Chief Operating Officer, Department of Surgery

The University of Virginia Department of Surgery is searching for a Chief Operating Officer to serve as the administrative leader for and strategic partner to the Chair of the department. Individuals considered for this position should be experienced leaders in academic clinical environments with exceptional skills in strategy development, financial and human resources management, and change management, and should demonstrate a collaborative and innovative focus. The UVA Department of Surgery is comprised of 8 divisions of surgical subspecialties, 7 resident and fellow training programs, and a broad research portfolio supported by federal, industry, and philanthropic funding.

The position requires an individual who has demonstrated ability to successfully deliver:

• Strategic Leadership: Acts as a strategic partner to the Chair, Dean, and Health System leadership to drive the vision of the Department, School of Medicine, and UVA Health; develops and executes strategies that advance innovation, financial sustainability, and academic and clinical excellence.
• Culture & Team Development: Leads the development of a high-performing, collaborative administrative team; fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, equity, and continuous improvement.
• Analytics & Data Strategy: Builds analytic capabilities and dashboards that enable data-driven decisions; tracks performance metrics across clinical, research, education, and financial missions, and ensures transparent reporting.
• External Representation: Represents the Department in negotiations, institutional committees, and national associations; cultivates partnerships that enhance resources and visibility and aligns departmental goals with institutional priorities.
• Innovation & Growth: Identifies and implements growth strategies including new clinical programs, interdisciplinary initiatives, and digital health solutions; partners with institutional and development offices on philanthropic priorities.

This role offers an opportunity to advance the department's mission of excellence in surgical care, education, and discovery within one of the nation's leading academic health systems.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree

Experience: Ten years of increasingly responsible experience. Master's degree is typical and may substitute for some experience. Relevant exempt level experience may substitute for a degree.

Priority will be given to candidates with an advanced degree in business or healthcare administration, 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in academic healthcare, preferably with responsibilities that include oversight of clinical operations, financial management, human resources, medical education programs and research compliance.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site. Occasional remote work may be considered.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after December 15, 2025.

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

To Apply or Nominate

You may express interest in the position by sending your resume or curriculum vitae and a cover letter to the search firm Solomon Page, attention Kathy Swanson, at [email protected]

You may also apply directly through the UVA portal, online , and searching for requisition number R0078137. Please include your resume or curriculum vitae and a cover letter.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.