Associate Dean of Administration, Finance Operations

Title: Associate Dean of Administration, Finance and Operations – SPHHS

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Public Health / Health Sciences

Department: Dean – Pub Health & Health Sci

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Reporting directly to the Dean of the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, the Associate Dean for Administration, Finance and Operations provides organization, direction, analysis, delivery, management, and leadership in core services. The role ensures these services operate effectively, efficiently, and in compliance with legal, regulatory, and university requirements. Core services include financial planning and analysis, Academic HR, research administration, and facilities.

The Associate Dean analyzes organizational efficiency, guides strategic planning, and implements action items, coordinating with Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology offices to advance SPHHS projects and operational needs.

• Serves as a strategic partner to the Dean and other senior leaders, defining and implementing long‑range strategic plans for research and education programs.
• Ensures the School proactively implements innovative financial analyses and administrative strategies to maximize resources.
• Collaborates with unit directors to manage faculty‑related personnel processes, determine budgetary needs, and track strategic objectives.
• Works closely with university‑wide administrators and peers in other colleges on financial and resource‑based decision‑making.
• Represents the Dean with internal and external constituents.
• Ensures faculty personnel matters—including appointments, promotions, tenure, sabbaticals, and performance‑management—are handled in compliance with university policies.
• Leads staff‑related decision‑making in budget planning, research administration, and facilities management.
• Serves as the primary liaison to central academic leadership and HR partners on position control, salary setting, equity, reclassification, and labor relations.
• Collaborates with the university IT office to align SPHHS IT policies with institutional goals.
• Supervises development of security and disaster‑recovery plans, optimizing resource use and introducing new technology.
• Provides leadership on all functions related to research administration, including process improvement, training, and grant‑related issue resolution.
• Manages the School’s analytic/institutional research program, translating data into recommendations for efficiency and strategic alignment.
• Oversees existing and planned facilities projects and serves as liaison on infrastructure repair and renovation.
• Maintains current compliance with federal, state, and university regulations affecting business operations.

Other Functions: Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Administration, Higher Education Administration or related field (e.g., MPH) plus eight (8) years of relevant experience; OR Doctorate plus five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and service‑orientation skills with a record of building harmonious relationships.
• Demonstrated leadership, management, and supervisory experience with a commitment to inclusion and diversity.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong written, oral, and presentation communication skills.
• Working knowledge of HR and financial management practices, policies, and procedures.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, word processing, electronic calendars, and central data systems.
• Experience in higher education with a record of implementing new ideas.
• Exercising discretion and judgment on sensitive or confidential matters.
• Experience with organizational development and employee training.

• Experience working in a unionized environment.

Some evening/weekend work related to executive presence at School/UMASS events (appropriate to the position).

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Monday‑Friday, 40 hours per week.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location outside the campus workspace for part of the week.

UMass Amherst expects to pay within an approximate range between $125,000 and $199,000 for this position.