Assistant Dean for Finance and Strategic Initiatives

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support

Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements

Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match

Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths

Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us!

JOB PURPOSE:

The Assistant Dean for Administration and Finance serves as a key strategic advisor to the Dean and the Senior Associate Dean for non-academic matters. This position is responsible for the oversight of the administrative operations of the Graduate School, including the following functions: project management, facilities, contracts and grants, budgetary and financial management, academic personnel, and Human Resources

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

The incumbent has supervisory responsibility for the Administrative Coordinator, Financial Aid Officer and the IT Specialist.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This position requires interactions with administrators, department chairs, directors of graduate studies, and faculty in the Graduate School as well as interactions with other offices at the University such as CFO, HR, Office of the Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and at times the OGC and the Office of the President.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Budget and Finance

As chief financial officer of the School and principal financial advisor to the Dean, the assistant dean directs and coordinates financial planning and resource allocation for the School's operating budget. The assistant dean has fiduciary responsibility for maintaining a sound financial environment and good business practices, and works closely with unit administrators who process and record financial transactions to ensure timely and accurate financial information, to monitor accounts and resolve problems, to ensure compliance, to safeguard resources and reduce risk.

Works closely with the Dean and Associate Deans to develop and coordinate the School's annual academic and operating budget planning process, forecasts and predicts resource requirements for new and existing programs, and develops funding strategies. Serves as the liaison for the Graduate School with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer for issues related to unrestricted, restricted and endowed funds, Research Administrative Services, the Office of Research Development and Financial Student Services. Also works closely with the Dean and the Associate Deans on non-academic faculty proposals, and special initiatives. Makes presentations to the Graduate School's Leadership Team, Graduate Chairs and Directors, and the Graduate Faculty on budgetary issues.

Human Resources

Directs and coordinates the administration of staff and academic personnel programs, and payroll; and has broad authority for human resources. With the Dean and Associate Deans, implements strategic academic and staff personnel objectives.

Management

Manages, plans and oversees all administrative operations of the Graduate School. Administrative services include the following functions: facilities, contracts and grants, budgetary financial management, visiting researcher program management, front office management, and human resources. Develops and organizes special events and professional development programs for staff and graduate assistantships. Oversees the selection process of competitive assistantship awards that entails developing announcement/solicitation, securing evaluators, analyzing the scores and executing the awards. Coordinates collaborative teams to develop proposals in response to solicited and unsolicited research and contractual opportunities for the Graduate School. Oversees student and faculty travel programs as well as recruitment initiatives. Designs and executes special events that include but not limited to student retreats, orientations, workshops and conferences.

Facilities and Space Planning

Oversees facilities and space planning. Coordinates space planning with the Deans and other senior managers. Works closely with facilities managers and contractors for maintenance and building repairs and renovations. Supports the Dean in strategic planning for future space needs. Manages special projects as necessary.

Strategic and Project Management

Collaborates with the Dean and senior level officials to develop and prioritize strategic organizational moves. Works with administration to establish key performance indicators to measure and improve performance within the Graduate School.

Plans, develops, administers and coordinates new or revised program goals and objectives. Implements approved program policies and procedures. Completes special projects and initiatives with skillful oversight and support. Leads meetings and workshops with meticulous planning and coordination. Ensures that goals and objectives specified for programs are accomplished in accordance with priorities, time and funding limitations, or other specifications. Develops and schedules program work plans in accordance with specifications, objectives and funding limitations. Steers strategic initiatives from genesis to fruition. Identifies areas of improvement across the Graduate School and makes actionable recommendations.

Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence/persuade all levels of staff, ability to clearly articulate policies and decisions to all levels of staff.

Advanced project management skills, including the capability to manage capital projects.

Experience managing staff in a University setting; ability to coach and train staff.

The Assistant Dean for Administration and Finance must have a thorough knowledge of the School's academic, research, and public service programs, and shares a commitment to building and maintaining a school that is well managed and characterized by high quality service, professionalism, and solid financial and administrative planning. Excellent communication skills are a must.

The position requires excellent skills in budget and financial management, human resources, and administration; sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information; leadership and interpersonal skills to help build, manage, and maintain a collaborative and team-based work environment; and analysis and problem-solving skills. Expertise with campus systems and processes.

Must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of University policies, procedures, and protocols in the following areas: budget and finance, accounting, Howard University Financial System, contract and grant administration, human resources, labor relations, bargaining agreements, academic and staff personnel policies, the Human Capital Management (HCM) System, payroll, procurement, operations, risk management, facilities and space, safety, and emergency response.

The position requires the capacity to handle a large number of assignments with sensitivity to priorities, shifting demands, and to consequences.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Ph.D. degree or comparable experience working with academia. Administrative experience in Higher education. Familiarity with computer software such as Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, Teams and Zoom as well as Workday and Adaptive Planning. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relations with students, faculty, staff, University officials, and the public. Excellent writing and oral communication skills.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $95,000 - $110,000