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Dean, School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor of Medical Affairs
This is a pivotal moment for the UCSF School of Medicine. Amid evolving healthcare economics, rapid scientific advancement, growing expectations for equity and accountability, and volatility in federal research funding, UCSF seeks a bold, integrative leader capable of sustaining excellence while shaping the future of academic medicine.
Reporting to the Chancellor of UCSF, this role encompasses the dual appointment of Dean of the School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor of Medical Affairs, a position central to advancing UCSF’s academic and clinical missions.
As Dean and Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs, this leader serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School of Medicine, responsible for strategic vision, faculty affairs, graduate and undergraduate medical education, research enterprise leadership, and financial stewardship.
The Dean and Vice Chancellor also plays a central role in aligning academic priorities with the clinical enterprise, serving as a key partner to UCSF Health leadership, reporting with the President and CEO of UCSF Health to the Chancellor who serves as Chairman of UCSF Health, and ensuring integration across academic, clinical, and research missions.
The successful candidate will be a visionary academic physician leader with deep experience navigating the complexity of a large, decentralized academic health system. They will be decisive yet collaborative, strategic yet pragmatic, and capable of inspiring confidence across faculty, learners, clinicians, administrators, donors, and external partners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide visionary, enterprise-wide leadership for the UCSF School of Medicine and UCSF Health, advancing UCSF’s position as a leading academic medical institution across research, education, and clinical care.
- Develop and execute a cohesive, forward-looking strategy for the School of Medicine.
- Advance a culture of collaboration and mutual respect across all parts of UCSF.
- Establish and steward an effective governance and leadership structure that enables accountability, alignment, and timely decision-making across academic, clinical, and research enterprises.
- Serve as a principal strategic partner to UCSF Health leadership, ensuring strong alignment and shared accountability across academic, clinical, and research missions.
- Provide overall financial and operational stewardship for the School of Medicine, ensuring fiscal sustainability, strategic investment, and long-term growth.
- Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding academic and administrative leaders, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and mission-driven culture.
- Advance national and international prominence in research and discovery by strengthening the discovery and translational science continuum, expanding the extramural funding portfolio, and investing in emerging areas of scientific opportunity.
- Provide strategic oversight of School of Medicine departments, campus-wide centers and institutes, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and maximizing impact.
- Lead the continued evolution of UCSF’s innovative medical education programs, promoting educational excellence, equity, and an exceptional student experience.
- Advance a best-in-class clinical enterprise, distinguished by clinical outcomes, destination programs, innovation in care delivery, and clinical scholarship.
- Provide campus-wide leadership for the School of Medicine, working closely with the Chancellor, senior leadership, Deans of the health professional schools, and the academic senate to advance shared priorities.
- Convene and lead the Deans’ Council, promoting strategic coherence, collaboration, and communication.
- Champion opportunity for all as core institutional values embedded across education, research, clinical care, and leadership.
- Act as a visible leader in philanthropy, strengthening donor relationships, and securing investment aligned with strategic priorities.
- Serve as a compelling ambassador and national thought leader for UCSF and academic medicine, representing the institution with credibility and influence at the institutional, regional, national, and international levels.
An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate AND the current salary level of individuals working at the University of California in potentially similar roles. The anticipated range for this role is $1M to 1.4M total cash compensation. The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Department Description
UCSF School of Medicine
Established in 1864, the UCSF School of Medicine is the oldest medical school in the western United States and one of the nation’s premier institutions for medical education and biomedical research. The School advances an integrated fourfold mission of education, research, patient care, and public service.
The School consistently ranks as the top recipient of NIH funding and is internationally recognized for excellence across basic science, translational research, clinical investigation, and innovative medical education. Its faculty includes six Nobel laureates, 117 members of the National Academy of Medicine, 78 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 57 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 25 Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators, reflecting a sustained commitment to discovery, innovation, and impact. Its graduates and trainees are leaders in academic medicine, public health, biotechnology, and clinical care.
Through its partnerships with UCSF Health, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, the San Francisco VA Health Care System, and regional campus at UCSF Fresno, the School delivers care to diverse communities while training future leaders in medicine and science.
The UCSF School of Medicine is internationally recognized as a leader in evidence-based, innovative educational programs. The UCSF School of Medicine’s undergraduate medical education program trains approximately 700 medical students across its San Francisco and regional campuses and is nationally recognized for innovation in competency-based, learner-centered education. Through the Bridges Curriculum, students integrate foundational science with early clinical immersion, inquiry, and health systems improvement, preparing them to care for diverse populations and advance equity in health. Students learn in small-group coaching communities, complete scholarly projects addressing real-world health challenges, and train in a wide network of academic and community settings, including safety-net and rural environments. The program emphasizes clinical excellence, scientific curiosity, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership development, preparing graduates for residency and for lifelong careers in patient care, research, education, and public service.
As part of its commitment to expanding access to medically underserved populations, the School has developed two regional campuses in the San Juaquin Valley (SJV) at UCSF Fresno and UC Merced to launch a combined BS-MD program based entirely for residents of the SJV.
With one of the nation's largest graduate medical education (GME) programs, UCSF School of Medicine GME is where excellence in patient care, innovation, and equity converge to shape the future of medicine. Our residents and fellows are at the forefront of academic medicine and will become future leaders to advance health worldwide. In partnership with UCSF Health, the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, as well as over 50 additional training sites, we strive daily to provide our residents and fellows with the highest quality education and training.
Established in 1864, the UCSF School of Medicine is the oldest medical school in the western United States and one of the nation’s premier institutions for medical education and biomedical research. The School advances an integrated fourfold mission of education, research, patient care, and public service.
The School consistently ranks as the top recipient of NIH funding and is internationally recognized for excellence across basic science, translational research, clinical investigation, and innovative medical education. Its faculty includes six Nobel laureates, 117 members of the National Academy of Medicine, 78 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 57 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 25 Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators, reflecting a sustained commitment to discovery, innovation, and impact. Its graduates and trainees are leaders in academic medicine, public health, biotechnology, and clinical care.
Through its partnerships with UCSF Health, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, the San Francisco VA Health Care System, and regional campus at UCSF Fresno, the School delivers care to diverse communities while training future leaders in medicine and science.
The UCSF School of Medicine is internationally recognized as a leader in evidence-based, innovative educational programs. The UCSF School of Medicine’s undergraduate medical education program trains approximately 700 medical students across its San Francisco and regional campuses and is nationally recognized for innovation in competency-based, learner-centered education. Through the Bridges Curriculum, students integrate foundational science with early clinical immersion, inquiry, and health systems improvement, preparing them to care for diverse populations and advance equity in health. Students learn in small-group coaching communities, complete scholarly projects addressing real-world health challenges, and train in a wide network of academic and community settings, including safety-net and rural environments. The program emphasizes clinical excellence, scientific curiosity, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership development, preparing graduates for residency and for lifelong careers in patient care, research, education, and public service.
As part of its commitment to expanding access to medically underserved populations, the School has developed two regional campuses in the San Juaquin Valley (SJV) at UCSF Fresno and UC Merced to launch a combined BS-MD program based entirely for residents of the SJV.
With one of the nation's largest graduate medical education (GME) programs, UCSF School of Medicine GME is where excellence in patient care, innovation, and equity converge to shape the future of medicine. Our residents and fellows are at the forefront of academic medicine and will become future leaders to advance health worldwide. In partnership with UCSF Health, the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, as well as over 50 additional training sites, we strive daily to provide our residents and fellows with the highest quality education and training.
Required Qualifications
Interested applicants must submit the following:
The Dean will be a visionary, accomplished academic and executive leader with the stature, breadth, and drive to lead a complex, decentralized academic health enterprise. The successful candidate will bring recognized distinction in scholarship or leadership within a health sciences discipline (M.D. required), coupled with a clear and compelling vision for integrating research, education, and service to advance health worldwide.
This leader will demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to academic excellence, including the recruitment and development of exceptional faculty, the advancement of innovative teaching and research, and rigorous stewardship of academic programs. They will have a proven record of strategic thinking, program building and partnership development—both within and beyond the university—leveraging interdisciplinary strengths to create new opportunities and institutional impact.
The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated success in executive management, financial stewardship, and fundraising within a large academic health sciences environment, along with deep experience fostering inclusive and diverse communities. They will be a collaborative, highly effective people leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to inspire trust and engagement across scientists and non-scientists and to operate credibly at the highest levels of academia, healthcare, government, and philanthropy.
Personally, the Dean will be known for integrity, humility, optimism, resilience, and high energy, with the flexibility and tenacity required to lead in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment. A genuine respect for UCSF’s culture, traditions, and collaborative ethos—and a willingness to listen, engage broadly, and lead with authenticity—will be essential to success.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE
Leadership and Academic Excellence
Progressive success in an academic medical or health center that values the multi-faceted mission; a strong reputation as a physician leader with accomplishments in medical education, research, and clinical care.
Relationship Building and External Engagement
Proven ability to build partnerships and trust with all partnerships and alliances with UCSF. Recognition as an inspiring and credible “face and voice” of an organization.
Business Acumen
Understanding of complex financial pressures in research-intensive medical schools and academic healthcare organizations and record of strengthening financial performance and operational efficiency. Demonstrated management of large P&Ls in a complex healthcare environment.
Mentorship and Faculty Development
An uncompromising commitment to academic excellence in recruitment, retention, mentorship, and development of senior leaders and faculty possessing the emotional intelligence and ability to lead in a complex matrixed environment. Ability to motivate and inspire high-performing educators, researchers, and clinicians.
Education
An M.D. degree and credentials for a full professor with tenure appointment required.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter: the cover letter must include a research statement (two paragraphs) and teaching philosophy (two paragraphs)
The Dean will be a visionary, accomplished academic and executive leader with the stature, breadth, and drive to lead a complex, decentralized academic health enterprise. The successful candidate will bring recognized distinction in scholarship or leadership within a health sciences discipline (M.D. required), coupled with a clear and compelling vision for integrating research, education, and service to advance health worldwide.
This leader will demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to academic excellence, including the recruitment and development of exceptional faculty, the advancement of innovative teaching and research, and rigorous stewardship of academic programs. They will have a proven record of strategic thinking, program building and partnership development—both within and beyond the university—leveraging interdisciplinary strengths to create new opportunities and institutional impact.
The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated success in executive management, financial stewardship, and fundraising within a large academic health sciences environment, along with deep experience fostering inclusive and diverse communities. They will be a collaborative, highly effective people leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to inspire trust and engagement across scientists and non-scientists and to operate credibly at the highest levels of academia, healthcare, government, and philanthropy.
Personally, the Dean will be known for integrity, humility, optimism, resilience, and high energy, with the flexibility and tenacity required to lead in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment. A genuine respect for UCSF’s culture, traditions, and collaborative ethos—and a willingness to listen, engage broadly, and lead with authenticity—will be essential to success.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE
Leadership and Academic Excellence
Progressive success in an academic medical or health center that values the multi-faceted mission; a strong reputation as a physician leader with accomplishments in medical education, research, and clinical care.
Relationship Building and External Engagement
Proven ability to build partnerships and trust with all partnerships and alliances with UCSF. Recognition as an inspiring and credible “face and voice” of an organization.
Business Acumen
Understanding of complex financial pressures in research-intensive medical schools and academic healthcare organizations and record of strengthening financial performance and operational efficiency. Demonstrated management of large P&Ls in a complex healthcare environment.
Mentorship and Faculty Development
An uncompromising commitment to academic excellence in recruitment, retention, mentorship, and development of senior leaders and faculty possessing the emotional intelligence and ability to lead in a complex matrixed environment. Ability to motivate and inspire high-performing educators, researchers, and clinicians.
Education
An M.D. degree and credentials for a full professor with tenure appointment required.
Preferred Qualifications
N/A
License/Certification
An M.D. degree and credentials for a full professor with tenure appointment required.
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is one of the world’s leading universities exclusively focused on health. Dedicated solely to the health sciences, UCSF comprises four professional schools—Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy – a Graduate Division for predoctoral and postdoctoral scientists, and UCSF Health. UCSF is driven by a singular mission: advancing health worldwide.
UCSF provides teaching, research, and patient care services at multiple locations, including the 107-acre Parnassus campus with more than 600,000 square feet of research space and a medical center; its UCSF Mission Bay campus, a 61.7-acre campus with more than one million square feet of research space and a medical center comprising three specialty hospitals; and other major campus locations in San Francisco and Oakland. UCSF also maintains partnerships with three affiliated institutions, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Community Medical Center Fresno.
UCSF is undertaking an ambitious capital expansion with several projects of direct interest to the School of Medicine scheduled for completion by 2030. These include a new adult hospital and major research and academic building on the Parnassus Campus, a new children’s hospital on the Oakland Campus, a new education center on the Mission Bay Campus, and a new proton therapy and clinical building adjacent to the Mission Bay Campus. This later project will include a large incubator for start-up companies.
UCSF ranks among the top five universities nationwide in total funded research. All four professional schools are nationally recognized for excellence in education and rank either first or second in the intensifying competition for federal research dollars from the National Institutes of Health. Among the more than 4,800 UCSF faculty members, there are six Nobel laureates, 13 Lasker Award recipients, six Shaw Prize recipients, five recipients of the National Medal of Science, and four recipients of the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. In addition, UCSF faculty holds numerous esteemed memberships in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and The Royal Society.
UCSF also takes seriously its role as a public servant and community educator. From a medical clinic for the homeless and low-cost dental programs for the underserved to home therapy services for recently discharged patients and special programs for aging and troubled adolescents, UCSF is intimately involved in improving the health of the community. Since 1987, UCSF has been bolstering science education in San Francisco public schools with a partnership program between teachers and UCSF scientists.
UCSF is also a major regional and community presence with more than 40,000 employees. San Francisco and the Bay Area region benefit from the programs and activities of UCSF. In addition to providing substantial quality employment opportunities, UCSF has spawned the development of the region's biotechnology industry and contributes significantly to quality and health educational services throughout the Bay Area. As a public university within the University of California system, UCSF combines academic rigor with a deep commitment to public service, health equity, and community partnership.
UCSF provides teaching, research, and patient care services at multiple locations, including the 107-acre Parnassus campus with more than 600,000 square feet of research space and a medical center; its UCSF Mission Bay campus, a 61.7-acre campus with more than one million square feet of research space and a medical center comprising three specialty hospitals; and other major campus locations in San Francisco and Oakland. UCSF also maintains partnerships with three affiliated institutions, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Community Medical Center Fresno.
UCSF is undertaking an ambitious capital expansion with several projects of direct interest to the School of Medicine scheduled for completion by 2030. These include a new adult hospital and major research and academic building on the Parnassus Campus, a new children’s hospital on the Oakland Campus, a new education center on the Mission Bay Campus, and a new proton therapy and clinical building adjacent to the Mission Bay Campus. This later project will include a large incubator for start-up companies.
UCSF ranks among the top five universities nationwide in total funded research. All four professional schools are nationally recognized for excellence in education and rank either first or second in the intensifying competition for federal research dollars from the National Institutes of Health. Among the more than 4,800 UCSF faculty members, there are six Nobel laureates, 13 Lasker Award recipients, six Shaw Prize recipients, five recipients of the National Medal of Science, and four recipients of the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. In addition, UCSF faculty holds numerous esteemed memberships in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and The Royal Society.
UCSF also takes seriously its role as a public servant and community educator. From a medical clinic for the homeless and low-cost dental programs for the underserved to home therapy services for recently discharged patients and special programs for aging and troubled adolescents, UCSF is intimately involved in improving the health of the community. Since 1987, UCSF has been bolstering science education in San Francisco public schools with a partnership program between teachers and UCSF scientists.
UCSF is also a major regional and community presence with more than 40,000 employees. San Francisco and the Bay Area region benefit from the programs and activities of UCSF. In addition to providing substantial quality employment opportunities, UCSF has spawned the development of the region's biotechnology industry and contributes significantly to quality and health educational services throughout the Bay Area. As a public university within the University of California system, UCSF combines academic rigor with a deep commitment to public service, health equity, and community partnership.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California San Francisco 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
Organization
Campus
Job Code and Payroll Title
000087 VC AND DEAN SOM
Job Category
Executive, Physician, Professional and Managerial
Bargaining Unit
99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit)
Employee Class
Career
Percentage
100%
Location
San Francisco, CA
Campus
Mission Bay (SF)
Work Style
Fully On-Site
Shift
Days
Shift Length
8 Hours
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