Associate Director of Executive Operations

Job description

Associate Director of Executive Operations & Initiatives

Job Summary

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.

Requisition Number

Requisition Number: PRN46206B

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary

Work Schedule Summary: Monday – Friday, 8am -5pm

Department

Department: 01473 - SOM Administration

Location

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range: $95,000-$125,000

Close Date

Close Date: 11/14/2026

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Worksite address

salt lake city, UT, 84193, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.