Assistant Dean for Finance, Administration and Operations

Assistant Dean for Finance, Administration and Operations

University of Tennessee College of Law

The University of Tennessee College of Law is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Assistant Dean of Finance, Administration and Operations.  As a member of the Dean's executive leadership team, the assistant dean oversees critical business, financial, and human resource operations of the college and serves as the Chief Financial Officer. We strive to create a welcoming community rich with diverse experiences. We seek colleagues who are committed to teamwork and have a passion for working with and serving all constituents

This assistant dean reports to and serves as an advisor to the dean, providing guidance and insight regarding college strategies, long range planning and overall direction.  Responsibilities include oversight and administration of the college’s finances, building operations, space management and human resource functions.  This position is the chief administrator of the college’s incentive- based Budget Allocation Model (BAM) and is responsible for reporting to the college accrediting body, the American Bar Association.

Accountabilities:

Strategic and Budgetary Leadership:  The assistant dean is accountable for the leadership and direction of the college’s business infrastructure, and provides oversight of the college’s financial structure.  The position possesses the authority to commit funds and allocate resources for all functions of the College of Law and compiles financial and management analyses/reports and establishes metrics to measure and manage performance.

Human Resource Leadership: The assistant dean oversees the administration of human resource functions for the college.   This position evaluates workloads, priorities, funding, and schedules to determine staffing needs and provides on-boarding orientation for all new faculty and staff hires.   It is crucial for the Assistant Dean to understand and ensure compliance with equal opportunity employment principles, rules and regulations and provide guidance to all college personnel as appropriate.  The position coordinates annual merit evaluations and related compensation, as well as collaborating with the dean to develop merit pay methodology and allocation

Facility and Operation Leadership: The assistant dean serves as the main representative for all operational components of the college and directs building and facilities operations, including renovations, maintenance, and space and classroom management and augmentation.   This position retains primary responsibility for strategic planning and analytical modeling of the college’s multi-year space needs; management of the college’s improvement budget from donated funds and university allocations of Classroom Technology, Computer Upgrade Program, and classroom upgrade funds; and college security initiatives.

The University and Region: UTK is the state’s flagship, land-grant university. We are a Research 1 university housing 11 colleges and 900+ programs of study. With an enrollment of 30,000 students, its undergraduate and graduate programs are repeatedly ranked among top national programs. The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of outdoor activities. The region also features several cultural institutions including the Beck Culture Center, the Green McAdoo Center and Children Defense Fund’s Alex Halen Farm. UTK is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains; and a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago and Washington D.C. Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a statistical area population of over 850,000 people. The Knoxville region houses many leading corporations including Bush Brothers & Company, Clayton Homes, Discovery Inc., Local Motors, PetSafe/Radio Systems Corporation, Regal Cinemas, Pilot/Flying J, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Required Qualifications:

• Significant experience, typically gained by seven years or more of accounting or finance experience in a complex organization in an R-1 academic institution.
• Master’s degree in accounting, finance or business field.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, accounting, strategic forecasting and management of resources, as well as knowledge of procurement principles.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-functional team skills.
• Record of high level of professionalism, integrity, and collegiality.
• Sound independent judgment, initiative, attention to detail.
• Strong experience in leadership, strategic planning, problem-solving, analytical, organization, and operational effectiveness, with evidence of effective outcomes.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a positive, constructive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Ability to work within broad and diverse subject matter.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, database accounting and human resource software, complex spreadsheets and database management.
• Ability to meet short deadlines and work in an ever-changing, fast paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in financial planning and resource management in a law school setting.
• Knowledge of human resource principles in higher education, especially as it relates to faculty searches, appointments and compensation.
• Experience with IRIS, TALEO, Adaptive, Argos and Banner software.
• Working knowledge of and experience with RCM budget models.

Application Process:

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply at https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/ut_system/jobdetail.ftl?job=22000000LX&lang=en by April 11, 2022 and should provide (1) a cover letter addressing relevant professional experience, (2) a resume, and (3) a complete list of contact information for 3 professional references.