University of Utah

Department 01473 - SOM Administration Job Summary

The Associate Director of Executive Operations & Initiatives serves as a key member of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine (SFESOM) Dean’s Office, reporting directly to the Chief of Staff. The Associate Director provides strategic project leadership and operational coordination to advance high-priority initiatives across SFESOM and, in partnership with the Chief of Staff, selected University of Utah Health priorities. In support of the Dean’s roles as both Dean of SFESOM and Chief Academic Physician of UUH, the Associate Director leads complex, cross-functional initiatives and partners with faculty, department chairs and leaders, administrative leaders, and institutional stakeholders to translate priorities into actionable plans and effective execution.

Working with a high degree of autonomy, the Associate Director advances the Dean’s priorities by coordinating stakeholders, tracking deliverables, identifying risks and dependencies, and ensuring follow-through across multiple concurrent initiatives. The role requires strong project management skills, executive communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, influence across organizational boundaries, manage sensitive information, and translate executive priorities into coordinated action and measurable results.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities

Executive Initiative Leadership & Execution

• Lead the planning and execution of high-priority initiatives sponsored by the Dean or Chief of Staff, from concept through implementation.
• Translate executive priorities into actionable plans with clear objectives, deliverables, timelines, milestones, and accountability.
• Monitor progress, identify risks and dependencies, and proactively develop solutions to maintain momentum and achieve desired outcomes.
• Provide high-level, confidential support on sensitive and complex initiatives.

Project Management & Executive Communication

• Manage multiple concurrent initiatives, maintaining project plans, trackers, dashboards, and reporting tools to ensure accountability and follow-through.
• Develop executive-ready presentations, briefings, status updates, and decision materials.
• Synthesize complex information and provide clear, concise recommendations and insights to support executive decision-making.
• Prepare leadership for key meetings and discussions by coordinating relevant information, decisions, and follow-up.

Cross-Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a central point of coordination across faculty, department chairs and leaders, administrative leaders, and institutional partners.
• Build alignment and influence outcomes through strong relationships, communication, and collaboration across academic, clinical, research, and administrative functions.
• Facilitate meetings and working sessions, ensuring clear decisions, ownership, and next steps.

Operations & Strategic Support

• Maintain an integrated view of active Dean priorities, initiatives, milestones, and emerging issues.
• Support the development and coordination of governance structures, committees, and working groups related to strategic initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, communication, and execution within the Dean’s team.
• Support emerging priorities and special projects requiring rapid assessment, coordination, and execution.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Education & Experience: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.

Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating complex, cross-functional projects or strategic initiatives.
• Strong project and program management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution and evaluation.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to set expectations, delegate effectively, manage performance, and support staff development.
• Ability to develop and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, resources, and deliverables while ensuring quality, accountability, and timely execution.
• Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong executive communication skills, including the ability to develop concise, compelling presentations, briefings, reports, and written materials.
• Ability to synthesize complex information, identify key issues and risks, and develop clear recommendations for senior leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior faculty, physicians, administrators, and other leaders.
• Ability to influence without formal authority and build alignment across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong judgment and discretion when working with confidential, sensitive, or politically complex matters.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments.
• Ability to balance strong attention to detail with a strategic, systems-level perspective.
• Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and ability to independently drive work forward.
• High level of professionalism, executive presence, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Proficiency with project management, presentation, reporting, and productivity tools.

Preferences

Preferred:

• Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH, or related field), or equivalent experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training.
• Experience working in an academic medical center, health system, university, or similarly complex organization.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

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As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.