Associate Dean for Administration

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia seeks an Associate Dean for Administration to serve as the chief administrative and financial officer at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. This role involves managing a $35 million budget, overseeing operational functions, and fostering a collaborative culture.

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of administrative leadership experience, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a commitment to integrity. Responsibilities include financial stewardship and strategic leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive administrative leadership experience.
• Senior leadership experience in finance and administration.
• Direct team management experience and proven performance management.
• Successful in multi-year financial planning and resource allocation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the chief administrative and financial officer.
• Manage a $35 million budget and oversee business teams.
• Lead operational functions and partner with University leadership.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Skills

Administrative leadership

Financial planning

Operational excellence

Data-driven decision-making

Team management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

The University of Virginia – Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy

The Batten School, founded in 2007, brings together leadership and public policy to train ethical, effective public leaders. The School offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs and partners with practitioners to apply research to real‑world challenges.

Associate Dean for Administration

The Associate Dean serves as the chief administrative and financial officer, leading the School's operational enterprise and ensuring effective stewardship of its resources. Responsibilities include managing a $35 million budget, overseeing business and IT teams, partnering with UVA HR on staff affairs, and supporting the School’s strategic plan.

Additional Priorities

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a critical thought partner for the Dean and other leaders.
• Develop and align strategic, financial, and operational plans with academic priorities.
• Lead multi‑year financial and operational planning.
• Collaborate on hiring, research support, program investment, and revenue strategies.
• Use scenario planning and data analysis to inform decisions.
• Represent Batten to University leadership and external stakeholders.

Financial Stewardship

• Advise the Dean on proactive financial planning and analysis.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, risk management, reporting, and compliance.
• Manage endowment funds and gift agreements in partnership with the Batten Foundation.
• Monitor financial performance, identify trends, and recommend strategies.
• Ensure sound financial systems, controls, and reporting practices.

Operational Excellence

• Lead and align key operational functions such as facilities and IT.
• Partner with University operational leadership for capital projects, renovations, and space planning.
• Promote technology adoption that advances strategic priorities.

Talent & Culture Leadership

• Lead staff affairs in partnership with UVA HR.
• Develop talent strategies to attract, retain, and develop a top‑tier workforce.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performing culture that supports staff engagement.

Ideal Experience and Characteristics

The successful candidate is an accomplished financial and operational leader with a vision for guiding a complex organization, creativity in problem‑solving, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a commitment to integrity, accountability, and responsible stewardship.

Strong candidates will also bring:

• 10+ years of progressive administrative leadership and a master’s degree at minimum.
• Senior leadership experience in finance and administration within large, complex, or mission‑driven organizations; higher education experience a plus.
• Direct team management experience and proven performance management.
• Success in multi‑year financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Experience integrating diverse operational units such as finance, facilities, IT, and administration.
• Ability to partner with academic leadership, university leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to data‑driven decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Track record of developing and retaining exceptional talent.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build consensus across a diverse community.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.