing high-quality reports, proposals, and
applications to support divisional goals. Responsibilities encompass HR processes, financial transaction reviews,
budget development, grant applications, capital asset management, bookkeeping, and general administrative
operations. Additionally, the incumbent will coordinate office moves & renovations, space utilization planning,
inventory management, emergency action planning, and the development and maintenance of divisional
standard operating procedures. Other tasks include maintaining procedural documentation, flowcharts,
presentations, videos, and website updates, as well as supporting special projects such as engagement activities,
holiday gatherings, health summits, graduation ceremonies, and business gift coordination.
To excel in this role, the Projects & Strategy Lead must have a comprehensive understanding of UCSF's
administrative policies, travel and entertainment guidelines, HR protocols, union agreements, accreditation
standards (ACGME and ACCME), grant management processes, medical center standards, campus policies, and
event planning strategies. Expertise in academic business operations, financial management, educational
program administration, and project execution is essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate responsiveness,
flexibility, adaptability, reliability, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
This position requires on-site presence up to three times per week, with occasional evening or weekend
availability to address urgent operational needs with limited notice.
The successful candidate must be capable of performing high-level tasks independently, thinking critically,
leading teams, and adapting within a dynamic environment. Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills,
combined with a proactive, hands-on approach, a can-do attitude, are crucial-no task is too small. Additional
projects may be assigned as needed, beyond the responsibilities outlined in this description. This position offers
an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Division of Cardiac Surgery & Lung Transplantation's mission of
excellence in clinical care, research, and education, while supporting the broader goals of the Department of
Surgery and UCSF.
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for this position is $78,900 - $167,300 (Annual Rate). To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html Department Description The mission of the UCSF Department of Surgery is threefold: to develop the next generation of leaders in
surgery; to provide outstanding quality clinical care that is cost effective, yet compassionate; and to make
significant advances in scientific knowledge and clinical practice through basic and clinical research. The
Department is comprised of multiple divisions and sections and our surgeons provide care at locations
throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Our Residents and Fellows also play a critical role in
Department's success. The Department of Surgery Chair's Office is an extremely high profile, fast paced
environment with a very diverse range of contacts and needs which require an immediate and accurate
response, handled with confidentiality, and while staying compliant. The Chair's Office is responsible for
management, direction and oversight of over 400 faculty (clinical and research), trainees and staff personnel. Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related area or 4 year of related working experience.
- Minimum 3 of years of progressive experience in administration, executive support, operations management, education program management and project management.
- Thorough knowledge of common organization- or research-specific and other computer application programs.
- Thorough Knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines.
- Thorough knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management.
- Strong Interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.
- Demonstrates a practical, hands-on approach with the willingness to engage directly in
- tasks, combining technical expertise with a 'can-do' attitude to drive success. Exhibits
- accountability and problem-solving skills by recognizing and admitting mistakes, analyzing
- root causes, and implementing effective solutions to improve workflows and maintain
- operational excellence.
- Demonstrates a 'no task is too small' attitude, embracing all aspects of the role with
- dedication and commitment to ensure the success of the team and organization. Promotes
- a culture of humility and teamwork by taking ownership of all responsibilities, regardless
- of scope, and contributing to the organization's overall goals.
- Must be able to return onsite within 2 hours in response to emergencies, ensuring prompt
- availability to address urgent operational needs
- Strong Project Management Skills. Effectively manages workloads, meets deadlines, and
- performs with accuracy under pressure. Excels in fast-paced environments, successfully
- handling multiple tasks with minimal direction and sound judgment.
- Thorough knowledge of rules and regulations related to budget, finance, relocation,
- procurement, personnel management (academic and non-academic staff), visitor
- management, fiscal operations, event planning, fundraising processes, risk management,
- website design, accounting, payroll, contracts, grants, and financial reporting
- Thorough knowledge of University financial analysis and reporting techniques, and / or human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees.
- Strong skills in short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving and customer service.
- Strong skills in analyzing, researching and synthesizing large amounts of data for
- preparing sound and relevant proposals/analyses.
- Demonstrates track records of exceptional attendance, reliability, and adaptability.
- Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
- Strong policy analysis techniques.
- Strong Analytical / problem-solving skills.
- Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum 5 of years of progressive experience in administration, executive support, operations management, education program management and project management.
- Proficient Knowledge in ACGME Residency/Fellowship Management and ACCME
- accreditation requirements and operational procedures
- Experience working with surgeons in an academic setting
- Experience with Apex preferred
- Prior UCSF School of Medicine / Academic Office Experience Preferred
About UCSF The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells. Pride Values UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Job Code and Payroll Title 004800 ADMIN OFCR 3 CX Job Category Administrative Support Bargaining Unit Teamsters Local 2010 - Clerical and Allied Services Unit (CX) Location San Francisco, CA Campus Parnassus Heights (SF) Shift Days, Evenings, Weekends Additional Shift Details Varies schedule between 6:30 am-6:30 pm Occasional late evenings, weekends, and early mornings |
University of California - San Francisco Campus and Health
Mar 12, 2026