Associate Director of Executive Operations &
Initiatives
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.
Special Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN46206B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday – Friday, 8am -5pm
Department: 01473 - SOM Administration
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $95,000-$125,000
Close Date: 11/14/2026
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9827560"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/209214
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