Assistant Dean and Chief Operations Officer

UConn School of Fine Arts; Storrs (CT); On-site; USD 142,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

The UConn School of Fine Arts invites applications for the position of Assistant Dean and Chief Operations Officer (COO). The AD/COO serves as a principal advisor to the Dean and other leaders, guiding strategic planning, resource allocation, and operational continuity within a large, decentralized environment.

Based at the Storrs campus with responsibilities across regional campuses, the role leads finance, HR, payroll, facilities, IT, and compliance, while shaping budgeting and organizational

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration.
• Experience with fiscal oversight, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Supervisory experience managing professional staff and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of HR, finance, and regulatory requirements governing operations.
• Experience with strategic planning, process improvement, or operational efficiency initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develops, interprets, and enforces policies and strategies in consultation with the Dean.
• Oversees budgeting, financial analysis, audits, and internal controls for all departments and programs.
• Supervises finance and operations staff and IT personnel.
• Leads HR processes, including evaluations and compliance.
• Oversees IT services and data management in collaboration with ITS.
• Manages facilities and space across School buildings and spaces.
• Represents the School on university committees and with partner offices.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Policy interpretation

Collaboration

Strategic planning

Education

Master’s degree in related field

Bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience

Job description

The School of Fine Arts at the University of Connecticut invites applications for the position of Assistant Dean and Chief Operations Officer (COO), reporting to the Dean of the School. The Assistant Dean/COO serves as a principal advisor to the Dean, Associate Deans, Department Heads, and Directors with regards to strategic planning, resource allocation, financial stewardship, organizational effectiveness, personnel management, space planning, compliance and operational continuity within a highly decentralized environment.

As a member of the Dean’s senior leadership team, the AD/COO helps establish organizational priorities, guide operational decision-making, and align resources with the school’s mission. The position provides direct oversight of school-level finance, human resources, academic personnel, payroll, facilities, and information technology activities, while leading budgeting, organizational strategies, and implementation of operational priorities.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on operational management, requiring strong collaboration, clear direction, effective conflict resolution, and proactive management of operational, financial, and personnel matters.

This position is based at the Storrs campus but also covers School of Fine Arts operations and programs at UConn regional campuses. Occasional evenings, weekends, and in‑state travel may be required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In consultation with the Dean, develops, evaluates, interprets, and enforces university and School policies, procedures, guidelines, and strategies.
• Oversees fiscal management functions, including budgeting, financial analysis, reporting, audits, internal controls and centralization of financial operations for all academic departments, centers, venues, revenue‑generating programs, and UConn Foundation partnerships within the school.
• Supervises key professional staff in finance and operations with dotted line supervision of information technology personnel
• Leads human resources functions, including managing staffing processes, liaising with Labor Relations and Human Resources, coordinating performance evaluations, and ensuring compliance.
• Provides direction over the School of Fine Arts information technology services, including strategic planning, technology upgrades, and data management, in consultation and collaboration with centralized ITS as needed.
• Oversees facilities and space management across buildings and assigned spaces of the School of Fine Arts.
• Collaborates with university general counsel to manage the school’s legal risk, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and overseeing the execution of institutional agreements
• Oversees School of Fine Arts relationships with university partner offices (including Provost, Budget Office, OVPR, Bursar, Purchasing, Tax and Compliance Offices and Travel).
• Represents the School of Fine Arts on university committees and leadership forums when called on by the Dean.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in business administration, accounting, human resources, public administration, higher education administration, arts administration, or related field or bachelor’s degree and equivalent work experience.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration or a similar complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience with fiscal oversight, budget development, and financial analysis.
• Supervisory experience managing professional staff and cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant federal, state, and university regulations governing HR, finance, and business operations.
• Demonstrated communication, problem‑solving, and policy interpretation skills.
• Experience with human resource management, labor relations, staff evaluations, and/or organizational development.
• Experience in strategic planning, organizational process improvement, or operational efficiency initiatives.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two (2) or more years of experience in higher education leadership.
• Six (6) or more years of experience in higher education leadership with a fiscal/financial role.
• Proven experience using data/financial reporting to inform decisions.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex contracts, legal compliance, or risk management, preferably within a higher education or public sector environment.
• Experience managing facilities operations, space planning, or capital improvement planning.
• Experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience with RCM Budget Models.
• Experience with arts organizations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The hiring range for this position is $142,000 - $155,000. An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s skill and experience, as determined by the University.

For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves header at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources. As you explore these pages, please note that this position is considered management/confidential and look for information specifically identified for management/confidential, as provisions may vary by employee group.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full‑time, permanent, 12‑month, management‑exempt position with an anticipated start date in January or February 2027.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment criminal background check.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression