Associate Director for the Center for Translational Vision Research (CTVR)

Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.

To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.

The Center for Translational Vision Research (CTVR) at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is a pioneering research unit dedicated to advancing the field of vision science. As an Organized Research Unit (ORU), CTVR fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and educators to translate scientific discoveries into innovative treatments for vision disorders. Our team is committed to addressing critical challenges in ocular health through cutting-edge research, comprehensive training programs, and community outreach initiatives.

CTVR provides a dynamic and supportive environment that encourages the development of new academic programs, the management of large-scale research initiatives, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in vision research. We strive to cultivate a culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation while aligning our operations with UCI's strategic goals and mission.

The Center for Translational Vision Research (CTVR) at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), recently designated as an Organized Research Unit (ORU), is undergoing significant growth and expansion. The Associate Director, Strategic Finance & Operations, will provide strategic leadership and establish, manage, and have oversight of CTVR's financial, administrative, and academic operations, ensuring alignment with UCI's institutional goals and strategic objectives.

Spending the majority of time achieving organizational objectives through the coordinated achievements of subordinate staff, the Associate Director will manage the accountability and stewardship of human, financial, and physical resources in compliance with departmental and organizational standards, implement and oversee systems and procedures to protect departmental assets, and ensure adherance to defined internal controls.

The Associate Director will develop the long-term vision and goals for CTVR, including policies and procedures, while managing ongoing operations and overseeing a substantial operational budget to achieve program objectives. This includes leading strategic financial planning, resource allocation and ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines. The Associate Director will supervise subordinate staff who will manage complex financial portfolios, including large-scale grants such as the NIH T32, P30, and T35, and will be responsible for preparing detailed reports for internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, the Associate Director will coordinate with the UCI Office of Research to align CTVR's initiatives with broader institutional research goals and maintain compliance with university policies.

A key responsibility of the Associate Director is the development and implementation of a cutting-edge genome editing program, working closely with faculty, institutional partners, and external stakeholders to create a comprehensive framework that drives program growth, secures funding, and supports long-term sustainability.
The Associate Director will also lead the creation and management of a new PhD program in Genetics/Genomics, collaborating with various stakeholders across UCI and the University of California system to ensure the program's strategic design, curriculum development, and long- term viability.

In addition to academic and research program development, the Associate Director will oversee large-scale initiatives, such as the UCI HBCU research program. The role requires guiding these programs through all stages, from strategic planning to execution and evaluation, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies.
The Associate Director will also play an integral role in strategic fundraising efforts to support CTVR's growth and sustainability. This includes developing fundraising strategies, cultivating relationships with donors and institutional partners, and ensuring funds are aligned with the Center's long-term goals and initiatives.
By establishing and managing systems for operational excellence, resource stewardship, and policy compliance, the Associate Director will ensure the successful integration of CTVR's research, academic, and programmatic activities into a cohesive strategy that drives innovation and impact in translational vision research.

Required:

• Academic or research background and recognized expertise in research and advancing the field of scientific discoveries in innovative treatments for vision disorders and ocular health
• Demonstrated expertise with program building within a leading academic institution and administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial principles and practices.
• Expert oral and written English communication skills.
• Expert ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.
• Expert interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.
• Expert ability to work collaboratively with dynamic and diverse groups of faculty, staff, and students.
• Expert fundraising experience.
• Expert negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in building collaborations between academia, industry and / or governmental agencies.
• Leadership experience in academic and / or government agencies.
• Proven experience in managing complex, large-scale budgets and financial operations, including grant management and compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Proven experience in managing complex, large-scale budgets and financial operations, including grant management and compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Demonstrated expertise with financial software and systems and data analysis tools.
• Strong ability and expertise in collaborating with and influencing others, including faculty and research teams, to support grant applications and funding proposals.

Total Compensation

In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

Conditions of Employment:

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

• California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
• E-Verify
• Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Closing Statement:

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.