Strategic Finance & Administration Leader (Vice Dean)

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 390,000 - 437,000; Full time

Job summary

USC Marshall School of Business seeks a visionary Vice Dean of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer to lead the school’s financial strategy and administrative operations from the senior leadership team. This role ensures alignment with the academic mission, long-range planning, and sustainable resource allocation.

The Vice Dean will oversee finance, HR, IT, facilities, and sponsored projects, shaping a multidisciplinary, accountable organization while partnering with faculty

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance or administration in higher education.
• Expertise in budgeting, financial planning & analysis, controls, and long-range planning.
• Experience leading people and multiple administrative functions in a large, complex org.
• Understanding of academic enterprise, faculty needs, research, fundraising, and resource allocation models.
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders and align financial/operational decisions with institutional goals.
• Strong analytical, strategic-planning, relationship-building, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor on financial strategy and long-range planning.
• Align financial decisions with Marshall’s academic mission and priorities.
• Provide timely financial analysis, forecasts, and scenario planning.
• Lead development of the school’s annual budget and multi-year financial plans.
• Oversee finance, HR, IT, facilities, Admin services, and sponsored projects.
• Build and develop a multidisciplinary team with clear expectations.
• Guide organizational planning, staffing, and service-delivery models.
• Partner with faculty and central offices to address needs and priorities.
• Build trust through collaborative leadership and transparent communication.
• Perform other related duties; university reserves right to change duties.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Budgeting & FP&A

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Change management

People leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or related advanced degree

Job description

USC Marshall School of Business seeks a visionary Vice Dean of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer to lead the school’s financial strategy and administrative operations from the senior leadership team. This role ensures alignment with the academic mission, long-range planning, and sustainable resource allocation.

The Vice Dean will oversee finance, HR, IT, facilities, and sponsored projects, shaping a multidisciplinary, accountable organization while partnering with faculty