Department Administrator, Associate Chair

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is seeking a detail-oriented individual to serve as the Department Administrator and Associate Chair for the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing human resources, finances, budgeting, strategic planning, and overall departmental operations. The position represents the Department and College within UAMS and to external partners, playing a crucial part in advancing UAMS's mission by providing strategic and operational oversight of research, education, and service activities. Key duties include exercising administrative authority, collaborating with the Chair and Associate Dean, addressing operational issues, serving as a primary contact for faculty, students, and staff, and ensuring effective financial management. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, and operational management experience in academic or research settings, coupled with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. This role offers an opportunity to significantly contribute to the department's dedication to education, research, and service.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field plus eight (8) years of business management experience with exposure to a combination of budget, finance, and human resources OR Master's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field plus six (6) years of business management experience with exposure to a combination of budget, finance, and human resources.
Proven experience in leadership, strategic planning, and operational management within academic, research, or healthcare environments.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex, multifaceted challenges.
Ability to collaborate with clinical partners to ensure seamless operations between academic and clinical enterprise.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders, including faculty, students, and staff.
A track record of successfully managing human resources, finances, and strategic initiatives in a dynamic organizational setting.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience using Workday (financial reporting, procurement, travel), JFR, TRACKS, and FacFacts is preferred.
UAMS Grants Management Certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as the chief planning officer for the department and liaison to the College’s strategy team, monitoring the environment, assisting leadership in setting mission, vision, and goals, facilitating strategic and tactical plans, and monitoring progress.
Provides ongoing decision support and analytics for the department.
Collaborates with the College and other UAMS divisions on business development activities, such as contracts, grants, and fundraising.
Serves as the chief financial officer for the department, ensuring optimal financial, budgetary, and operational support.
Develops and implements the annual budget, including expense budgeting and revenue projection.
Ensures compliance with reporting and tracking requirements for contracting or granting entities and adheres to UAMS rules and procedures.
Manages the development, analysis, and implementation of the department’s faculty compensation plan, including tracking faculty productivity, salary distributions, and effort allocation.
Responsible for payroll, purchasing, travel, and financial transactions.
May create and monitor recharge centers/core facilities.
Oversees prompt payment of invoices and related research of any errors.
Provides expertise and assistance to faculty regarding grant/contract preparation, budgeting, and reporting.
Responsible for departmental staff recruitment, hiring, supervision, training, and performance management, fostering an environment of efficiency, effectiveness, and service.
Provides leadership and guidance to management and administrative staff, coordinating activities and workload distribution.
Focuses on developing a talented workforce through educational and training opportunities.
Conducts annual evaluations and goal setting with staff.
Works with the UAMS Office of Human Resources to ensure departmental compliance with all UAMS rules and procedures.
Facilitates faculty recruitment, hiring, promotion/tenure processes, and performance management/evaluations under the leadership of the department chair.
Works with the UAMS Office of Faculty Affairs and College to ensure compliance with UAMS rules and procedures.
Maintains business relationships with leaders both on and off campus.
May have College of Medicine (COM) and campus-level committee assignments.
May have a role in supporting clinically-related activities in collaboration with the integrated clinical enterprise and/or service line administrator.
Assists faculty in providing administrative oversight for educational programs to ensure students, residents, and fellows receive appropriate support.
Supports faculty in the development of research programs, identifying space, funding, equipment, and infrastructure.
Manages daily operational issues in collaboration with UAMS offices involving the integrated clinical enterprise, space management and construction, information technology, communications, lab set-up, and lab safety.
Provides input and advice on UAMS and COM policy development.
May perform other duties as assigned.