Chief Administrative Officer Jobs in California
Chief Administrative Officer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in healthcare systems, higher education, technology companies, and state and local government, with openings at every level from deputy or associate CAO through to enterprise-wide executive roles. The largest hiring centers are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, where major employers such as Kaiser Permanente, the University of California system, and the State of California consistently recruit chief administrative officers. The most in-demand specialties are healthcare operations, public sector administration, and technology-driven corporate services. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
Calling All Esteemed Leaders!
Providence is seeking a seasoned executive to serve as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)—a critical leadership role responsible for advancing operational excellence, quality, and strategic alignment across the ministry. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead at scale within a mission‑driven organization, partnering closely with executive and clinical leaders to deliver measurable impact across the continuum of care.
The Role
Reporting to the Service Area Chief Executive (CE), the Chief Administrative Officer serves as the principal operational executive for the ministry, providing strategic leadership, planning, and oversight across administrative and operational functions. Under the direction of the Service Area CE, the CAO is a key member of the executive leadership team and plays an essential role in advancing organizational performance.
The CAO provides senior‑level administrative oversight of daily operations, ensuring excellence in quality, safety, caregiver and provider engagement, and patient experience across the Integrated Delivery Network (IDN). This role partners with regional, system, and clinical leaders to align operational priorities with the Providence St. Joseph Health Integrated Strategic & Financial Plan.
The CAO leads initiatives that strengthen operational effectiveness, optimize resource utilization, and improve outcomes across assigned service lines. This includes accountability for operating budget performance, productivity, key contracts, and operational metrics. In the absence of the Service Area CE, the CAO assumes division‑level leadership responsibilities as needed.
What You’ll Do
- Lead day‑to‑day operations of the IDN to ensure high‑quality, safe, and reliable care delivery
- Translate strategic priorities into operational execution, delivering sustainable clinical, financial, and operational results
- Provide executive leadership for regulatory and accreditation readiness in partnership with clinical leadership
- Oversee operational performance, resource management, and financial stewardship across select service lines
- Drive continuous improvement through standardization, performance improvement initiatives, and change leadership
- Build and maintain strong relationships with physicians, caregivers, executive peers, and external stakeholders
What You’ll Bring
Education
- Master’s degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field required
Leadership & Experience
- 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience within healthcare organizations
- 7+ years of senior‑level operational leadership within ambulatory, hospital, or integrated delivery system environments
- Experience operating in large, complex, matrixed health systems
- Proven success partnering with physician leaders and executive teams
- Demonstrated ability to lead organizations through change, growth, and transformation
Professional & Leadership Capabilities
- Strong operational and financial acumen, including budget management and performance accountability
- Ability to translate strategy into operational execution with measurable results
- Executive presence with the ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups
- Excellent communication and decision‑making skills in complex environments
- Demonstrated commitment to quality, patient safety, and continuous improvement
- Leadership style aligned with Providence’s Mission, Values, and Promise
Why Join Us?
- Lead at scale: within a mission‑driven organization committed to advancing quality, safety, and operational excellence
- Serve as a senior executive leader: influencing outcomes across the continuum of care
- Shape organizational performance: through strategic, operational, and financial leadership
- Collaborate closely with executive and clinical leaders: in a complex and evolving healthcare environment
- Make a meaningful: impact by advancing Providence’s Mission, Values, and Promise through disciplined execution and leadership
Ready to Shape the Future of Healthcare?
If you are a seasoned, operationally focused healthcare executive ready to lead at scale—driving excellence in quality, safety, financial stewardship, and organizational performance within a complex Integrated Delivery Network—we encourage you to explore this Chief Administrative Officer opportunity with Providence.
The full pay range is listed in accordance with applicable law. Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, organizational compensation alignment, and the approved hiring department budget for the position. This position may also be eligible for incentive compensation and benefits.
At Providence we believe in the importance of human connection and the impact of in‑person collaboration towards team cohesion and caregiver engagement. Further, we want our leaders to live in or near the communities we serve. Therefore, leaders applying for this role will be required to work a hybrid schedule, which consists of three days onsite, two days remote and live within a reasonable commuting distance to the ministry or service area they support and lead.
About Providence
At Providence, our strength lies in Our Promise of “Know me, care for me, ease my way.” Working at our family of organizations means that regardless of your role, we’ll walk alongside you in your career, supporting you so you can support others. We provide best‑in‑class benefits and we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone is essential, heard and respected. Together, our 120,000 caregivers (all employees) serve in over 50 hospitals, over 1,000 clinics and a full range of health and social services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. As a comprehensive health care organization, we are serving more people, advancing best practices and continuing our more than 100‑year tradition of serving the poor and vulnerable.
Posted are the minimum and the maximum wage rates on the wage range for this position. The successful candidate's placement on the wage range for this position will be determined based upon relevant job experience and other applicable factors. These amounts are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on‑call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.
Providence offers a comprehensive benefits package including a retirement 401(k) Savings Plan with employer matching, health care benefits (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, disability insurance, time off benefits (paid parental leave, vacations, holidays, health issues), voluntary benefits, well‑being resources and much more. Learn more at providence.jobs/benefits.
Applicants in the Unincorporated County of Los Angeles: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Unincorporated Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
About the Team
Providence Clinical Network (PCN) is a service line within Providence serving patients across seven states with quality, compassionate, coordinated care. Collectively, our medical groups and affiliate practices are the third largest group in the country with over 11,000 providers, 900 clinics and 30,000 caregivers.
PCN is comprised of Providence Medical Group in Alaska, Washington, Montana and Oregon; Swedish Medical Group in Washington’s greater Puget Sound area, Pacific Medical Centers in western Washington; Kadlec in southeast Washington; Providence’s St. John’s Medical Foundation in Southern California; Providence Medical Institute in Southern California; Providence Facey Medical Foundation in Southern California; Providence Medical Foundation in Northern and Southern California; and Covenant Medical Group and Covenant Health Partners in west Texas and eastern New Mexico.
Providence is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principle that every workforce member has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, veteran, military status, religion, age, creed, national origin, sexual identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We believe diversity makes us stronger, so we are dedicated to shaping an inclusive workforce, learning from each other, and creating equal opportunities for advancement.
Requisition ID: 431253
Company: Providence Jobs
Job Category: General Operations
Job Function: Operations
Job Schedule: Full time
Job Shift: Day
Career Track: Leadership
Department: 7520 OTHER ADMIN MISSION
Address: CA Mission Viejo 27799 Medical Center Rd
Work Location: Mission Heritage Medical Group-Med ctr Rd Mission Viejo
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Pay Range: $102.10 - $186.52
The amounts listed are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on‑call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.
Description
Calling All Esteemed Leaders!
Providence is seeking a seasoned executive to serve as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)—a critical leadership role responsible for advancing operational excellence, quality, and strategic alignment across the ministry. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead at scale within a mission‑driven organization, partnering closely with executive and clinical leaders to deliver measurable impact across the continuum of care.
The Role
Reporting to the Service Area Chief Executive (CE), the Chief Administrative Officer serves as the principal operational executive for the ministry, providing strategic leadership, planning, and oversight across administrative and operational functions. Under the direction of the Service Area CE, the CAO is a key member of the executive leadership team and plays an essential role in advancing organizational performance.
The CAO provides senior‑level administrative oversight of daily operations, ensuring excellence in quality, safety, caregiver and provider engagement, and patient experience across the Integrated Delivery Network (IDN). This role partners with regional, system, and clinical leaders to align operational priorities with the Providence St. Joseph Health Integrated Strategic & Financial Plan.
The CAO leads initiatives that strengthen operational effectiveness, optimize resource utilization, and improve outcomes across assigned service lines. This includes accountability for operating budget performance, productivity, key contracts, and operational metrics. In the absence of the Service Area CE, the CAO assumes division‑level leadership responsibilities as needed.
What You’ll Do
- Lead day‑to‑day operations of the IDN to ensure high‑quality, safe, and reliable care delivery
- Translate strategic priorities into operational execution, delivering sustainable clinical, financial, and operational results
- Provide executive leadership for regulatory and accreditation readiness in partnership with clinical leadership
- Oversee operational performance, resource management, and financial stewardship across select service lines
- Drive continuous improvement through standardization, performance improvement initiatives, and change leadership
- Build and maintain strong relationships with physicians, caregivers, executive peers, and external stakeholders
What You’ll Bring
Education
- Master’s degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field required
Leadership & Experience
- 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience within healthcare organizations
- 7+ years of senior‑level operational leadership within ambulatory, hospital, or integrated delivery system environments
- Experience operating in large, complex, matrixed health systems
- Proven success partnering with physician leaders and executive teams
- Demonstrated ability to lead organizations through change, growth, and transformation
Professional & Leadership Capabilities
- Strong operational and financial acumen, including budget management and performance accountability
- Ability to translate strategy into operational execution with measurable results
- Executive presence with the ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups
- Excellent communication and decision‑making skills in complex environments
- Demonstrated commitment to quality, patient safety, and continuous improvement
- Leadership style aligned with Providence’s Mission, Values, and Promise
Why Join Us?
- Lead at scale: within a mission‑driven organization committed to advancing quality, safety, and operational excellence
- Serve as a senior executive leader: influencing outcomes across the continuum of care
- Shape organizational performance: through strategic, operational, and financial leadership
- Collaborate closely with executive and clinical leaders: in a complex and evolving healthcare environment
- Make a meaningful: impact by advancing Providence’s Mission, Values, and Promise through disciplined execution and leadership
Ready to Shape the Future of Healthcare?
If you are a seasoned, operationally focused healthcare executive ready to lead at scale—driving excellence in quality, safety, financial stewardship, and organizational performance within a complex Integrated Delivery Network—we encourage you to explore this Chief Administrative Officer opportunity with Providence.
The full pay range is listed in accordance with applicable law. Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, organizational compensation alignment, and the approved hiring department budget for the position. This position may also be eligible for incentive compensation and benefits.
At Providence we believe in the importance of human connection and the impact of in‑person collaboration towards team cohesion and caregiver engagement. Further, we want our leaders to live in or near the communities we serve. Therefore, leaders applying for this role will be required to work a hybrid schedule, which consists of three days onsite, two days remote and live within a reasonable commuting distance to the ministry or service area they support and lead.
About Providence
At Providence, our strength lies in Our Promise of “Know me, care for me, ease my way.” Working at our family of organizations means that regardless of your role, we’ll walk alongside you in your career, supporting you so you can support others. We provide best‑in‑class benefits and we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone is essential, heard and respected. Together, our 120,000 caregivers (all employees) serve in over 50 hospitals, over 1,000 clinics and a full range of health and social services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. As a comprehensive health care organization, we are serving more people, advancing best practices and continuing our more than 100‑year tradition of serving the poor and vulnerable.
Posted are the minimum and the maximum wage rates on the wage range for this position. The successful candidate's placement on the wage range for this position will be determined based upon relevant job experience and other applicable factors. These amounts are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on‑call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.
Providence offers a comprehensive benefits package including a retirement 401(k) Savings Plan with employer matching, health care benefits (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, disability insurance, time off benefits (paid parental leave, vacations, holidays, health issues), voluntary benefits, well‑being resources and much more. Learn more at providence.jobs/benefits.
Applicants in the Unincorporated County of Los Angeles: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Unincorporated Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
About the Team
Providence Clinical Network (PCN) is a service line within Providence serving patients across seven states with quality, compassionate, coordinated care. Collectively, our medical groups and affiliate practices are the third largest group in the country with over 11,000 providers, 900 clinics and 30,000 caregivers.
PCN is comprised of Providence Medical Group in Alaska, Washington, Montana and Oregon; Swedish Medical Group in Washington’s greater Puget Sound area, Pacific Medical Centers in western Washington; Kadlec in southeast Washington; Providence’s St. John’s Medical Foundation in Southern California; Providence Medical Institute in Southern California; Providence Facey Medical Foundation in Southern California; Providence Medical Foundation in Northern and Southern California; and Covenant Medical Group and Covenant Health Partners in west Texas and eastern New Mexico.
Providence is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principle that every workforce member has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, veteran, military status, religion, age, creed, national origin, sexual identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We believe diversity makes us stronger, so we are dedicated to shaping an inclusive workforce, learning from each other, and creating equal opportunities for advancement.
Requisition ID: 431253
Company: Providence Jobs
Job Category: General Operations
Job Function: Operations
Job Schedule: Full time
Job Shift: Day
Career Track: Leadership
Department: 7520 OTHER ADMIN MISSION
Address: CA Mission Viejo 27799 Medical Center Rd
Work Location: Mission Heritage Medical Group-Med ctr Rd Mission Viejo
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Pay Range: $102.10 - $186.52
The amounts listed are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on‑call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.
See All 30 Chief Administrative Officer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsChief Administrative Officer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chief Administrative Officer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sutter Health4
- Providence3
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center2
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles2
- University of California - San Francisco2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services15
- Education5
- Agriculture & Farming3
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals3
- Banking & Financial Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chief administrative officer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field required
- Seven or more years of senior operations or administrative leadership experience preferred
- Demonstrated ability to oversee cross-functional departments including HR, finance, and facilities
- Experience navigating California employment law, regulatory compliance, and state reporting requirements
- Strong background in budget development, strategic planning, and organizational performance management
- Advanced degree such as an MBA or MPA strongly preferred for enterprise and public-sector roles
Chief Administrative Officer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chief administrative officer in California?
Reaching a chief administrative officer role in California typically requires a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or a related discipline, followed by progressive leadership experience in operations or administration. Healthcare CAO candidates often need additional familiarity with California Department of Public Health regulations, while public-sector roles may require experience with California state budget processes. An MBA or MPA strengthens candidacy significantly, particularly for roles in the University of California system or California's large county governments.
How much do chief administrative officers make in California?
Chief administrative officers in California earn a median of about $218,600 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,790 for the lowest 10% to over $486,830 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chief administrative officers in California?
Employers hiring chief administrative officers in California right now include Sutter Health, Providence, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of large hospital networks, public university campuses, and global technology headquarters means demand for this role stays consistent across multiple sectors year-round.
Which California cities have the most chief administrative officer jobs?
The cities with the most chief administrative officer openings in California are Los Angeles, Modesto, and Pomona. Los Angeles and San Francisco drive volume through their concentrations of major healthcare systems, technology firms, and corporate headquarters, while Sacramento's role as the state capital means steady government and public agency hiring that sustains demand across the greater metro area.
Are there remote chief administrative officer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields, since chief administrative officers typically oversee in-person operations, facilities, and staff. About 23% of chief administrative officer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with hybrid arrangements more common than fully remote. Strategic, finance-facing, or policy-oriented CAO functions are the portions of the role most likely to be performed off-site.
How can I get hired as a chief administrative officer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving into an administrative manager or director of operations role first, then building toward CAO-level responsibility over several years. Large California employers such as the University of California campuses and major county health departments post administrative analyst and operations coordinator roles that serve as common entry points. Completing a California-based MPA or MBA program while working in government or healthcare operations accelerates advancement, and familiarity with California's public records and budget processes is a genuine differentiator for public-sector candidates.
Where can I find and apply to chief administrative officer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to chief administrative officer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 30 Chief Administrative Officer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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