Executive Associate Dean

Department
College The College
About the Department
The Office of the College Dean, located in Harper Memorial Library, oversees the academic and operational administration of the College, including curriculum and academic programs, finance and budgeting, study abroad and second language acquisition initiatives, Development and Alumni Relations, Housing and Residential Life, Summer Session, the Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts, and grant administration.
The College is comprised of the College Dean's office, five Collegiate Divisions, 14 units under the collegiate division organization; the Dean of Students office with its 4 subsidiaries - the College Programming Office, the College Core Tutor Program, the College Center for Scholarly Advancement, and the Center for College Student Success; the Study Abroad Office, College Information Technology, the Arley Cathey Learning Center, the Society of Fellows, Summer Quarter and the College Writing Program.
Job Summary
The University of Chicago is seeking a highly qualified and experienced individual to serve as the Executive Associate Dean for Finance and Administration. Reporting directly to the Dean of The College, the Executive Associate Dean will provide strategic leadership and oversight in all financial and administrative matters. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient and effective management of The College's financial resources and operational processes.
Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Dean and other senior leaders to develop and execute long-term strategic plans for The College. Provides financial and administrative insights to support decision-making and ensure alignment between financial resources and strategic priorities.
• Provides strategic leadership for the daily operations of a major organizational unit, primarily in the areas of financial/budgetary planning, purchasing, grants, facilities, human resources, and support services management.
• Establishes policies and protocols to enhance the central pedagogical mission and operational goals of unit and oversees their implementation.
• Develops and implements multi-year financial strategies and policies to support The College's mission and goals. Provides guidance and expertise in budget planning, financial forecasting, resource allocation, and financial analysis. Monitors financial performance, identifies areas for improvement, and recommends strategies for cost optimization and revenue generation. Responsible for budgetary projections and overall budget management for the fiscal year, including day to day operations.
• Ensures compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and University policies. Develops and maintains effective internal controls and risk management practices to safeguard assets, mitigate risks, and maintain the integrity of financial and administrative operations.
• Leads and manages the administrative functions of The College, including human resources, facilities management, information technology, procurement, expenditures and other operational areas. Develops and implements administrative policies and procedures to enhance efficiency, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• With the Director of Administrative Services, oversees human resources activities for all unit academic and staff employees, including hiring, orientation, performance planning and compensation, staff development, and employee relations.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to understand their needs and priorities. Fosters strong working relationships and effective communication channels to address concerns, provide guidance, and ensure a positive and supportive environment.
• Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations.
• Oversees informational technology planning, ensuring necessary operating and information systems and resources are in place to accomplish strategic goals.
• Serves as high-level representative for a unit and structures the framework for partnership development with other academic, research, and administrative units within the unit and of the University.
• Manages employees through senior managers. Oversees the development of performance goals, establishes the structure for allocating resources and assessing division or University policies.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Experience:

• Working for a large, complex organization.
• Familiarity with academic research and educational programs is advantageous.
• Experience in at least one of the following: financial, administrative, human resources, and/or facilities.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in Mac and PC environments.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and online organizational tools.
• Knowledge of Workday or similar human resources information systems.
• Knowledge and experience working with Oracle, the University's budget tool.

Preferred Competencies

• Financial Management - demonstrated expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation. Analyze financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions to optimize financial performance.
• Strategic Thinking - strong strategic mindset with the ability to align financial and administrative functions with the overall goals and mission of the school. Capacity to contribute to the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans.
• Leadership and Management - Proven leadership skills; inspire and motivate a team. Experience in building and managing high-performing teams and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Analytical Skills - exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities. Proficiency in conducting financial analysis, interpreting data, and providing actionable recommendations to support decision-making.
• Compliance and Risk Management - comprehensive understanding of compliance regulations, risk management practices, and internal controls. Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and University policies.
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement - excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Strong relationship-building skills to foster positive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Change Management - lead and navigate change initiatives within a complex organizational structure. Adaptability and resilience to manage and drive change effectively.
• Fundraising and Development - experience in fundraising and development activities, including donor cultivation, proposal development, and securing philanthropic support for academic programs and initiatives.
• Technical Expertise - proficiency in financial accounting principles, financial systems, and relevant software applications. Familiarity with technology systems and tools used in administrative functions.
• Stress Resistance - maintain a calm and courteous demeanor while handling competing priorities, a heavy workload, complex problems, and tight deadlines.
• Professionalism - Handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Time Management/Organization - strong organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and effective prioritization.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced office environment.
• Some evening and weekend work.
• Sit at a computer for 4-6 hours.
• Periodic travel to other campus locations.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, to include interest in position (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
People Manager
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.