Dean for Administration and Finance
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Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?
At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.
Job Description
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is seeking an experienced strategic leader and manager to serve as Dean for Administration and Finance. This is a critical leadership opportunity for a strategic, results-oriented professional who thrives in a mission-focused environment and brings a strong commitment to advancing innovation, education, and operational excellence at one of the world’s leading research institutions.
Reporting to the Dean of SEAS, the Dean for Administration and Finance leads a team of eight and is responsible for ensuring the strategic, mission-aligned use of resources, promoting financial literacy and transparency, and overseeing the School’s administrative and operational infrastructure. The Dean for Administration and Finance works closely with both SEAS and University leadership to lead financial planning and operational strategy to support academic excellence and innovation, while ensuring long-term organizational sustainability. As an essential partner to the SEAS Dean and a member of the University’s Administrative Council, the Dean for Administration and Finance will be a champion and advocate for the mission, vision, and core values of SEAS and Harvard University.
The Candidate:
The ideal candidate will be a skilled operations leader with experience and good judgment in an academic setting. They will have served in the role of trusted advisor and financial steward to leadership on all business and financial matters and will have a record of establishing effective, collaborative relationships with administrative staff, faculty, and leaders. They will have excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to present complex information to varied audiences.
They will have excellent judgment, decisiveness, initiative, and discretion in achieving organizational objectives. They will be skilled in analyzing situations accurately and taking effective action; they will be eager to know and understand details without getting mired in them. They will provide a positive personal example through words and deeds and displaying personal integrity; supporting all levels of staff; taking responsibility for their actions and holding others accountable.
They will have extensive experience and demonstrated success in staff management and organizational operations. They will be a hands-on problem solver with the ability to influence change. They will be experienced in guiding and mentoring staff and effectively building and sustaining a culture and practice of teamwork.
They will have demonstrated experience serving as an advisor to senior leaders, adding value beyond the strict definition of the position; able to advise on financial and strategic issues, balancing rigor, structure, stewardship, and effectiveness. They will have proven success inspiring and leading a data-driven, mission-oriented, and service-minded team.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Financial Strategy & Stewardship
- Lead the development and implementation of the School’s long-range financial planning, including operational and capital budgets.
- Ensure the effective stewardship of resources in alignment with SEAS’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Promote financial literacy and transparency throughout the SEAS community.
- Oversee accurate and timely financial reporting, including year-end and multi-year forecasts.
- Guide significant capital projects and facilities improvements, regular maintenance, and use of SEAS facilities.
Operations & Administration
- Provide executive leadership for the administrative and operational functions of SEAS, ensuring efficient, compliant, and high-functioning services.
- Develop and implement School-wide administrative policies and practices that align with University standards.
- Ensure compliance with University financial, operational, and administrative policies and procedures.
- Represent SEAS in University-level forums and ensure effective collaboration with University leadership and partners.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Serve as the most senior non-academic leader within SEAS, representing staff interests and operational priorities at the highest levels.
- Work closely with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), including the Division of Science, to manage shared interests and financial arrangements.
- Partner with academic and administrative leaders to support the School’s research, teaching, and service missions.
- Represent SEAS as a member of the University’s Administrative Council, comprised of Administration and Finance Deans from each of the University’s schools.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in financial management and operations.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations and teams with a collaborative, pragmatic, and mission-driven approach.
- Interested candidates should include both a resume and cover letter with their application to be considered for this position.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field preferred.
- Experience in higher education, particularly in research administration or academic operations.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a decentralized, matrixed environment.
- Highly organized and self-directed, able to develop comprehensive short- and long-term strategic and operational plans from broadly stated mission objectives.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills with genuine comfort in a front-facing leadership role and the ability to integrate qualitative and quantitative information into decision making.
Additional Information
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, and Credit
Other Information:
Referrals, recommendations, or suggestions for this role can be sent to: ExecutiveSearches@harvard.edu.
Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 063. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.