Associate Dean, Finance

Duke University School of Medicine (“SOM”), the largest academic division of Duke University, a distinguished private research university in Durham, NC, invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Dean for Finance. This role reports to the School’s Executive Vice Dean for Administration for overall performance and institutional impact and to the Vice Dean for Finance for operational finance and budgeting. The mission of the Office of Finance is to support the financial and administrative management of the School of Medicine by providing financial expertise and consultation, comprehensive financial analysis, and facilitating the institutional budget process. The Associate Dean for Finance has oversight responsibility for financial management and budgeting, financial reporting and analysis, long-range financial planning, institutional research analysis, clinical research financial management, financial assessment and management, Duke University and Duke University Health System financial interface, and space analysis.

This position will liaison with the Chancellor for Health Affairs Office and the Duke University Health System Corporate Finance Office, academic leadership within the School of Medicine, the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) Finance Office, the University Central Financial Services Office, and staff and faculty within the Departments, Centers, and Institutes in the School of Medicine. Additionally, the Associate Dean evaluates financial productivity and efficiency, as appropriate, in department operations and administrative operations. This includes evaluation, input, and ultimate approval of workflows related to new institutional systems and processes. It is also critical to the success of the Finance Office that the Associate Dean is committed to the ongoing development and mentoring of the Finance staff in order to maintain the needed knowledge, expertise, independent analytical, and critical thinking skills needed to be effective in their roles. Consistent with the SOM diversity initiatives, he/she must also be an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce.

Duke University School of Medicine is one of the nation’s finest and most dynamic sites of medical education, research, and patient care. With 40 departments (clinical and basic science combined), centers, and institutes, the School generated revenues of $1.5B in FY 2021, including nearly $600M in sponsored research from government, foundation, and corporate sponsors.

 Ideal candidate competencies and qualifications

Duke University School of Medicine is seeking an experienced leader who has a track record of effective leadership. Given the complexity of the issues, and the numerous policy, reporting, and operational implications in this fast-paced and dynamic environment, the ideal candidate must have strong technical and analytical skills. The successful candidate must also demonstrate an ability to mobilize, negotiate, and influence through clear communication of vision, direction, and expectations, as well as the ability to cope with ambiguity and organizational change in an organization that will have a continual need for reengineering processes and systems in order to take advantage of opportunities, respond to challenges, and remain competitive in the fast-changing landscape of academic medicine and health care.

 Other Competencies include:

Change Management - strives to understand the needs of diverse constituents in a complex and constantly changing environment; assumes a proactive posture, ready to change the course of action and handle peak stress periods with logic and calm

Politically Savvy – ability to navigate the ambiguities of a matrixed and complex organization with multiple constituents

Customer Service Focused – ability to develop a “customer-friendly,” responsive, transparent service delivery model

Interpersonal Skills – relates well with individuals at varying levels within Duke University Health System, Duke University School of Medicine, Primary Diagnosis Clinic, and other entities as needed; easily establishes rapport

Manage Complexities – simplifies, digests, and remains flexible in order to understand and develop strategies that address the varying and sometimes conflicting needs of numerous constituents in order to develop agreed-upon strategies that are in the best interest of Duke University Schools of Medicine

Collegial/Team Player – values the importance of developing and maintaining positive, cooperative, collaborative working relationships with each of his/her direct reports and colleagues throughout Duke University School of Medicine; promotes a team philosophy

Communication and Presentation Skills – makes effective, persuasive presentations, both oral and written, and has the ability to influence and gain the support of colleagues, staff, and other internal and external stakeholders

Sound Values & Integrity - personal values demonstrated in behavior and attitudes that are congruent with the mission and values of Duke University Schools of Medicine

REQUIRED CREDENTIALS

A Master’s degree in business or accounting is strongly preferred.  If not a CPA, education in business or accounting is required.  A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in university or health system finance with the majority of that experience dealing with a faculty-driven culture and fund accounting. Experience managing a large group of professionals directly and providing guiding influence to financial professionals in departments and centers in a decentralized institutional setting. Candidates must demonstrate a track record of managing and operating large budgets and performing financial analysis and reporting. Candidates must also have strong analytical and critical thinking skills and possess superior problem-solving skills necessary to organize, plan and execute the full scope of financial operational activities.

Opus Partners is assisting Duke University with this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Interested candidates should submit in electronic form (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files preferred) a CV or resume and a letter of interest to the Opus consultants leading the engagement – Craig Smith, Partner, and Marisea Rivera, Senior Associate:

craig.smith@opuspartners.net

marisea.rivera@opuspartners.net

Duke University prohibits discrimination and harassment and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke is committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. For additional information about Duke’s policies on equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, see https://hr.duke.edu/policies/diversity.