In 2019, businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford committed $100 million towards the creation of the T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion at UC San Diego. This gift establishes a virtual institute to study the neurobiological basis of empathy and compassion and implement training models for physician education (medical students through practicing physicians) to effectively teach the practice of compassion for self and others.

With the establishment of the Institute, investments will be made towards expanding subject matter expertise through key professorships, seed funding for research and collaborative projects, and appointment of research fellows and scholars. Additional activities include the establishment of an annual international conference, integration of new methods into the medical school curriculum, enhancing the Student- Run Free Clinic and establishment of various centers.

Under general supervision, incumbent will provide high level administrative and operational support to the Center for Compassionate Communication Director, Director of Communication Education and supporting faculty. Incumbent will be responsible for a range of assignments involving scheduling, calendaring, and coordinating/planning complex meetings, travel arrangements, speaking engagements and special events; and coordination of activities with other divisions and departments. Incumbent must have exceptional communication skills and be able to work independently, as well as possess broad job knowledge, analyze and troubleshoot problems, and recommend solutions. Leads all communications for the CCC and maintains up to date website and publication support. Responsibilities include but are not limited to preparation of project proposals, marketing materials, reports, budget preparation, financial data review/analysis, processing of payment authorizations, purchase orders and travel reimbursements using online systems. Engages in other special projects or administrative assistance when needed.

• Demonstrated experience and proven ability to provide a high level of independent administrative, and fiscal support.

• Working knowledge of financial accounting and ability to review budgets and track expenditures. Experience with a wide variety of travel-related administrative activities including university policies and procedures, tracking systems for meeting expenses, and tracking of persons and materials in transit.

• Demonstrated ability to schedule, arrange, and coordinate meetings and special events, manage travel arrangements, and prepare accurate travel-related forms for submission and reimbursement.

• Strong computer skills and proficient in the use of spreadsheet, database management, graphics, and word processing software in a Windows and Mac environment. Experience working in a networked environment using email, online calendaring and well developed internet navigation skills. Demonstrated experience learning new office-related software and hardware.

• Demonstrated experience analyzing and identifying problems, independently resolve discrepancies with ability to recommend solutions, develop reports, and project expenditures.

• Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills that facilitate professional, effective, and courteous interaction with a diverse population. Demonstrated ability to effectively compose, edit and proofread letters, memoranda, minutes of meetings, and summary reports with clear and concise expression, proper grammar, style, and punctuation. Ability to organize and appropriately handle confidential salary and benefits negotiations and information to a large group of laboratory individuals.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, professionals, the public, and others. Ability to maintain confidentiality as required.

• Demonstrated experience analyzing and identifying problems, independently resolve discrepancies with ability to recommend solutions, develop reports, and project expenditures.

• Experience identifying projects and following through until completion. Strong demonstrated ability to work independently and to prioritize workloads to meet deadlines. Experience with administrative leadership and team building.

• Demonstrated experience with complex scheduling with ability to prioritize and develop procedures to streamline workload and produce quality work with shifting deadlines and frequent interruptions.

• Proven ability to establish and maintain accurate computerized records and organized filing systems.

• Strong understanding of purchasing concepts with proven ability to maintain inventory, order supplies, and track expenditures.

• Knowledge of on-line financial and personnel systems. Ability to prepare on-line purchase and travel requests.

• Knowledge of University policy and procedures related to online systems such as FinancialLink, TravelLink, EmployeeLink, Blink, IFIS, PPS, Darwin, as well as animal use and human subjects.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.