08/12/2026
https://ucnature.org/jobs/
Chief Administrative Officer — UCI Nature
Department: Office of Research — Special Research Programs Location: UC Irvine Campus (Hybrid — 2–3 days onsite/week) Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM FTE: 100% | FLSA Status: Exempt Union: CX-Clerical/Administrative
About UCI Nature
UCI Nature offers UC Irvine faculty and students the opportunity to bring their research, teaching, and public service into natural environments across California. UC Irvine directly oversees four protected natural areas — two with on-site lodging about three hours from campus, and two within walking distance of campus — along with partnership agreements that open access to even more natural areas.
Together, these sites span everything from ocean to desert, connecting to the systemwide UC Nature — the largest university-operated reserve system in the world, spanning 41 sites and 756,000 acres across California.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Chief Administrative Officer to lead the administrative, financial, and operational backbone of UCI Nature and its reserve sites. This is a hands-on leadership role: you’ll oversee budgeting, financial reporting, procurement, facilities logistics, recharge administration, and contract and grant support — while serving as a trusted resource for faculty, staff, students, and the broader community who rely on these reserves.
You’ll help keep multiple reserve locations running smoothly, safeguard university resources, and support the strategic planning that keeps research, education, and public programs thriving across the system. Occasional travel to reserve sites is required a few times a year.
What You’ll Do
Manage daily administrative operations across UCI Nature reserves, including San Joaquin Marsh, Burns Piñon Ridge, and Anza-Borrego Desert Ranch — with internal controls, policy guidance, and ongoing support for faculty and staff.
Oversee budgetary and financial management, IT system support, facilities coordination, procurement, utilities, and contract support across campus units.
Build and manage complex budgets and financial reports spanning contracts and grants, endowments, state awards, gifts, and campus funds — including monthly reconciliations and multi-year forecasting.
Administer recharge operations: processing invoices, reconciling reports, and tracking payment activity.
Coordinate grant and contract proposal submissions, from RFA review to budget drafting to final submission.
Partner with the Office of Research on HR-related processes, training coordination, and reporting.
Analyze operational and budget trends to support planning and forecasting.
Represent the department on committees with UC systemwide partners and campus stakeholders.
Help shape communications — website content, newsletters, event announcements, and visitor-facing information.
Manage procurement and inventory workflows, and oversee facilities, space, and safety coordination across reserve sites.
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent experience/training.
3–5 years of related experience.
Thorough knowledge of university budgeting, accounting, fund management, and/or personnel practices.
Strong written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
Familiarity with administrative operations such as event planning, risk management, website basics, and contracts/grants processes.
Comfort with common university computer systems and platforms.
Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Strong planning, analysis, and problem-solving skills, with a customer-service mindset.
Why Join Us
You’ll play a key role in supporting research and education that connects UC Irvine to some of California’s most remarkable natural landscapes — from coastal marshes to desert ranchlands — as part of a system dedicated to preserving these spaces for generations of scientists, students, and the public.
Learn more and apply here: https://ucnature.org/jobs/
