The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) invites applications for the role of Vice Chair, Administration serving surgical specialty departments.  

The Vice Chair of Administration (VCA) provides strategic and operational leadership for the financial, clinical, educational, and research programs of surgical specialty departments. Working in close partnership with department chairs and the Dean’s Office, the VCA ensures a high-functioning infrastructure that supports academic and clinical missions while fostering collaboration with affiliated hospitals and health systems. This role is pivotal in aligning departmental goals with institutional priorities and advancing integrated health initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute multi-year strategic and operational plans aligned with UNR Med and Renown Health’s integrated academic health system goals.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to department chairs and senior leadership, providing data-driven insights for decision-making and growth initiatives.

• Represent the department in enterprise-level planning, compliance, and performance improvement forums.

Financial Management & Business Operations

• Oversee all departmental financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and reporting across multiple funding streams (state appropriations, clinical revenue, grants, gifts).

• Ensure fiduciary controls and compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations.

• Lead business planning for new programs and research initiatives.

Research Administration & Compliance

• Direct pre- and post-award grant administration, ensuring adherence to sponsor and IRB requirements.

• Partner with PIs and research offices to optimize funding strategies and resource allocation.

• Implement systems for monitoring research expenditures and compliance metrics.

Clinical & Affiliated Health Integration

• Collaborate with Renown Health leadership to align clinical operations with academic priorities.

• Oversee UNR faculty time/attendance systems, billing accuracy, and productivity reporting.

• Support community health initiatives and manage programs like UNR’s Student Outreach Clinic .

Education & Academic Program Support

• Coordinate resources for UME/GME programs, CME, and departmental educational activities.

• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and institutional policies.

• Work with the Chair to identify new resources for program development and growth.

• Facilitate faculty development and mentoring programs in collaboration with Faculty Affairs.

Human Resources & Talent Management

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and performance management for administrative staff.

• Support faculty appointment, promotion, and compensation processes.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement.

Facilities, IT & Infrastructure

• Oversee space planning, renovations, and safety compliance for the department.

• Manage technology needs, equipment inventories, and capital planning.

• Ensure continuity of operations through robust administrative systems.

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

• Monitor departmental compliance with institutional policies, HIPAA, and regulatory standards.

• Implement process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and service quality.

• Prepare and present operational and financial reports to leadership.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in financial management, research administration, and healthcare operations. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills will be key to success in the role.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and five years of related work experience OR

Master’s Degree and three year of related work experience.

Related Experience: Experience in academic medicine

Schedule/Travel Requirements:

Variable work schedule

Occasional travel may be required, travel to Renown will be frequent  

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in academic health center administration

Familiarity with integrated clinical and academic environments

Compensation Grade

D

Market Salary Band

$117,534 - $146,918 - $176,302

Perks of Working at UNR

• Health insurance options including dental and vision -

• Generous annual and sick leave and life insurance –

• Generous retirement match of 19.25%

• No state income tax!

• Grants-in-aid for faculty and qualifying dependents –

• Faculty Daul-Career Assistance Program offers assistance connecting your spouse to job opportunities on and off campus –

• Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University.

• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options. 

• Reno is proud to be a University town! Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders

• supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues.

Search Contact

Wendy Duras

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