Academic Program Manager I

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

1d•$126,800 - $288,200

About The Position

The ARIA Non-Invasive Neurostimulation/Neuromodulation (NINM) Frontier Science Hub Initiative is a new multi-million dollar multi-year privately-funded endeavor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, led by Vice Chair for Research Dr. Andrew Krystal. This groundbreaking research program aims to advance scientific discovery and develop innovative NINM therapeutic opportunities for individuals with profound autism. As a high-profile, multi-institutional research venture, the ARIA NINM Frontier Science Hub spans a consortium of three leading universities—Yale, Stanford, and UCSF—and will support up to 15 new multi-site and department-based research programs. The initiative will involve complex financial structures, including numerous subawards, subcontracts, and the active engagement of dozens of faculty Principal Investigators. This position exists to serve as the strategic and operational leader responsible for ensuring the successful development, implementation, and management of the ARIA NINM Frontier Science Hub Initiative in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Acting as the senior administrative partner to faculty leadership, the incumbent provides oversight across all facets of program administration, ranging from high-level strategic planning to day-to-day operational management, including staff supervision and budget management. The incumbent drives long-term planning and program-wide strategies in collaboration with faculty leadership, identifying opportunities for growth, creating and refining policies and procedures, and aligning all efforts with the initiative’s overarching goals. Acting as a liaison across the consortium, the incumbent facilitates seamless communication and collaboration, attending regular consortium meetings and coordinating efforts with the advisory board, external agencies and funders to maintain compliance and foster strong relationships. The incumbent provides oversight of ARIA’s complex financial structures, including subawards and subcontracts, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient allocation of resources across diverse research programs. By partnering with faculty Principal Investigators, the incumbent supports the implementation and monitoring of individual research projects, offering strategic guidance on proposals and priorities to maximize the initiative’s impact. Additionally, the incumbent designs and implements workshops, conferences, and publication initiatives to disseminate research findings, foster collaboration, and elevate ARIA’s visibility within the scientific community and beyond. The incumbent must possess exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills to navigate the complexities of a multi-institutional research initiative. Additionally, expertise in financial management, staff supervision, policy development, and stakeholder engagement is critical to ensuring the Initiative’s success. The UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (DPBS) is a leader in advancing mental health care, research, and education. The Department is among the nation’s foremost resources in the field of child, adolescent and adult mental health. Joining UCSF DPBS provides an opportunity to work alongside world-renowned experts in psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral sciences. Psychiatry faculty members are recognized for their leadership roles in state-of-the-art, comprehensive and compassionate patient care, pioneering research, excellence in training the next generation of leaders, advancing public policy to advance mental health, and commitment to diversity. The department is committed to improving mental health across diverse populations and fostering innovation in treatment, prevention, and research.

Requirements

Academic or research background and recognized expertise in selected area.
Expert oral and written communication skills.
Leadership experience in academic and / or government agencies.
Demonstrated expertise with program building within a leading academic institution and administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices.
Expert ability to work with dynamic and diverse group of faculty, staff and students.
Managerial experience and proven success in managing a complex research or academic program(s).
Strong fundraising experience.
Strong negotiation skills and verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence / persuade all levels of staff.
Skills in organization and customer service to effectively manage multiple important priorities.
Minimum six years of experience with five in a lead/supervisory role
Terminal degree in a related area (PhD, JD, MD, etc.) and / or equivalent experience / training required.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated expertise in building collaborations between academia, industry and / or governmental agencies.

Responsibilities

Manages the design and development of major research program components and oversees execution of funded programs.
Identifies and develops funding from multiple external sources to support program operations.
Ensures through subordinates varied and competing requirements associated with managing an innovative program in a university environment.
Plans, directs and controls program budget(s) and manages financial, HR, technical and other supporting resources.
Ensures the assessment and success of the program(s) effectiveness, and recommends changes to program's content, policies and strategic goals accordingly.
Develops and maintains liaisons with external advisory board, and ensures representation of the program to governing boards, outside agencies, and the public.
Ensures the development, implementation and adherence to policies regarding intellectual property in addition to negotiating and managing IP agreements and contracts.
Leads professional conferences and provides public relations support.
Develops ideas and options for faculty review and decision-making. Develops and implements programs that reflect faculty interests.
Manages seminars and workshops and participates with faculty on research for publications and grant applications.